Professional Fangirl- Katelyn Benschoter

And just like that, the school year is wrapping up. It seems like just yesterday we were all moving into our rooms and memorizing our new class schedules. But whether we are ready for it or not, summer is approaching. Hopefully, you will have more free time this summer than you do during the school year. And what better way to spend it than movie nights with your friends? So let’s discuss three of the best movies to watch this summer.

My first film recommendation is a personal favorite I have been dying to rewatch since I last saw it, and that film is Almost Famous. This film is set in the 70’s and follows William, a fifteen-year-old boy. He loves music, and he finds himself landing a gig as a journalist for the Rolling Stone magazine. He is tasked with interviewing the up-and-coming band Stillwater. He then embarks on a journey of a lifetime and learns a lot about himself and the world. If I could describe this film in one word, that word would be ‘warm.’ The color palette and aesthetic of this film is simply incredible. This film makes me nostalgic for a time that I did not even live through. I think a theme for a quintessential summer film is some sort of great journey or lesson learned. And this film definitely checks those boxes. Not only does the band travel the world, but William takes a journey of self-discovery as well. I mean, he is only fifteen, and he has a lot to learn. Though I said the film feels like a warm, cozy blanket, it does dive into the gritty and not-so-glamorous aspects of being a musician. This well-rounded take on the life of a musician creates more depth in the film. As someone who loves music, this is a must-watch, and I would definitely recommend it this summer.

My next film recommendation for this summer is one that I grew up watching. That film is the 1987 romance drama, Dirty Dancing. This film follows Baby as she and her family head to Catskills for the summer. They stay at a resort named Kellerman’s, where her family goes every summer. But this summer is like no other. This is her last childhood summer, and the summer that she meets Johnny Castle. Johnny is the resort’s dance instructor, and early in the summer he enlists the help of Baby when his partner is unable to dance the rest of the summer. The two naturally fall in love, though Baby’s father does not approve of them spending time together. Thus, drama ensues. I think this film is perfect for the summer because the audience watches Baby on her adventure of a lifetime. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and looks like so much fun. The resort is a real place, but I wish it had all the activities that Kellerman’s offered in the film. Additionally, I think this is a very fun watch, and one of the factors resulting in that is the music. The film is filled with songs such as “Be My Baby” by the Ronettes and of course the iconic lift scene features “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.  Of course, the film’s plot has a focus on dance, and when I watch this film, I can not help but dance along in my seat. In my eyes, this film is a classic, and I will always find an excuse to watch it. Therefore, if you have not experienced it, this summer is your chance.

My last film recommendation for this summer takes us all back to summer camp. This is the iconic film starring Lindsey Lohan as twins, none other than The Parent Trap. This film is funny, adorable, and just a good watch. Lindsey Lohan plays two twins who have no idea the other exists until they find themselves at summer camp together. The two are living opposite lives. Hallie is a tomboy living with their father and Annie was raised in the UK with their mother and is very proper and ladylike. Despite them being twins, they could not be more different. After the two realize they are sisters, they decide to swap lives and make a plan to get their parents back together. The film is so cute and such a feel-good watch. This is just one of those movies everyone should watch. It is a super easy watch, so if you have a few hours this summer, take a break from the heat, make a snack, and reminisce with this film.

Summer is all about fun, adventure, and new beginnings, and that is exactly what all three of these films have to offer. Summer is all about getting outside and in nature, but what better way to unwind from a long beach day than with a movie night? So when this inevitably happens this summer, watch any of these three films and you will be in for a treat.