Ten Summer Movies

It's that time of year again. You know, the kids don't go back to school for over a month, the road trip to visit relatives has come and gone and you might just lose it if you have to eat another piece of watermelon. When it seems like summer will never end and it's even too hot to go to the beach, it's time to seek refuge with a great DVD and full blast air conditioning.

Here's range of summer movies for every occasion. Check out the old classics and new favorites, all with summer as the common denominator.

#1 Jaws (1975) This may be the first ever summer blockbuster, but the film's memorable soundtrack will still send chills up your spine before you get in the water. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film is a masterful look at the power of a tourist economy and a really scary mechanical shark. The story centers on a police cover-up of a shark attack in a small beach town that thrives on summer tourism. When the attacks get out of hand, the chief must set sail to find the dangerous Great White Shark. After their first encounter with the shark, Richard Dreyfus says the famous line, "We gotta get a bigger boat." Jaws is an exciting emotional ride and even though it's special effects are outdated, the film still has the power to scare.

#2 Dirty Dancing (1987) Starring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, this summer film is such a classic that annual marathons still exist on cable networks. Make sure you watch Baby learn to dance at least once as Johnny Castle, an instructor from the wrong side of the tracks, helps her break social barriers and learn to stand up for herself. Don't miss the great character transformation of Baby's father, played by the late Jerry Orbach, when he learns the truth about Johnny. There's really nothing not to like in this cult hit. Even the song, "I had the Time of my Life," won the Oscar for Original Song in 1987.

#3 Rear Window (1954) This Hitchcock classic staring James Stewart and Grace Kelly is excruciatingly suspenseful. Stewart plays a jaded photojournalist stuck in his apartment with a broken leg. As he watches his neighbors throughout the summer, he thinks he sees a murder. The film is an interesting study of voyeurism and uses the heat of the summer as a tangible presence; as almost another villain. Every twist and turn will make you squirm and will show the kids what thrillers used to be. A TV remake was made in 1998 starring Daryl Hannah and the late Christopher Reeve. Though Reeve was a great actor, the remake lacks the creepiness of the original.

#4 The Parent Trap (1961) Though a modern remake of this film also exists, the Hayley Mills version launched this tale of separated twins who scheme to reunite their estranged parents. When they switch places to meet the parent they never knew hilarity ensues. Don't worry about a happy ending-this film makes even the roughest divorce seem reparable. If only every marriage could be recovered in such a fun and easy way.

This was one of the first big films to use one person to play twins and even though computerized special effects were years in the future, the duplication manages to look convincing. This is another film that's been remade, but stick with the original. Behind the campy nature of this 1960's Disney film is a lovely story that lasts even after summer is over.

#5 Independence Day (1996) This movie is a true summer popcorn flick. Starring Will Smith as the Air Force pilot who saves the world from an alien attack on July 4th, it boasts spectacular special effects and scores of pithy one-liners. If you're not happy with the current political situation, don't worry! The White House explodes in one of the film's most famous moments.

Convinced the government is hiding something in Area 51? Of course that's where captured aliens live. Independence Day has something for everyone! This film may not illuminate the meaning of life but you'll be proud to be a human being after Bill Pullman gives his Presidential Independence Day speech. Celebrate Independence Day this year with fireworks and a night watching this film.

#6 Do the Right Thing (1990) Spike Lee explores race relations during a Brooklyn heat wave in this movie. With characters that are breathing contradictions, Lee asks difficult questions about racism, business, and police brutality. The films makes it possible to sympathize with both the best and the worst in the characters and makes the viewer ask, "What really is the right thing?" Though not for the faint of heart, "Do the Right Thing," is a great way to get the brain working again after a summer of atrophy.

#7 National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) Every family's worst nightmare is lived out as Chevy Chase tries to lead his family to their favorite theme park, Wally World. As they drive from Chicago to California everything from annoying in-laws to an airborne station wagon tries to prevent them from making it. After all of their trials, the Griswolds stand themselves in front of Wally World only to find it is closed for renovations. Their cross-country journey is filled with gags and mishaps, making this a perfect way to remember why you stayed home this summer.

#8 The Graduate (1967) This coming of age film staring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft reminds us all of a time when Mrs. Robinson was the most seductive woman for a summer day. Hoffman plays Benjamin Braddock, college track star who is tired of playing the golden boy for his parent's friends and just wants to relax and sow his wild oats. Check out the way director, Mike Nichols, uses water as a recurring motif. The soundtrack by Simon and Garfunkel is also a perfect choice for summer lounging. Here's to you, Mrs. Robinson.

#9 North Shore (1987) A surfer from Arizona? This movie stars Matt Adler as a young surfer who spends his summer in Hawaii, hoping to one day be able to ride the great waves on the North Shore. With a little luck, he lives with and learns from surfing guru, Chandler.

Our young hero realizes the difference between "soul surfers" and those who surf for fame and money and finally learns to ride the waves. With great water sequences and plenty of jokes about mainlanders, North Shore a perfect summer movie for those of us who love the ocean, but don't know a thing about surfing.

#10 Grease (1978) Although much of this movie takes place during the school year, who can get through the summer without singing along with John Travolta and Oliva Newton John? When Sandra Dee ends up at the same school as her summer love, Danny, she finds he's the leader of the leather jacket wearing "T-Birds."

Though Sandy doesn't quite fit the picture of a T-Bird girlfriend (known as one of the Pink Ladies) she still manages to snare Danny's heart and figure out a solution that will satisfy them both. "Summer Lovin" is all over this quintessential musical about the 50's and it's a perfect way to relive the beauty of teen love.

With these movies from the last five decades and almost every genre, we hope you have fun beating the heat with great films this summer!