I don't know about you guys, but it is quite toasty where I am at.  It seems as though summer has finally arrived.  In fact, it is so warm in some places that it might be better to stay indoors and watch a movie to beat the heat... so here are some summer recommendations:

1. Wet Hot American Summer: Reflect upon your summer camp experiences with this immature, hilarious, and decent comedy film featuring a lot of star-studded actors and actresses.

2. The Way, Way Back: Relive your dream of working at a water park with one of the best indie films from the past decade.

3. The Kings of Summer: I just rewatched this one and reviewed it, so you can just check out the review for more info on why this is one of my favorite indie films ever.

4. Meatballs: If you're worried about anything, listen to Bill Murray's wisdom, "It just doesn't matter!"

5. The Parent Trap: Ya, you've probably all seen this one but it's a classic that you can marathon with the remake.

6. The Sandlot: If you're a sports movie lover, definitely watch The Sandlot.

7. Heavyweights: This might be the best weight-loss program for you!  Ben Stiller scared the crap out of me the first time I saw this one.

8. 50 First Dates: Trust me, it's a lot better than Blended.

9. Dirty Dancing: If you've got hungry eyes, this should satisfy your pupils.

And finally, the featured flick of the week:

10. Jaws: If you aren't afraid of the ocean yet, this might make you never roam a sandy beach again.  It's bloody, it's gory, it's outdated, and it's perfect.  It would be really cool to watch this film on a boat, so try that out for a new movie-going experience if you dare.

Image credit: ​https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/Jaws_-_firewall.jpg/1024px-Jaws_-_firewall.jpg

Here are some awesome flicks to get you geared up for the Rio Summer Olympics which just started.  Some of them are more applicable for the Winter Olympics, but they are all fun to watch...

1. Cool Runnings: Check out this classic film about the Jamaican bobsled team.  Its shocking, stunning, and downright hilarious!

2.  Munich:  This one is for those of you who want more action and drama.  It is based on a true story of the Israeli government's hunt for the people responsible for the 1972 massacre of eleven Israeli athletes at the Olympics.

3.  Eddie the Eagle:  Featuring the lead actor from Kingsman and Wolverine, this film is a bit cheesy but also heartwarming!

4. Foxcatcher: Truly one of my favorite films in the past decade, Foxcatcher catches us off-guard with a story of betrayal, insecurity, and tragedy.

5. Balls of Fury:  I laughed a lot at this comedy about table tennis when I was younger, but I'm not sure if Christopher Walken's comedic acting stands up to my expectations anymore.

And finally, the featured pick of the week:

6. Chariots of Fire:  This is one of those great classics that I still need to watch.  The film goes way back to the 1924 Paris Olympics and focuses on two athletes who struggle with their faith.  Of course you have all heard the iconic theme from the film, so why not give the flick a viewing?

Image credit: ​By Cafezinho - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3108587

Here are some buddy film recommendations for you to watch with your buddies this week, which ends with the International Day of Friendship:

1.  Superbad:  This outrageous comedy puts a group of friends together for a whole night of craziness and mishaps.

2.  Rush Hour:  This film pairs Jackie Chan with Chris Tucker as they rolick around trying to solve a crime that they stumble upon.

​3.  The Nice Guys:  This 70s-stylized film pairs Russell Crowe with Ryan Gosling, both of which have had some hard days as detectives in Los Angeles. 

4.  Men in Black:  Kick some alien a** with Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in this somewhat dated action comedy.

5.  Wedding Crashers:  Take some time to crash a few weddings with Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, but make sure you don't get too close to the bride and groom.

6.  Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure:  If you want to sit through a history lecture, you might as well do it with Bill and Ted.

7.  50/50:  You may laugh and you may cry, but it'll be a good time with Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

And finally, the featured pick of the week:

8.  Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid:  This is my favorite Western film and it could be yours as well, so give it a viewing.  This is also a great film to watch with a group of posses, so call up your friends for a special screening!

Image credit: http://uploads.neatorama.com/images/posts/91/87/87091/1450931663-0.jpg

National Ice Cream Day may have passed a few days ago, but you can still enjoy the treat as you watch these movies:

1. Pulp Fiction:  Make sure to bring along a $5 shake to this film about a whole lot of crazy stuff that goes on during an inverted timeline.

