One of my favorite summer pastimes is going to the movies. With so many great movies currently in theaters, and a countless number of movies coming out this summer, what else is there to do? Movies transport you somewhere else during the hour and a half or so you're sitting in the theater. Sometimes you walk out of the theater wishing you were somehow involved with the plot.
If you're a movie fanatic like me, here is a list of movies you definitely don't want to miss this summer!
All movies statistics and information are credited to http://imdb.com and http://rottentomatoes.com.
1. "Me Before You"
A 2012 best-seller turned 2016 big screen classic, "Me Before You" promises to leave viewers in tears as they exit the theater. Starring Emilia Clark, famous for her role in "Game of Thrones", and Sam Claflin, also known as the charming Finnick Odair from "The Hunger Games", the all-star cast beautifully portrays the story of a quadriplegic man stuck in a new life that is much different from his previous one.
Rated 57% on Rotten Tomataoes, the movie has mixed reviews but is sure to be loved by those who enjoyed Jojo Moyes' romantic novel.
Personal review: I only read the book, but I truly loved it. I personally will not be going to see this movie in theaters because, having read the book and already knowing the ending, I feel content. However, my mom saw it and A) cried her eyes out and B) said she loved it.
2. "Now You See Me: The Second Act"
Magic fans are sure to have a blast during the sequel to the 2013 movie "Now You See Me". With an all-star cast including Morgan Freeman, Dave Franco, and even Daniel Radcliffe, you will be on the edge of your seat trying to figure out exactly what is happening.
Don't be scared of the 34% Rotten Tomatoes rating; everyone's a critic.
Personal review: I saw and loved(!) the first movie, so of course I was excited to see the second. Packed with action and mind-blowing magic (plus it stars Dave Franco...need I say more?), I was on the edge of my seat the entire movie. I absolutely loved it!
3. "The Conjuring 2"
This is one of the scariest movies (in my opinion) to hit the screens this summer. Welcome back the power couple Ed and Lorraine Warren, who seem to be glad to enter places and take on cases the majority of us would hate to even dream about.
Having received a 79% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, I would wager to say that it's a pretty good movie and you should definitely go see it. A lot of people are tough critics, so a good rating is hard to come by, and is genuine.
Personal review: I saw and really enjoyed the first "Conjuring" movie. I thought the second movie did it complete justice. Definitely one of my favorite scary movies. (Just make sure you don't go watch it with a group of screaming girls to your right!) I'm actually going to see it for the second time this week.
4."Finding Dory"
Definitely one of the biggest movies to hit theaters this summer for both kids and adults. Enjoy the laughs and memories brought on as you sit in the theater and flash back to your childhood. Also, you get to see Dory as a baby...and if that scene doesn't capture your heart then maybe you don't have one. (Kidding!)
This movie is currently rated a whopping 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. Clearly it's a good one!
Personal review: I wasn't a huge fan of "Finding Nemo" (I know, I know, please don't hate me), and it's been a long time since I've seen it. Sadly I don't think I'll bring myself to the movies to see 'Finding Dory'. But everyone I know who's gone to see it has loved it.���
5. "Independence Day: Resurgence"
Uh oh, the aliens are coming, and they're stronger than ever! The first movie was epic, and this one promises to leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Featuring high action and Liam Hemsworth, this is a summer blockbuster you definitely won't want to miss.
This movie is only rated 36% on Rotten Tomatoes, and I am going to credit it to the fact that it just hit theaters. Perhaps I'm just not a tough critic.
Personal review: I have yet to go see this movie, but I'm dying to.
6. "The Purge: Election Year"
The pros of purging must outweigh the cons because the yearly purge is continuing in the third movie of the saga. Finally, someone starts to talk sense into the public by trying to bring the purge to a close, but of course that opinion is disliked by the general populace.
This movie has not yet been released, and therefore does not have a rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Personal review: The two prior "Purge" movies scared the living daylights out of me...so I do not think I will be going to the theater to see this one. I bet it'll be good though with plenty of jump scares, violence, and of course, gore.
7. "Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates"
This is a new comedy with Anna Kendrick, Zac Efron (yum), and Adam DeVine that is sure to be a killer in the box office. Centered around a beautiful Hawaii wedding, it is sure to delight viewers. I mean, who doesn't want to see sexy Zac Efron take his shirt off?
Because this movie has not yet been released, there is currently no rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Personal review: You can bet your bottom I'll be going to see this movie. Seriously. A new comedy with hottie Zac Efron and hilarious Adam DeVine. I wouldn't miss this movie for the world. It's definitely one of my most-looked-forward-to blockbusters of the summer.
8. "The Secret Life of Pets"
Innocent poodles who listen to hardcore metal music, a heist to save a furry friend, and a sadistic bunny voiced by Kevin Hart; combine all of those elements and you've created "The Secret Life of Pets". If you currently, or have ever, owned a pet, this movie might just give you a little insight into how they act when you aren't around. This movie promises to be a knockout, and is a summertime must see!
Again, this movie hasn't been released so there is no rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Personal review: My sister and I just about die every time we see the trailer. She keeps telling me how excited she is to see it, so you can bet we'll go once it is released.
9. "Jason Bourne"
Okay, first of all, I'd like to set the record straight that Matt Damon is one of the most attractive men on Earth. Slap him in a spy thriller and that's enough to make anyone happy.
Because this movie isn't released until the end of July, there is no rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Personal review: I have yet to see any of the "Bourne" movies, though I know I would like them. Perhaps I'll have to binge watch them before July 29th when this one is released.
10. "Suicide Squad"
If you're into superhero movies, or just want to see a bunch of badass villains throw down, this is definitely the summer blockbuster for you. Featuring Will Smith, Cara Delevingne, and Margot Robbie, the all-star cast will launch you into the action, and keep you entertained throughout.
There is currently no rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Personal review: Okay, so my boyfriend is extremely excited for this movie. He used to be a comic book geek (which I find totally adorable), and his excitement has rubbed off on me. I'm more of a Marvel fan, but I still think this movie will be great.
So, whether you're itching to see a romantic movie, a thriller, or a hilarious summer comedy, or if you just want to watch some great actors doing their thing, make it your goal to hit up these movies this summer. You are sure to enjoy at least one of the top ten summer blockbusters. Grab your friends, your family, your boyfriend/girlfriend, or even just yourself, and head over to the nearest theater. Buy that large bag of popcorn and your favorite box of candy and let the movie transport you to a new world.