Summer wouldn’t be summer without revisiting these classic films….
Grease: summer just wouldn’t be summer without watching this classic musical. It is filled with fun and of course at the beginning an analysis of everybody’s summer along with the classic song ‘Summer Nights’! It all makes for a fun, nostalgic and easy going film that never fails to put you in a good mood from start to finish.
Some Like it Hot: filled with action, romance and comedy, this classic Billy Wilder film is perfect summer viewing being set in Florida for the majority of the film. There is plenty jokes relating to mistaken identities, lost luggage and unexpected romances growing that make it a light and breezy watch over the summer months.
In the Heights: Lin Manuel Miranda’s musical is ideal summer viewing being filled with uplifting vibrant songs, plenty of colour and a celebration of a community living in Washington Heights. It feels like a celebration of life and friendship which is irresistible from start to finish. I defy anyone not to feel in a summer mood on watching this story unfold.
Emma: Summer just wouldn’t be summer without a Jane Austen adaptation to watch. While we have plenty to choose from, Autumn de Wilde’s quirky and delicate of touch adaptation is perfect summer viewing in all its details – but particularly in the way in which the use of colour is used in every aspect and the way the comedy feels breezy enough for the summer months. But just as importantly, it feels utterly faithful to Austen’s novel.
Dirty Dancing:if there is a holiday camp involved, then you definitely know a film will have summer vibes to it. Dirty Dancing is a classic summer film for plenty of reasons: the fabulous soundtrack, the cracking chemistry between Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, the audacious & sexy choreography, ensuring that this still remains one of the hottest summer romantic films to date.
My Life in Ruins (or Driving Aphrodite as it was released in the UK): it wouldn’t be a summer film list without at least one film that involves a bit of travel and while this one is a little bit naff, it does pay an affectionate tribute to Greece and the types of travellers you can encounter along the way – as well as the memories that you create when travelling. Does it play on stereotypes? Yes absolutely but it is really hard to resist when you have the likes Nia Vardalos and Caroline Goodall in the cast!
Walking on Sunshine: 1980’s tunes? Complex romantic relationships? Gorgeous Italian setting? This film feels like summer all tied up beautifully in one film. Again, perhaps the script might not be the strongest but when you are consistently having fun with the characters does it really matter? Absolutely not!
Roman Holiday: the sheer joy of this film (aside from Audrey Hepburn’s performance of course) is the way in which it feels as though the audience is experiencing Rome through Princess Anne’s eyes: for the first time (even if you have been there before). It showcases the city in the best possible light, while the romance feels believable. From start to finish it is a joyful experience and feels like a true celebration of Rome itself, getting the audience to understand why it is a popular holiday destination!
Mamma Mia!: Greek setting, ABBA songs, wedding and summer setting – what is not love about Mamma Mia? It is a joyful musical romantic comedy that got the cast spot on (yes I know that some of the singing is not spot on but somehow that adds to its charm) – as the story unfolds, it is hard not want to go to Greece yourself and make the most of its charms (while singing ABBA songs of course).