Source: California Psychics
The mercury is rising, vacations are afoot, and we're all feeling the urge to get out there and enjoy a few adventures. Alas, there are bound to be days when it's too hot to go outside and play - so we've put together a selection of films that will let you frolic inside, as well.
Two of them will be in theatres near you this summer - plus, a selection of old summer favorites is available on DVD - all are Frolic Factor and Sunny Side rated, for best enlightenment and entertainment value. Whether you're looking for laughs, are on a quest for romance or you simply wish to escape into a fantastic world on the edge of dreams - this list offers many hours of summer distraction.
New flicks...
Cherie
Lavish lawn parties. Exquisite costumes. Love, betrayal and Paris. It's everything you need in a salacious period piece. Set in 1920s Paris, it tells the story of Lea - a stunning courtesan to the social elite (Michelle Pfeiffer) is asked to hold off on retirement until she can teach her ex-rival's 19-year-old son a thing or two about sex and society. Though initially indifferent to Lea's advances, the young man discovers that the game of love can be scandalously invigorating.
Frolic factor: Rupert Friend, the film's star, may not be well known to American moviegoers, but his obscurity won't last long once audiences get a glimpse at his jaw-dropping good looks.
Sunny side: The sets, locations, and photography are rich and lush - and Michelle Pfieffer always manages to pull off the role of seductress with such verve!
Julie & Julia
The film chronicles the life of renowned chef Julia Child (Meryl Streep), and that of real-life Internet figure Julie (Amy Adams) - a young woman who, lacking a solid career path, decides to cook all 524 recipes in Child's infamous first volume of Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Bouncing back and forth in time between the life of the master and that of the optimistic protégé, we are reminded that sometimes not knowing what you don't know brings about remarkable self-discovery.
Frolic factor: What is there to say? Meryl Streep is brilliant, as usual. Her portrayal of the beloved Child is a joy.
Sunny side: The promise of chicken being dropped on the floor during a live broadcast, and Amy Adams finding the meaning of life amidst culinary catastrophe, makes for a cinematic feast.
Oldies but goodies...
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
This one was, of course, directed by the McDreamy of the flared-pants era - Warren Beatty - who also stars in it as a successful football quarterback who is almost killed in a car accident… almost. The problem is, an overzealous angel transports his soul to the afterlife only to discover he wasn't meant to die after all. To make matters worse, his body has been cremated. Now the only way to resume his true destiny is to assume another person's body. And the only one available belongs to a self-serving millionaire! Funny, charming and just what you need to get ready for football season.
Frolic factor: The onscreen chemistry between Beatty and co-star Julie Christie is incredibly genuine, as the two happened to have been off-screen lovers at the time the film was made. More impressive is the gentle handling of romance, which is seldom so poetic and subtle in today's films.
Sunny side: The profound words of Mr. Jordan (played by the distinguished James Mason) contain so much spiritual wisdom that you can't help but secretly hope this fictitious character will indeed be your own personal concierge at the end of your life.
La Dolce Vita (1960)
This is the ultimate frolic film. La Dolce Vita - The Sweet Life is one of Federico Fellini's classics, and a film long considered by scholars to be among the greatest achievements of world cinema. In typical Fellini fashion, the movie lacks traditional, linear plot structure. Instead, the story features an array of effervescent socialites dancing, drinking and creating scandals for the paparazzi one summer in Rome.
Frolic factor: This truly is an "art film." Crazy camera angles, abrupt close-ups, symbolic imagery - it's all there, setting the stage for the debauchery that unfolds.
Sunny side: Watching La Dolce Vita is like having an out-of-body experience.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Even if you're not a fan of musicals, you'll be impressed by the ingenious integration of pop/rock hits in this enchanting love story. Set at the infamous Moulin Rouge, the film tells the story of Christian and Satine, a poet and a performer (Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman, respectively), who are desperately in love - but unable to be together because Satine has been betrothed to a wealthy duke who is the theater's one and only benefactor.
Frolic factor: Stylized direction, good fashion, oversaturated colors and fun, whimsical sets make this film a visual dazzler.
Sunny side: True love prevails!
Summer movies are a wonderful way to escape the heat - and take a break from whatever's going on in your own life, good and bad. Happy viewing...
