Our Top Summer Movies

This summer has been an interesting one for film with plenty of major films coming out. Already Avengers: Age of Ultron, Jurassic World, Minions, Furious 7 have grossed over a billion dollars at the box office. We're listing our top summer films along with our general rating for that film on a scale of 1-10.

These films are in no particular order.

Honorable Mentions: Dope, Spy, The Gift, Pitch Perfect 2

Straight Outta Compton

Straight Outta Compton has reigned over the box office for three straight weeks while maintaining a critical approval rating of 90%. This film is ripe with a meaningful and thought-provoking story, with characters that the audience can become emotionally invested in. The cinematography of this film is very reminiscent of 90s indie films and this works perfectly to elevate each scene. F. Gary Gray even does an exceptional job getting solid performances out of each actor, including Oshea Jackson Jr. who has never acted before. Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell are absolutely excellent as Dr. Dre and Easy-E, and Paul Giamatti gives a solid performance as Jerry Heller. We’re not quite sure if this film as a whole should garner Oscar attention, but Jason Mitchell should definitely be considered for a Best Supporting Actor nomination.

Our Rating: 8.5

Inside Out

In usual fashion, Disney gave us an incredibly heartfelt concept that was enjoyable for all audiences. Once again, the studio gives life to the lifeless to spark the imaginations of young viewers with loveable characters, all interwoven into a fun story with moral implications. Each voice actor was casted selectively and does perfectly well in their respective roles. In a year devoid of many ground-breaking summer movies for kids, this film should easily snag the Oscar for Best Animated Film, unless something else equally formidable comes out in the last few months of 2015.

Our Rating: 10

Mad-Max: Fury Road

After decades of sitting on a script, George Miller was finally able to bring his once major series back to the big screen in glorious splendor. This film overachieves in the action department with so many brilliantly shot action set pieces. Mad Max; Fury Road knows exactly what kind of film it wants to be and embraces it to the fullest, paying homage to the R-rated action flicks of the 1980s. Miller successfully immerses us into this chaotic and imaginative world flawlessly. having fun with the wackiness of his story. From the odd vehicles driven to the insane characters, this film fully dons the theme of complete madness to perfection. However, It’s not until the credits roll that you realize this film is more than just about high-octane car chases and fight scenes. The most mind bogglingly awesome thing about this film is how it’s a two-hour allegory for gender equality. The film tackles this theme brilliantly without having to hold the hands of its viewers, and this is ultimately what makes the film so special.

Our Rating: 9.5

Ant-Man

Yeah...we’re shocked as well. Who would’ve imagined that a film about one of Marvel’s most laughable and ridiculous characters could be a convincing hit. Well, this film does just that. This film is not perfect but is undeniably fun and different, catapulting it to the status of one of the best solo films in the MCU. This film doesn’t over-depend on the popularity of other characters, giving us a very personal story. Sometimes it’s nice to see a comic-book film where the fate of the entire earth isn’t at stake. This gives the film a certain freshness. The film also does the character of Scott Lang justice by resembling the wacky tone of the comics. This film also sets up major additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe without having to force them.

Our Rating: 8

Furious 7

What can we say? This film is so incredibly dumb but is simultaneously engaging. This film unlike many other films doesn’t feel the need to give us a dark and grounded story, instead opting to have fun with its own ridiculousness. It’s almost as if this film consistently breaks the laws of physics with a psychotically charming smile on its face. But that’s what we see these movies for. The film even gives us a proper send off for Paul Walker’s character that is rather emotional. Never before did people think they would cry during a Fast and Furious movie.

Our Rating:7.5

Avengers: Age of Ultron

It was a given that the sequel to 2012’s Avengers would be in this list. This film had a noticeably darker tone than the first film but didn’t compare to the event that the first film was. There is solid character development for every character in the film and this film sets up some major pieces that will play into the future of the MCU within its story. However, this film does nothing to disprove the criticism of Marvel villains being expendable with Ultron ending up as no more than a villain to move the plot along. This however doesn’t take anything from James Spader’s excellent voicing of Ultron. Overall, this film was a lot of fun.

Our Rating: 7.5

Jurassic World

Finally...a Jurassic Park sequel that isn’t completely mediocre. This film captures the essence of the original film while taking the series in a new direction. Chris Pratt obviously does a lot for this film, giving it a likeable, relatable, and charismatic lead for this adventure film. Jurassic World isn’t ground-breaking, but it doesn’t have to be. This film thrives in its simplicity as it understands what kind of film it needs to be...a family film that isn’t too confusing for children. Overall, this film was a lot of fun and was probably the most fulfilling family experience this summer other than Pitch Perfect.

Our Rating: 7

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

This film only continues to ride the momentum of the last Mission Impossible film. With smart writing and solid performances all-around from its cast, this film tells a fun and engaging story. The action set pieces are formidable and the film is thrilling from start to finish. Tom Cruise is better than ever almost seeming ageless in a film where he does some of the most ridiculous stunts of his career. Remember guys...Cruise still does all of his stunts even at the age of 53. The combination of Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg is also a very pleasant surprise.

Our Rating: 9