“I would like to stop thinking of the present, as now, as a minor and insignificant preamble to something else.”
That’s a quote from Richard Linklater’s sultry and beloved summer classic “Dazed and Confused,” released in 1993. The seminal coming-of-age picture has inspired generations of teens with its bodacious vibes and warm, open-minded take on life as a teenager. American. It’s not often that a film like this comes along, but every now and then we get a great, timeless summer classic.
With the school year coming to an end and summer just beyond the not-so-distant horizon, I figured what better time than now to curate my personal selection of the quintessential summer movies. From genuine classics to underrated little gems, here are some of the breeziest summer vibes guaranteed to get you excited to rock those shorts and hit the beach with some friends. To enjoy.
“Licorice Pizza” (2021) dir. Paul Thomas Anderson
Your knees touching under the table. Their silhouettes contrast with the Valley’s sunset. The literal running reason for his race. Your walk, your laugh, your smile and your sweet hug. It’s everything I could have asked for and more. Nothing sums up someone’s naïve first love like “Licorice Pizza.” That warm feeling you get when you see someone special’s eyes light up when they see you. That cold sweat running down your forehead on a hot summer night. Play with your friends, get involved in mischief and silliness. Cruising the street in your mother’s convertible with the top down, delighting in David Bowie and The Doors. I wish I could live in this movie and hang out with Gary and Alana. Witness Tom Waits emerge from a thick cloud of cigarette smoke and yell at me from across the bar. Although he can’t do that, I can certainly revisit this masterpiece time and time again and be comforted by his sweet, heartfelt embrace. That’s what going to the movies is all about.
“Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” (2019) dir. Quentin Tarantino
The fact that I have already seen this film five times says a lot. A modern American classic, without a doubt. It’s a brilliant and incredibly nuanced script, filled with some of the best characters you could imagine. I can’t think of another group of characters I’d rather hang out with than Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth (besides maybe Gary and Alana from those mentioned above). They really don’t get much better than this, folks. “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” is one of those films that gets better and better with each viewing. It’s not a perfect film by any stretch of the imagination (I have my issues with it), but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love it. One of the most quotable and exuberant photos released in recent memory. On a hot summer night, turn off the air conditioning, open a cold one with the boys (or girls) and enjoy a real encounter with this wonderful cast of characters. You will not regret.
“Breaking Away” (1979) dir. Peter Yates
Given that we all went to school in the great state of Indiana, I figured what better movie to recommend than one of the most notable Hoosier films of all time: “Breaking Away.” Filmed entirely in Bloomington, Indiana during the warm summer months of 1978, the film is a moving love letter to the region and those who call this place home. There is something so beautiful and peaceful about the carefree and optimistic outlook these young people convey throughout this touching period of life. The way they just vibe with each other, swim in the local abandoned quarry, smoke cigarettes, and ride bikes across the great Indiana plains is wonderfully wholesome and heartfelt. Every performance is perfect and the script is as good as it gets. Not to mention those final 15 minutes, which are legendary. A genuine masterpiece, without a doubt.
And that’s it, folks! I sincerely hope that you, dear readers, have enjoyed reading my thoughts on all things film, television, and everything else throughout this year in The Torch. It was an immense pleasure for me to write to all of you. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to add these films to your summer watch list. Hope to see you at the beach. Health!
The opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of The Torch.
