Best Movies of Summer


Technically summer (both the season and Box Office cycle) is still going. But, let's face it, the big blockbusters have come and gone. Now is a fitting time to take a moment, step back, and hail the best of summer. Below is my favorite films from this summer season, which also happen to be some of the best of the year so far.

Blockbusters:
* Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 (May 5): It's easy to forget this now, since it's almost September, but summer kicked off with this sequel to the best of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and it was awesome. The soundtrack was great. The performances were great. The film was a fitting follow-up, albeit not quite topping the original.

* Wonder Woman (June 2): It's been rough for DC as they've tried to create their own cinematic universe. They have some great heroes and properties, but they hadn't really made the most of them in their new cinematic universe. That is until Patty Jenkins saved the day with "Wonder Woman," which is the best of this wave of DC films and possibly the biggest winner of summer.

* Spider-Man: Homecoming (July 7): So it's been a rough few years for Spider-Man, who wasn't so "amazing" in the films that bore that moniker. But partnering back with Marvel has done the brand wonders, and this latest take on the web-slinging hero has been a revelation.

The Oscar Contender:
* Dunkirk (July 21): Christopher Nolan is arguably my favorite filmmaker working today, and each of his films has found a place near and dear in my heart. But "Dunkirk," the World War II tale, is arguably his most conventional, and one of his best. It was the class of summer in terms of quality films, and is one I hope gets remembered come Oscar season.

Smaller Gems:
* Baby Driver (June 28): Edgar Wright's heist movie was the little movie that could that exploded this summer, and rightly so. I didn't love it as much as some, and I don't think it was summer's best film, but I did enjoy it and I think it had some amazing performances and craft.

* The Big Sick (July 14): Another independent gem that just blew up. This comedy/romance featured great performances, a unique plot and a love story that really spoke to people. A little funny and a little sweet, this was a delightful summer gem.

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