PASS THE POPCORN
Pete also casts his eye over the movie landscape, from new releases to classics of the silver screen
The coronavirus continues to shutter cinemas across the countr y and while streaming ser vices are releasing some new movies directly to our homes, the big releases are on ice until we are all allowed to safely visit our local multiplexes again. But not being able to enjoy movies on the big screen doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy them on our own smaller ones. This month, just in time for the sunshine appearing, here are my top 5 summer time movies – expect heady romances, wistful nostalgia and plenty of good vibrations.
1. Grease
The quintessential summer movie and one that feels as fresh now as it did way back in 1978. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John were never more irrestible as hear t-throbs Danny and Sandy, navigating the thorny path of love, life and friendships in a 1950s high school. The soundtrack was truly timeless, the fashion choices rocked (Newton-John had to be stitched into those memorably tight black pants) and this remains a movie charged with real star power. Summer loving, indeed!
2. Adventureland
The least acclaimed of the films on this list but don’t let that put you of f its low-key charms. Jesse Eisenberg is the college nerd working a summer job at his local amusement park. Twilight’s Kristen Stewar t is his cool but troubled co-worker – and eventual love interest. Like Grease, it’s a coming-of-age comedy with a killer soundtrack, and will take you back to those teenage years where summers were spent dodging and day-dreaming.
3. The Seven Year Itch
Most fondly remembered for containing THAT iconic shot of its star Marilyn Monroe standing on a subway grate as her white dress is blown upwards by a passing train, Billy Wilder’s romantic comedy from 1955 is still a fine film in its own right. Tom Ewell plays Richard Sherman, the married man struggling with temptation for his blonde bombshell of a neighbour (Monroe) one long, sizzling hot summer. 4. Stand By Me
Like The Shawshank Redemption, this 1986 classic is based on a Stephen King shor t stor y. And just like Shawshank, it goes to prove there’s much more to King’s stor ytelling powers than simply being a horror maestro. This lovely, sad tale follows four young friends who set out one summer’s day in search of a dead body that’s rumoured to have been spotted near their home town. It’s a time for growing up – autumn for these boys is surely on its way...
5. Jaws
The moment you hear those famous first few DUM-DUMs, you know what you’re letting yourself in for – the original and best summer blockbuster. Beaches never quite had the same appeal after Steven Spielberg and his killer shark shredded our ner ves, tormenting sun-seeking holiday-goers and Roy Scheider’s police chief alike. Essential viewing any time of year – just dodge the silly sequels!