2.  The Shining: Danny Torrance and his family may scare you, but you can cool down with a nice side of red rum flavored ice cream.

3.  Napoleon Dynamite:  This screwball comedy will either have you roaring on the floor laughing or stoically finishing a scoop, you fat lard.  Ugh...

4.  Little Miss Sunshine:  One of my favorite comedies, which should be enjoyed a la mode.  Maybe you should even have a few waffles while you ride along with Olive in her family's awesome yellow minibus.

5.  That Awkward Moment:  Have a scoop as you cry about this movie's poorly created storyline and misused talent.

And finally, the featured pick of the week:

6.  Hot Fuzz:  Sit down with a Cornetto and join the cultist movement trying to cure the problems in their English village.  In fact, you might as well watch the whole Cornetto Trilogy while you're at it.  Edgar Wright is one of the best directors out there!

Image credit: ​https://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/ay_86835674.jpg

July 1st marks Canada Day this year, so I thought it would be fun to base this week's "What to Watch" series around the holiday.  So here are some Canadian suggestions, eh:


1.  Brother Bear:  The film is set in North America, so we're gonna go ahead and count that as Canada.  The film features another fantastic Phil Collins soundtrack too and lost Best Animated Feature to Finding Nemo.

2.  Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: Set entirely in Toronto, this film will make you fall in love with Edgar Wright and video games.

3.  ​Juno: This one features Michael Cera and Ellen Page, both Canadian.  Also, its directed by Jason Reitman.  Not sure if you can find a more Canadian film on this planet.

4.  Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father: This very emotional documentary will leave you with questions, tears, and meaning for life.

5.  Monsieur Lazhar:  I haven't seen this one yet, but it looks amazing and I've heard some great things.

6.  Blades of Glory:  This hilarious comedy about ice-skating is filmed mostly in Montreal.  It features Will Ferrell in one of his arguably best roles of all time.

7.  Titanic:  You know, because Celine Dion!

8.  Mean Girls:  This one was filmed in Canadian high schools, showing the possible types of adolescent mind-sets involved in youth.

9.  Brokeback Mountain:  This one was filmed mostly in the gorgeous Canadian Rockies.  Admittedly, I have not seen this film yet, but it did quite well at the Oscars so I'm sure its fantastic.

And finally the featured pick of the week:

10.  50/50:  The film takes place in Seattle, but it was actually filmed in Vancouver, BC.  There are a few easter eggs that show its true filming location, such as Seth Rogen's license plate.

Image credit: ​http://filmshortage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/made-in-canada.jpg

Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there!  Had a great time having brunch at home with my family including my grandparents.  Here's another new segment for Sunday's and holidays where I will be giving you guys ten film recommendations for the week or occasion.  We're gonna start it off here with Father's Day films:

1. Finding Nemo: Rehash your memory with this amazing Pixar film about a dad losing his son and his journey trying to find him again.

2. Beginners: An older audience would probably enjoy this one, but young adults will definitely enjoy it too!

3. The Descendants: I love the Hawaiian music that accompanies this film and George Clooney is at his finest.

4. Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade: Sean Connery and Harrison Ford on the big screen together.  Tell me what's not to like about that.

5. Interstellar: If you're looking for a real mind bender, Christopher Nolan provides you with this one at a time where Matthew McConaughey seems to have peaked his performing career.

6. The Lion King: Only the most praised Disney film of all time.

7. Taken: Liam Neeson brings heart and vengeance to this flick.

8. Star Wars Episode V:  SPOILER ALERT - "No.  I am your father."

9. Silver Linings Playbook: David O'Russell creates a theatrical masterpiece that has performances reminiscent of a broadway play.  Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, and Bradley Cooper all bring their best for this one.


And finally here is a classic pick and my second favorite movie of all time -

10. The Godfather:  Have a fun time with the Corleone's as they talk business and give away animal parts to stubborn friends.

Image Credit: ​https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MVlfgMrgAZI/maxresdefault.jpg