So, it's the beginning of July (I KNOW). You're about halfway through your summer. By now you’ve probably taken a road trip, ran a half marathon, hiked through the woods, had a summer fling, made that DIY Pinterest recipe and gone to the lake/beach/pool at least 20 times, right? Wrong. What you need is some good, old-fashioned movie motivation. Here are 12 movies that may not have crossed your mind, but are perfect to watch on a rainy day this summer to get you in the mood for some seasonal festivities.
In no particular order...
1. "The Way Way Back:"
If you’re looking for a feel-good, coming-of-age film with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of awkwardness, then this one is for you. I was shocked to find out that this low-key film I had never really heard of was filled with an A-list cast. Being a huge Michael Scott fan, I couldn’t refuse the chance to watch a movie with Steve Carrell in it.
2. "Soul Surfer:"
If you need some summer inspiration, whether you're trying to get that summer body you've been procrastinating working out for or you have a bucket list with nothing crossed off, motivation from a surfer who keeps going after she loses an arm will certainly help. Not to mention, the Hawaiian setting will make you want to book a flight out there on the spot.
3. "My Girl:"
This classic, heart-wrenching tale of two childhood best friends will bring back memories of climbing trees and biking around town when the only thing worth caring about was what time you had to come home for dinner.
4. "Blended:"
I won't deny that Adam Sandler sometimes goes a little too over the top in his films, but this hilarious reunion with him and Drew Barrymore is one of Sandler's sweeter moments. After a horrible blind date with one another, the two of them and their kids get stuck on the same vacation in South Africa and have to work out their differences through family activities that will leave you wanting more.
5. "I Know What You Did Last Summer:"
OK, so maybe this film isn't meant to motivate you, but how could I not include at least one scary movie to watch this summer? All you 90's kids out there, if you haven't seen this, you're missing out on a chance to watch Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prince Jr. in their prime scream queen/king days. Plus, to top it all off, it's a trilogy so you can make it a movie marathon!
6. "Crossroads:"
Let's face it. Who doesn't love old-school Britney Spears? This inspiring chick-flick will make you laugh, make you cry and, most importantly, make you want to hop in the car with friends and travel to new places while discovering who you are and what path you're taking, (while jamming out to Shania Twain, of course).
7. "Riding in Cars with Boys:"
One of my all-time favorite dramas, also starring Drew Barrymore, but in her younger acting years, plus Brittany Murphy and Steve Zahn, is a touching and inspiring tale of a girl who faces trial after trial in her life and marriage, yet fights as best as she can through every set back to make her family work.
8. "Adventureland:"
Do you not fit in? Are you stuck living with your parents with a not-so-glorifying job? Well James (Jesse Eisenberg) is too. When his plans after college graduation don't go accordingly, he is prepared to have the worst summer of his life. Until he meets Em (Kristin Stewart). Watch these two unfold meaning in their lives and discover who they're meant to be in this sarcastic comedy.
9. "Speed:"
I was excited to watch this movie for the first time when I found out it was one of the only Sandra Bullock films I had yet to see. If you haven't seen this captivating film about a bomb being placed on a bus that is set to explode if the bus drops under 50 miles per hour, then you are in for a treat (And, I'm not just talking about Keanu Reeves, although he sure is a treat for the eyes as well.)
10. "Grown Ups:"
I'm sure most of you have already seen this or at least have heard of it and if not then you probably live under a rock, but this is one of those movies that I can watch multiple times and still find funny. The cast is outstanding, the humor is great and it will make you want to rent a cabin for the weekend and see what trouble you and your friends can get yourselves into.
11. "Cheaper by the Dozen 2:"
You might be thinking, "I haven't seen the first one, so how am I supposed to watch the second?" Well, it doesn't really matter, but the first one is just as good so why not watch both? (Plus, Taylor Lautner... yes, he's still cute at age 12). This family-friendly, light-hearted film may be a tad bit cheesy, but it will make you want to come together with your own family and kick your rival family's ass in water sports. Wait, that probably only happens in movies.
12. "50 First Dates:"
I know this is the third Adam Sandler film on here, but c'mon people, it's "50 First Dates." It's tropical, it's romantic, it's funny and it's touching. If this doesn't encourage you to find that one person out there who will recreate every day for you in order to just be with you, then I don't know what will. (Guys, I'm talking to you to.)
And, there you have it. The best films that will help you get a move on on those activities you told yourself you would accomplish by the end of summer. But, hey, if June has already been pretty successful for you (props to you), just watch them because they're good, OK?