Five movies for long and hot days

Often, summer can become too hot to bear, and the only thing that sounds good is lying in bed, making it the perfect time to indulge in binge-watching. So, here are five movies to help you pass the time.

‘Ponyo’ (2008)

I felt it was fitting to start my list with another Studio Ghibli movie. “Ponyo” is the epitome of summer, at least to me. It has a beautiful ocean animation, a sweet story and a lovely soundtrack. The adventure begins when a young goldfish princess, named Ponyo, meets Sosuke and longs to become human because of him. The overall vibe of this movie feels like a perfect day at the pool.

‘50 First Dates’ (2004)

Henry, played by Adam Sandler, is living an ideal no-strings-attached life in Hawaii. Suddenly, he meets Lucy, played by Drew Barrymore, and they immediately hit it off. When he sees her the next day, she “pretends” not to know him. In reality, she suffers from a form of amnesia, where she thinks every day is the same, and when she wakes up, her memories from the day before are wiped.

Henry has to face the challenge of making her fall back in love with him every day. This movie features a great love story, music and themes, including enduring love, dedication and living in the moment.

‘The Parent Trap’ (1998)

Honestly, I love everything about this movie. It features a separation at birth, summer camp and a classic twin switch. Even though some cliché ideas are used, such as the twin switch, they are done perfectly. It is filled with hijinks, fun and family; there’s nothing more you could want.

‘The Florida Project’ (2017)

This coming-of-age movie tells the story of a 6-year-old, Moonee. It shows her growing up in a budget motel next to the commercial area of Walt Disney World with a struggling single mother. “The Florida Project” perfectly captures the feeling of summertime in your youth through cinematography and bright colors.

‘Aquamarine’ (2006)

Any good summer movie line-up should include mermaids. “Aquamarine” was released in 2006 and has been one of my favorite summer movies for years.

Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter

After a storm, two teenage girls discover that mermaids are real when one named Aquamarine washes up at a beachside resort. Aquamarine wants to prove to her father that love still exists, so in the true spirit of summer, she gets help from the two teen girls to win over a handsome lifeguard.

Not only does this movie have a fun romantic plot, but it also showcases friendship, which is fitting, as one of my dearest friends, Lindsey Davidson, a first-year at Cincinnati State, showed it to me. This movie holds a special place in my heart because of its plot and the person it reminds me of.

chaffele@miamioh.edu

Ren Chaffee is a first-year strategic communications major with a minor in rhetoric/writing and has a passion for writing and music. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time in nature and writing poetry.