Here’s a fun trivia fact - the term “summer blockbuster” didn’t exist until the release of “Jaws” in 1975. Since that year, movie enthusiasts have anxiously awaited summer movie releases. COVID-19 certainly has had an impact on this tradition, but that’s not to say there are not movies to be excited about this summer. So this month, I’m starting with the movies that I believe deserve your time and money in the theaters.
“The Little Mermaid” My husband loved the original and was excited to see this one as it reminds him of our No. 2 daughter, Sally. While Ursula would definitely be scary for young children, I think 9- or 10-year-olds and older will enjoy this movie. We thoroughly enjoyed singing along with our oldest daughter, who happens to be 31 and remembers the original fondly.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3” This is truly one of the best movies I’ve seen in a while. This movie is basically a story of self-sacrifice and loving a “chosen” family. I laughed and cried throughout this film. You can see this without seeing the first two, but I would recommend reading a summary.
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” Forget that awful “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” debacle. This is like the energy and writing of the earliest Indian Jones. Phoebe Walker-Bridge is excellent as Harrison Ford’s goddaughter, and characters you love from previous films make appearances. Side note: My adult children who had never seen the original were bored, so if you haven’t seen the original, take time to stream it.
The movie you can skip is “Android City.” I really love some of director’s Wes Anderson’s films, especially “Moonrise Kingdom,” but this is a pretentious, no-story mess.
I CANNOT wait for “Barbie.” This movie is directed by Greta Gerwig, whose version of “Little Women” is the best. I grew up with every Barbie accessory and could play Barbies for hours with my friends. I’ll update you next month!
There are several recent theatrical releases now available to stream. Max has “Evil Dead Rise” (skip!); Peacock has “Polite Society” (charming) and “Book Club - The Next Chapter” (if you liked the first one you will enjoy this one); and Prime has “Jesus Revolution” that I reviewed a few months ago. It’s a film worth watching.
Streaming Services this Month
Netflix
Hulu
John and I are currently still streaming “Brothers and Sisters” and “Blue Bloods” (John’s fav).
Prime Video
I loved the first season and I cannot wait for season two.
Max (formerly HBOMax)
Apple TV
When I write to you next month, I will have seen “Barbie!” Until then pass the popcorn …
“The Little Mermaid” My husband loved the original and was excited to see this one as it reminds him of our No. 2 daughter, Sally. While Ursula would definitely be scary for young children, I think 9- or 10-year-olds and older will enjoy this movie. We thoroughly enjoyed singing along with our oldest daughter, who happens to be 31 and remembers the original fondly.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3” This is truly one of the best movies I’ve seen in a while. This movie is basically a story of self-sacrifice and loving a “chosen” family. I laughed and cried throughout this film. You can see this without seeing the first two, but I would recommend reading a summary.
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” Forget that awful “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” debacle. This is like the energy and writing of the earliest Indian Jones. Phoebe Walker-Bridge is excellent as Harrison Ford’s goddaughter, and characters you love from previous films make appearances. Side note: My adult children who had never seen the original were bored, so if you haven’t seen the original, take time to stream it.
The movie you can skip is “Android City.” I really love some of director’s Wes Anderson’s films, especially “Moonrise Kingdom,” but this is a pretentious, no-story mess.
I CANNOT wait for “Barbie.” This movie is directed by Greta Gerwig, whose version of “Little Women” is the best. I grew up with every Barbie accessory and could play Barbies for hours with my friends. I’ll update you next month!
There are several recent theatrical releases now available to stream. Max has “Evil Dead Rise” (skip!); Peacock has “Polite Society” (charming) and “Book Club - The Next Chapter” (if you liked the first one you will enjoy this one); and Prime has “Jesus Revolution” that I reviewed a few months ago. It’s a film worth watching.
Streaming Services this Month
Netflix
- “Black Mirror” I’ve had to wait FOUR years for more episodes. This series gets its name from a turned-off phone or tablet - it becomes a “black mirror.” Charlie Brooker is the English creator and you should google his interview on CBS Saturday Morning. This show is about technology gone amuck. Some episodes are creepy, some are scary and some are downright mind-blowing! This is not for everyone, but I love it so much.
- “Take Care of Maya” This documentary really hit home for me as I have a friend being accused of Munchausen by proxy. This documentary made me want to go into legal defense work.
- “Missing” This theatrically released movie is thrilling. A mother goes missing and her daughter uses technology and a friend to track her down. A fun Friday night view!
- “Break-Point” This sports docuseries focuses on up and coming tennis players during four Grand Slam tournaments. This is so well done you don’t even need to love tennis to enjoy this series.
- “Red Rose” This series reminded me of “Black Mirror” so I loved it. It’s about an app some high school seniors download, and all kinds of trouble begins. Again, technology run amuck is scary and timely!
Hulu
- “The Split” This is a great summer binge. I recommended this fabulous BBC series when it first came out. It was a show we could watch as a couple, which is hard to find for us!
John and I are currently still streaming “Brothers and Sisters” and “Blue Bloods” (John’s fav).
Prime Video
- “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets” Honestly, this was the most horrifying docuseries I’ve watched. This is the story of not only Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar but also Bill Gothard, famous for his Institute in Basic Life Principles. This four-part series exposes what the Duggar’s knew about their son committing sexual abuse on his own sisters, what Bill Gothard was actually teaching and how The Learning Channel encouraged the cover-up. I could not stop thinking about this series. If you watch it, please message me on Instagram @merriles. A warning: If you or someone you love has been sexually abused, especially in church, this may be very triggering. Along this same vein, listen to the podcast “Scamanda.” It’s a true story of Amanda C. Reilly who scammed her church and people nationwide by faking cancer.
- “Jack Ryan” The final season of this action packed series goes out with a bang. John Krasinski is almost perfect in the lead role.
- “The Summer I Turned Pretty” (season two)
I loved the first season and I cannot wait for season two.
Max (formerly HBOMax)
- “The Curios Case of Natalia Grace” This is a crazy documentary about an adult who poses as a child and is adopted by an American couple.
- Another adult recommendation you can binge this summer is “Succession.” I know I raved about it last month, and it’s still just as fantastic. Again, adults only.
Apple TV
- “Hijack” The fabulous Idris Elba stars in this gripping drama about a hijacked plane. It’s an “are they bad or are they good” rollercoaster ride.
- “Ted Lasso” I have several friends who have not watched this series due to adult language and themes. I can appreciate this, yet every single character illustrates a story of redemption and the power of forgiveness. It will forever be my favorite comedy.
- “Silo” My oldest daughter and I are obsessed with this science fiction series. Even if you think you hate science fiction, you should give this a try.
When I write to you next month, I will have seen “Barbie!” Until then pass the popcorn …
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