Next Saturday will be my last day here at home before I make the trek back north.  It’s kind of hard to believe that in a week summer will be over and the school year will be starting up.  It’s been a good summer.  I’ve gotten to hang out with friends and family, gained a “niece,” and relaxed.  It’s been a hard summer, too.  Grampa’s death was a not too subtle reminder that I come from a fairly small family, and almost all of them are quite a bit older than me.  Being reminded how mortal we all are is never much fun.

I also got to see a fair share of movies this summer.  Here, in no particular order, are what I saw and what I thought.

The Avengers

If you haven’t seen this, you should.  Actually, you need to go and watch all the films that lead up to Avengers (Hulk, The Incredible Hulk, Ironman, Captain America, Ironman 2, & Thor) and then go watch it.  I should mention that even though Ironman 2 came out before Captain America, I actually found Ironman 2 to be much better once I had the Captain America storyline.  There’s so much in Ironman 2 that draws on the Captain America storyline.  This film was fun, well done, and really amazing in both 3D and 2D.  I’ve seen it a couple of times, and I can’t wait to see it again.

Men In Black III

The Men in Black (MIB) franchise has had a special place in my heart ever since I was sitting in a bus for a band trip to D.C. and saw the first MIB film on a little tiny t.v.  While the second one was not great (really, my favorite part was Frank the Pug singing “I Will Survive), I still have good memories associated with it.  Ten years later, along came MIB3, and I was equal parts exited and terrified.  My terror was pointless.  The film is excellent, and had all the charm and sweetness that it should have.  Frank the Pug was pretty much the only missing element (he’s there, but not like I would have liked).

Brave

This was Disney’s newest addition to their Princess collection.  This princess was much more Mulan than Cinderella.  She’s not happy just sitting back waiting for a man.  This film was filled with girl power messages, but it also had much to say regarding family and responsibility for the choices we make.  So much fun, and so beautifully done.

Snow White and the Huntsman

I think people were quick to dismiss this film because of a general dislike of Kristen Stewart.  That’s too bad.  This was a really good movie.  It was so dark and creepy, just the way a fairy tale ought to be.  Sure, some liberties were taken with the Snow White story, but none that were unacceptable.

The Three Stooges

I never watched the Stooges growing up, so I went into this one unsure of what to expect.  It was well done, but overall, I just couldn’t get into it.  I’m not the biggest fan of physical comedy, and that was what this film relied on.  It had its moments, but I have zero desire to see it again.

Ice Age 4

Sid, Manny, and Diego.  Need I say more?  This newest installment was much better than the forgettable third one, and as good as the first.  The second installment is still my favorite, but this one was fun and made me laugh.

Hope Springs

Let me star with the good.  This film is basically Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, and Steve Carell.  Occasionally, you see another person, but overall, those three people carry the entire film.  They succeeded at proving they’re awesome actors, and they all did amazing.  However…here’s the bad.  The first quarter of the movie is really bittersweet and funny.  Then the rest of the film is a downer and all about sex.  Seriously.  I have no idea how this film did not get an R rating.  Sure, there’s no real foul language, but the dialogue is surprisingly graphic, and what Jones and Streep do onscreen outside of the therapists office is beyond squirm worthy.  The film does end on a positive and realistic note, but it feels like it takes hours to get there.

Overall, not a bad summer for movies.  I’m still hoping to catch Dark Knight Rises and Paranorman before I leave next Sunday.