Summer is the time to kick back and relax, which means watching some of the great movies making their way to theaters this summer. The pandemic has caused a decrease in attendance at movie theaters. But, this summer, numerous eagerly-awaited movies are being released to theatres, along with being available online. Regardless of your preferences, there is something for everyone.
1. Father of the Bride
Available on HBO Max since June 16, Father of the Bride is the latest version of the classic rom-com. Daughter Sofia (Adria Arjona) visits her parents in Miami and announces her engagement to her boyfriend Adán (Diego Boneta). The couple plans on beginning their new life together in Mexico.
Although Sofia's mom is instantly nothing but happy for her daughter, Sofia's overprotective father (Andy Garcia) disapproves of his daughter's fiancee. But, that's not all. Sofia's mother and father decide to keep the fact that they are considering getting a divorce from the rest of their family until after their daughter's wedding.
2. Elvis
Released in theatres on June 24, Elvis tells the story of the rock 'n' roll icon Elvis Presley's life. Viewers get to learn about Elvis's complicated relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. However, many other storylines are explored, including his love for his wife, Priscilla.
Showing his life from childhood to becoming a star in the 1950s, Elvis conveys the racism Elvis Presley confronted as a result of his music. As his music was heavily influenced by African-American blues, Christian gospel, and Southern country, his music challenged social and moral values. By presenting several aspects of Elvis Presley's life, viewers are immediately engaged and invested.
3. Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between
About to be released on Netflix on July 6, Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between is the perfect romance movie. Adapted from Jennifer E. Smith's YA novel, the movie tests the young love of Jordan Fisher as Aidan and Talia Ryder as Clare.
The two high school sweethearts graduate and are unsure of what the future of their relationship looks like. As they are planning on attending different colleges, they must decide whether or not to break up during the last night before they leave their hometown.
4. Where the Crawdads Sing
Kya was abandoned by her parents and raised herself in the marshlands of North Carolina. For years, rumors circulated that a girl haunted Barkley Cove, forcing Kya to isolate herself from the community. When Chase Andrewes is found dead, locals instantly point the finger at Kya. The adaptation of Delia Owens’s 2018 bestselling novel will be in theaters on July 15.
5. Purple Hearts
A YA novel adaption of Tess Wakefield's book, Purple Heart is another movie for romance lovers. Cassie Salazar (Sofia Carson) works nights at a bar in Austin, Texas, trying to support herself financially while chasing her dream of becoming a successful singer-songwriter. After running into her old friend Frankie, who is now in the Army, Cassie presents a plan that could benefit both of them: Cassie will marry Frankie to escape medical debt and they can receive the benefits of increased paychecks that come with being a "family." Although Frankie rejects this proposal, Luke (Nicholas Galitzine), an Army trainee, offers to marry Cassie.
Cassie and Luke's fake relationship may easily turn into a real one. Purple Hearts will be released on Netflix on July 29.
For the remaining months of summer, taking time to relax and stay in the present is crucial to starting off the upcoming school year strong. These five movies are the perfect excuse to wind back and set aside some pure leisure time.
