Summer of Movies

I know the summer technically just started, but once July hits, for me it actually feels like it's already half over. Even so, this summer has been great for movies. I love the movie theater and we've taken time nearly every weekend to make it to a flick, which is helped by the fact that there are plenty we've wanted to see.

Terminator Salvation: We're Terminator fans. I never was until I met my husband who introduced me to the movies. If you can get over the cheesy '80s-ness of Terminator, the annoying-ness that can be Edward Furlong in Terminator 2: Judgment Day and the I-can't-believe-he's-governor thoughts throughout Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, the movies are clever, inventive and action-packed. I loved the short-lived, two-season run of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles on Fox; I was sad for days when I heard it wouldn't return. Maybe it was because I became a fan 20 years too late, but I was pumped for Salvation. And it didn't disappoint. Christian Bale kicks butt as John Connor, and while many reviews claimed there wasn't much of a story line, I disagree. I really enjoyed it.

Up: I have to say, I had my doubts. Could Pixar really have a hit for the 10th time in a row? Ratatouille was probably my least favorite of all Pixar movies (with WALL-E and Toy Story 2 being my absolute faves), and I still liked that one a lot. But a movie about an old man flying his house to South America? I don't know. I was happy to be proven wrong - so wrong. That movie moved me more than any of the others. Maybe because it was actually about humans this time, instead of toys, bugs or monsters, but I fell in love with Carl (I have always been an Ed Asner fan) and Russell. That movie made me cry three separate times. A feat not achieved by any of the other Pixar films. Squirrel!

The Hangover: Here's another movie that I went into with low expectations. I knew it would be funny, so it's a perfect summer movie to see on a rainy Saturday. But, I'm not a huge fan of gross-out, boy-humor comedies. The 40-year-old Virgin, while funny, was mostly painful for me to watch. Superbad, again funny, but so disturbing to think "that's" all that high school boys think about. But this movie was hilarious and entertaining. I was only uncomfortable during the end credits - really about the only part of the movie that was over-the-top offensive. Otherwise, Ed Helms was in true form and I liked Zach Galifianakis, who I never had seen much of before. Bradley Cooper played the same d-bag character he's played a lot lately (though he redeemed himself at the end a bit), but I can see how this movie will make him the next big leading man. There's talk of a sequel, but I'm not sure what else you could do here - why the heck would these guys ever go to Vegas again?

Away We Go: Two words: Loved It. The moment I first saw the trailer a few months ago, I knew I had to see this movie. And it did not disappoint. Maya Rudolph was beautiful, thoughtful and serious. John Krasinski, while a touch Jim-like, showed extreme depth in his character too, especially in the scenes on the trampoline and at the bar in Montreal. There were several scenes where, while watching, I thought to myself, "That's just like me and [the hubby]," which made the movie that much more special. I loved how each half could freak out about their lives and the other would calm them down. That's important in a relationship. Freak-outs are fine, necessary even, but just try not to freak out at the same time as your partner. And there were so many hilarious supporting characters! I highly recommend this movie.

The Proposal: If you're in the mood for a mindless romantic comedy, this movie delivers. It's very cute, but also very predictable. Me? I don't mind that so much. I was just looking to be entertained, and I was. Sandra Bullock was in true form and Ryan Reynolds is never hard to watch on screen. Plus, I'm thrilled to see that Betty White is getting only more popular as she ages. She's a hit in this movie, as is Oscar Nunez. Maybe it's not necessary to see it in the theater, but it's a great girls'-night rental.

When it comes to movies, I'm not that picky, nor am I the best critic. But I've been loving this Summer of Movies. Movies to see in July: Public Enemies and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.