Summer Movies

When life is moving along at its usual chaotic clip, we tend to go to one or two movies a week. Lately, however, things have been so crazy that whole months have gone by without seeing one single film. To make-up for lost time, we’ve viewed 13 movies this past month (yikes!). Here are the best of the best:

Much Ado About Nothing – Joss Whedon’s black-and-white homage to Shakespeare, filmed in his own backyard (literally) – loved it (no surprise there!) 

This is the End – Seth Rogen’s raunchy yet fun end-of-days spoof, set in the Hollywood Hills (but filmed in Louisiana)

The Spectacular Now – a wonderful coming-of-age story about a lovable but alcoholic high school senior with serious problems - previewed at L.A Filmfest (being released August 2) 

Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction – documentary screened at L.A. Filmfest (to be released soon), followed by a live and impromptu musical performance by Stanton himself 

20 Feet From Stardom – excellent documentary about mostly female backup singers and their attempt to become headliners – includes interviews with Sting and Bruce Springsteen, among others, and lots of great concert footage 

I’m So Excited – Almodóvar’s hilarious sexual romp, set in an airplane circling at 30,000 feet above Spain – the Spanish is funnier than the sub-titles

The Way, Way Back – the best of the lot, this is another wonderful coming-of-age story about a teenager who escapes the taunts of his mother’s boyfriend by working in a vacation water park – GO SEE IT RIGHT NOW! 

The Lone Ranger – yes, we’re all about Disney, but this movie really is entertaining and beautiful to watch (shot in Monument Valley, for pete’s sake!), plus Johnnie Depp is more restrained than usual – DON'T BELIEVE THE REVIEWS!!