Get Your Popcorn Ready: Five Classic Summer Movies to Pass Down

film-162028_640It’s hard to believe that we are nearing the end of March already. I’d say “Welcome Springtime!,” but, living in New Orleans, it seems that we too quickly transition from the damp chill of winter to the steamy days of summer. I find myself sweaty just sitting here looking ahead to those long days of June, July and August. I also find myself a little sentimental as I think back to summertime in New Orleans during my youth. They were days filled with arts and crafts, pool fun, nighttime cabbage ball, sleepovers, and MOVIES! Summer movies are just the best, aren’t they?! My daughter is not quite old enough yet, but as soon as she is, I can’t wait to cozy up on the couch with her, popcorn in hand, and pass down the art of watching the classic summer movie.

Here are my top five favorite classic summer movies:

The Sandlot: This may very well be my favorite movie of all time. Was anyone not in love with Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez? And how can’t you fall for a story about a gang of misfits like Smalls, Ham, Squints, and Yeah-Yeah. There are so many classic one liners from this cult favorite, but there is not a time that goes by when I hear someone use the word forever where I don’t repeat it in my head the way Squints says it “Fooooor-ev-errrr.”

Now and Then: In my opinion, this movie boasts the greatest soundtrek of all time. I want Jane to see it for that reason alone, but also because it is a great coming of age tale of four friends and the summer they discovered who they really are and how friendship can bind you for life, or as Squints would say “foooorevvverrr.”

Karate Kid: I love a good underdog movie and this one is one of the best. A true David and Goliath tale! I wanted to move to California and go to beach bonfires and be just like Elizabeth Shue. Wax on, wax off, friends!

Troop Beverly Hills: Ok, so this one isn’t exactly set in the summer, but we watched it on rainy days when I was at camp. I was never much of a Girl Scout, but this is one troop I’d love to have joined. Do you remember the camping backpack that, when it popped open, became a full closet? Genius! “Beverly Hills, what a thrill.”

A League of Their Own: The Rockford Peaches. As a sports enthusiast growing up without much athletic ability, I loved this tale of a ladies’ baseball league. The big sister/little sister rivalry was epic. Am I the only one who thinks Dottie dropped that ball at the plate because, in her heart, she couldn’t see her little sister lose? Despite the fact that I have seen this movie a million times I still cry at the end when all of the players reunite at the hall of fame. There may be no crying in baseball, but there is when you watch a classic summer baseball movie.

What movie from your childhood are you excited to watch with your kids?

3 COMMENTS

  1. Jennifer what a great list. My kids have seen 3/5 but I will be looking on Netflix for the other two soon!
    Avery has even likened her daisy camp out experience to troop bev hills and Bennett yells “cannonball” every time he sees a pool.
    These should be on the Zoo’s list for summer movie night.

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