6 Non-Superhero Movies You Should Be Checking Out This Summer
By Johanna Mort
1. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl – June 12
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qfmAllbYC8&w=786&h=400]
What it’s about: A teenage filmmaker befriends a classmate with cancer.
Who’s in it: Olivia Cooke, Thomas Mann, RJ Cyler, Nick Offerman, Connie Britton
Why you should care: Based on the popular book by the same name, this movie made waves at Sundance, and looks to be the movie that will make you cry from laughter and heartbreak.
2. Dope – June 19
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L41xwM8tIRQ&w=786&h=400]
What it’s about: Malcolm is a geek, carefully surviving life in The Bottoms, a tough neighborhood in Inglewood, CA filled gangsters and drugs dealers, while juggling his senior year of college applications, interviews and the SAT.
Who’s in it: Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Blake Anderson, Zoë Kravitz, Kiersey Clemons
Why you should care: Another film that garnered a lot of praise at Sundance, the concept of this film is unique and features a soundtrack with the best-of-the-best 90s hip-hop.
3. What Happened, Miss Simone? – June 26
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moOQXZxriKY&w=786&h=400]
What it’s about: A documentary about the life and legend Nina Simone, an American singer, pianist, and civil rights activist labeled the “High Priestess of Soul.”
Who’s in it: Nina Simone
Why you should care: Simone was one of the greatest artists of her time, and this film delves into the remarkable and complex life that she led. Plus, it’s guaranteed to feature some great music.
4. Paper Towns – July 24
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4olpTxktM4&w=786&h=400]
What it’s about: A young man and his friends embark upon the road trip of their lives to find the missing girl next door.
Who’s in it: Cara Delevingne, Nat Wolff, Halston Sage, Austin Abrams, Cara Buono
Why you should care: This movie is based off a novel by John Green (author of The Fault in Our Stars), and if the success of his other book-to-film adaptation is any indication, this one should be great as well.
5. Sleeping With Other People – August 12
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDQivbTwmA8&w=786&h=400]
What it’s about: A good-natured womanizer and a serial cheater form a platonic relationship that helps reform them in ways, while a mutual attraction sets in.
Who’s in it: Alison Brie, Jason Sudeikis, Natasha Lyonne, Adam Scott, Amanda Peet
Why you should care: The director describes it as “When Harry Met Sally for assholes” which is enough for me to be pretty excited.
6. Mistress America – August 14
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zmf4PBQ_Ots&w=786&h=400]
What it’s about: A lonely college freshman’s life is turned upside down by her impetuous, adventurous soon-to-be stepsister.
Who’s in it: Greta Gerwig, Lola Kirke
Why you should care: Noah Baumbach’s (writer/director of Frances Ha) next film looks to remind us why we love Greta Gerwig so much while introducing us to another exciting up-and-coming actress.