The big summer blockbuster can mean so many things. These movies can be the final conclusion of a superhero franchise, or the beginning of a new one. The cast can be newcomers boasting fresh talent, or a group of beloved and seasoned professionals. The plot line is riddled with cliffhangers, passionate romance and lots of explosions. This is, of course, what the American public expects from a film, right? These movies are highly publicized on television, the Internet, and even billboards on the highway. The spoilers are almost inescapable, and the countdown to the excitement of a new and fantastic movie causes even more hype. This momentous moment, when the hero beats the seemingly indestructible villain is simple, but totally enthralling. The premise of these films is obvious, but we shell out $10 to see it anyway. You don't want to be the person who missed the twist no one saw coming or the hint at a possible sequel. I'm here to argue for a similar summer film: the indie movie no one saw coming.

The hidden gem, so to speak, is the small independent film. This movie's ad was not plastered on every sign post and there was no click bait in the articles you encountered online in the weeks leading up to its release. This movie has no great box office record to strive for, and no large display of explosions and battle scenes to lure in viewers. The people who love the indie genre are looking for it, and do not need to be bribed in with a grand finale of guns and glory. The indie film is short and sweet, and packed with a different kind of feeling than the summer blockbuster. A perfect example of this, is this summer's film, "Sing Street." This movie is perfect for so many reasons, the least of which involve it's complete divide between the popular films of the summer.

While a summer blockbuster is chock full of cameos, references for dedicated fans, and all the trappings of a big budget film, an indie movie is simplistic in its lack of extravagance. "Sing Street" provides us with themes of love and passion inhibited in young kids. The summer blockbuster has themes of power, control, the dark vs. light trope that all heroes grapple with. The complex subject matters can be layered on top of political and military themes we see with crime fighting vigilantes and super villains. "Sing Street" is simply about a group of teenage boys, their love of music, and the personal lives separate from that. The plot is fairly basic, but the characters are unique in themselves. The main lead struggles with his parents' shaky marriage and constantly reinvents himself in the style of his favorite musician of the moment. His best friend loves rabbits, and even the school bully is recruited as a part of the band's entourage. The playful nature of the fresh-faced, musically-talented boys is heart-warming, and their resilience in the face of life's difficulties is admirable, and the comfort audiences find in these young, regular kid's success is something much better than a strong man in tights can provide.

Rooting for the underdog is always easy to do, and when it comes to the summer's biggest film, the characters range from unlikely heroes to superheroes, but all heroes nonetheless. The main character in "Sing Street" is a hero in his own right, battling his first heartbreak, and growing up unsure of his own identity. His obstacles are personal and familiar, and to watch him in his struggle and become victorious is more of a treat then knowing the guy with superhuman strength will undoubtedly beat the robot. The basis of a blockbuster is quite different than the basis of a small studio's product, but rightly so. The indie film addresses personal issues through unique yet familiar characters from a quirky perspective.

"Sing Street" has vivid characters, a fun plot, and a soundtrack that perfectly accompanies it. While this movie is not inescapable and setting box office records, it provides charm that the big studio's film cannot attempt to recreate. The warmth and companionship the ragtag bunch of Irish lads and their 80's sound make you wish they were your own friends. Thankfully, the intimacy the indie film provides can fulfill this simple request, and just like that, you're with the band.