In Texas, the summers can be so brutal that the only escapes are the swimming pool and the deep dark recesses of the neighborhood Cineplex. Most of the time your best bet is to forget the films - slather on some SPF 540 - grab a cold Shiner Bock and find some shade by the water. I mean, do you really want to see American Pie 18? Didn't think so.
That's how I feel most summers. This year? Not so much. There are some summer movies that may just keep me out of the pool (but probably not out of the Shiner Bock). Here are my picks for 5 summer movies you're gonna love:
Moonrise Kingdom (May 25)
Moonrise Kingdom is Wes Anderson's (Rushmore, Royal Tenenbaums) first live-action film since The Darjeeling Limited. It's got all those funky Wes Anderson vibes - set in the '60s, kids in love and parents without a clue. Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward play star-crossed kids Sam Shakusky and Suzy Bishop. When they run away from their New England town, the local sheriff, Bruce Willis, organizes a search party. Suzy's parents, Bill Murray and Frances McDormand, and other quirky townsfolk go on the hunt for the missing kids. Expect great performances from social worker (Tilda Swinton) and Sam's Boy Scout leader, Scoutmaster Ward (Edward Norton). Bonus: the soundtrack sounds cool, too.
This funny independent film is based on a quirky newspaper classified ad where a man wanted someone to accompany him in time travel. Three magazine employees, led by reporter Darius Britt (Parks and Rec's Aubrey Plaza), decide to profile the guy who created the classified. Mark Duplass (Your Sister's Sister, recommended below) plays the goofy time-traveling wannabe. They loved it at Sundance. My guess is you will, too.
Your Sister's Sister (June 15)
Meet Iris (Emily Blunt), a nutty professional whose best friend, Jack (Safety Not Guranteed's Mark Duplass), is still grieving the loss of his brother. Iris used to date the brother, so she decides to cheer him up by inviting him to her family's cabin in the woods so he can "find himself". Ah romantic comedies/dramadies...unknown to both of them is that Iris' older sister, Hannah (Rosemarie DeWitt), a lesbian just ending a seven-year relationship, is hiding out at the cabin. A rowdy night of tequila shots between Jack and Hannah kicks off a bizarre...maybe, romance? You decide. Because it gets even quirkier when Iris pops in for an unexpected visit.
To Rome With Love (June 22)
Woody Allen's follow-up to his highest-grossing film in theaters, Midnight in Paris (Charlotte loved it), is a romantic comedy featuring four vignettes set in Rome. Allen stars in his first role since 2006's Scoop, along with an all-star ensemble, including Alec Baldwin, Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, Penelope Cruz, Greta Gerwig, Judy Davis, and Life Is Beautiful's Roberto Benigni. This one's got Midnight in Paris II written all over it. Should be fun.
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (June 22)
This sci-fi comedy stars Steve Carell as Dodge Petersen - a down-on-his-luck guy whose wife leaves him. If being suddenly single wasn't bad enough, the world's about to end thanks to an asteroid headed for earth. With just a little time left, Dodge teams up with his British neighbor, Penny (Keira Knightley), to go on a search for his childhood sweetheart and maybe right some past wrongs. A great ensemble cast goes along for the ride - Patton Oswalt, Melanie Lynskey, Derek Luke, Rob Corddry, and William Petersen. Don't let the world end before you see this one.
Summer Blockbusters
Every summer has its share of blockbusters. Here are 4 that look better than average:
The Avengers
The Amazing Spider-Man
The Dark Knight Rises
Dark Shadows
Could be Good
These didn't quite make my list, but they may make yours:
Magic Mike
Matthew McConaughey is an aging male stripper giving career advice to Channing Tatum. Think Boogie Nights - the boys' night out version.
Savages
Mexican drug cartels are outta control in this one from Oliver Stone. Think AMC's Breaking Bad as envisioned by the director who gave you JFK.
Ted
Mark Wahlberg spends the entire movie talking to a foul-mouthed teddy bear voiced by Seth McFarlane (Family Guy). All I can say is that the Redband trailer is VERY dirty and (dare I say) bust-a-gut hilarious.
The Campaign
Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis team up in what looks like Anchorman meets The Ides of March. Zach's great, but where the hell is John C. Reilly?
Ping your blog
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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