Over the summer, countless students and faculty watched new movies, whether it was in theatres or digitally on Netflix. In all four grades, students picked their favorite movie and why they liked it so much. Faculty also gave their picks on their favorite flicks that they watched over the summer as well.
Top 3 Films of the Summer:
#1. Spider-Man: Far From Home
The sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming, Far From Home takes place after the events of Avengers: Endgame, where Tony Stark (Iron Man) sacrifices his life to save the entire universe. Peter Parker, still grieving his mentor’s death, takes the helm as the face of the Marvel Universe during a fateful school trip to Europe. Starring Tom Holland, Zendaya and Jake Gyllenhaal as the mysterious Mysterio.
#2. Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood
The second to last film of legendary director Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood captures the golden age of Hollywood in the 1960s and follows the career of fictional actor Rick Dalton and his prolific stuntman, Cliff Booth. The film also follows the starting career of famed actress Sharon Tate and Cliff’s encounter with the Manson family, which connects both his and Tate’s future in Hollywood. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt.
#3. Avengers: Endgame
Now the highest grossing film of all time, Endgame is the final part of the two-part Infinity War saga. Five years after Thanos has wiped out half of the universe, the Avengers reassemble to go back in time and steal the Infinity stones, so that they can be one step ahead of him and bring everyone back. Starring Robert Downey Jr. in his final role as Tony Stark (Iron Man), this film is one of Marvel’s most emotional and exhilarating films to date. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Jeremy Renner, Brie Larson, Paul Rudd, Dave Bautista, Chadwick Boseman, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch and Josh Brolin as the intergalactic fiend Thanos. This was also the last Marvel film to feature a cameo by famous Marvel Comics writer and artist Stan Lee before he died last year.
Faculty Picks
Faculty members were asked about their favorite movie of the summer, whether it was in theatres or on Netflix, as well as giving it a star rating, to give it their sign of approval.
Joseph Cooper- Wine Country
Star Rating: 4.85
“I enjoyed this movie for its whimsical yet touching commentary on social norms in the 21st century.” said Mr. Cooper. “The characters really came alive for me, and I could empathize with their trials and triumphs. The honest feelings expressed scene by scene moved me in a way I have not felt in many a year. Oh … wait, is that the movie about a bunch of middle-aged actresses? No, I didn’t see that one. Are you kidding me?”
Dawson Zimmerman & Beth McConnell- Avengers: Endgame
Star Rating: 3.5 & 4.5
“Entertaining, but a time-traveling Captain America at the end doesn’t quite work with the established rules of time-travel.”- Mr. Zimmerman
“Fat Thor and Baby Antman were great. It was a lot packed into one movie, though.”- Dr. McConnell
Cameron Alexander- Toy Story 4
Star Rating: 4.5
“When an animated kids movie makes you cry, that’s when you know it’s good.” said Mrs. Alexander. “The combination of nostalgia for lost toys and the Toy Story series itself left me feeling like I had taken a step back into my childhood. Ever since the beginning of the series, Woody has searched for his place in his owner’s lives. This movie, however, really developed solid commentary on his (and, by extension, our) identity. It was a fantastic and uplifting break from reality!”
With a variety of choices from students and teachers alike, one thing is for sure: movies can be enjoyed by anyone, at any time. These movies made people cry, made people cheer on the hero and made people laugh out loud. Movies can be cherished and for the people who voted, these films gave experiences which will last a lifetime.
