Auburn News

To paraphrase Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part III (1990); “Just when I thought I was out I pull myself back in.”

To be frank, I thought that the last little post I made promoting one of my YouTube videos, would be the last thing I contributed to this website, this is obviously no longer the case. Maybe it’s the fact that I never got the chance to write a film article during my time on the Auburn Air staff, maybe I’m bored and looking for something to do, or maybe it’s Maybelline.

Putting all that aside let’s get to why I’m here… to talk about summer movies! In my mind there is no greater time to go see a movie than the months of June, July, and August. The comfy seats, icy-cold soda, and air conditioned screening rooms offer a respite from the blazing heat of our climate change induced brutally hot summers.

My goal with this article is to rank what I believe are the ten greatest summer films of all time. To specify, this is not a list of the ten greatest films released during the summer, it’s a list of the films that I think incapsulate the feelings and the iconography of summer the best. With Summer 2021 now rolling to a close, it’s time I present to you: The Ten Greatest Summer Films according to me.

10. Dazed & Confused (1993) Directed by Richard Linklater

What better way to start a list about summer films than a film about the very beginning of summer. Set over the course of less than 24 hours, this film chronicles the last day of school before summer break, and all the trouble our main characters get into that night. Like many Linklater films, the film is practically devoid of plot, letting the films characters speak for the selves. Trying to fit Dazed into a typical 3-act structure would be a pointless effort; watching the large cast of characters hang out at keggers or drive around listening to Ted Nugent is what makes the film so special. The summer is filled with hours of driving around aimlessly and shooting the s**t with friends, which is why Dazed & Confused is an easy first pick.

9. West Side Story (1961) Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins

They’re Singing! They’re Dancing! It’s A Great Time!

8. Almost Famous (2000) Directed by Cameron Crowe

There’s nothing quite like a summer roadtrip, and who better to ride the road with then a band by the name of Stillwater. Cameron Crowe’s mildly fictionalized autobiographical tale of a young music journalist hitting the road with a fully fictional 70s rock band, is one of the finest films of the 21st century. While really only the second half of this film takes place during the summer, Crowe does an excellent job at capturing the magic of summer romance and how much you can fill a day with when there’s no school or work to go to in the morning. This is truly one of my favourite films and I think it would be an utter disservice not to include the “Tiny Dancer” scene somewhere in this paragraph, so just click the link and enjoy: https://youtu.be/QHH3FoJUEbg

7. Nashville (1975) Directed by Robert Altman

Robert Altman’s kaleidoscopic journey through the country capital of the united states, is a masterpiece of 1970s cinema. It’s difficult to put my feelings on this film into words as there really isn’t anything quite like it. The film follows about two dozen different characters over the course of a few hectic days in Nashville, Tennessee leading up to a political convention around the fourth of July. The film is both manic and mediational, and to quote Roger Ebert “After I saw it I felt more alive, I felt I understood more about people, I felt somehow wiser.” Nashville is one of my ten favourite films but the films above it on this list I think do a better job of really representing summer.

6. Point Break (1991) Directed by Kathryn Bigelow

Point Break is an undeniably silly film about a former high school quarterback turned FBI Agent, who goes undercover into a group of bank-robbing California surfers. The film is definitely goofy but it’s also one of the most fun action flicks ever made, with jaw dropping stunts, directed masterfully by two-time Academy Award winner Kathryn Bigelow. It’s got snappy dialogue, big performances, shootouts, explosions, fist-fights, foot chases through suburban neighbourhoods, skydiving, heists, and of course SURFING! This movie is beautiful, majestical, and a bucket of dumb popcorn fun. Few films make me want to hit the beach more than Point Break.

5. Before Sunrise (1995) Directed by Richard Linklater

I honestly could have filled this whole list with Linklater films, but this and Dazed seemed like the most important. Before Sunrise is about A young man and woman who meet on a train in Europe and wind up spending one evening together in Vienna. Unfortunately, both know that this will probably be their only night together. Before Sunrise is a brilliant film about what we as humans do with the time we are given, and it is in my mind the greatest film about a summer romance ever made. Every character movement and line of dialogue in the film feels so authentic and true to life. Much like Dazed & Confused, this film is definitely light on plot, but watching the relationship between Celine (Julie Delpy) and Jesse (Ethan Hawke) grow over the limited amount of time they have together is really all you need.

4. Dog Day Afternoon (1975) Directed by Sidney Lumet

For me, Dog Day Afternoon is a lot of things. The lead performance by Al Pacino is my favourite performance by any actor in any film, the film is a great snapshot of 1970s New York, and it is an amazing story of what crazy things people will do when it’s just too hot outside. If you’ve never seen Dog Day Afternoon, or you’ve never even heard of it, please give it a watch. My first viewing of this movie was so special because I really knew nothing going in, and I would like to preserve that experience for anyone reading this right now. Do yourself a favour, go watch this movie!

3. Wet Hot American Summer (2001) Directed by David Wain

Neck and neck with Superbad (2007) this is my favourite comedy ever made. As a child, going to camp was one the least appealing things for a kid to do during the summer, that’s why I avoided them like the plague. However, if there exists any summer camp that remotely resembles the one featured in this film, I’d go there in a heartbeat. There isn’t a second that passes in this film where a joke isn’t flying right at you. Not every joke lands but my incontrollable laughter sustains for all 97 minuets of the films runtime. If you want to laugh until you can’t laugh anymore than this is the movie for you.

2. Do The Right Thing (1989) Directed by Spike Lee

Just as relevant today as it was 30 years ago, Spike Lee’s masterpiece is without a doubt the best movie on this list. Race relations are still one of the most ever present issues that loom over our planet, and this film isn’t afraid to tackle themes of bigotry, persecution, police brutality, and systemic racism head on. The heat can make people do a lot of crazy things, and when there’s already so much anger percolating in the air, it makes the powder keg so much easier to explode. Do The Right is in my opinion one of the five most important films made in the last 50 years, however I felt that the number one spot on this list should go to a different film. Do The Right Thing is the best film on this list, but there is one more film that I believe represents summer better than any other.

1. Jaws (1975) Directed by Steven Spielberg

Jaws is THE quintessential summer film. For better or worse, it created the summer blockbuster and changed the film world forever. There is nothing more thrilling than sailing aboard the Orca with Brody, Hooper, and Quint, in search of Amity Island’s killer great white shark. In 1975, this film terrified the movie-going world and made Spielberg a household name. There are dozens of films that I would consider better than Jaws, but if you’re looking for one movie to encapsulate why every summer we all pay to sit down in a dark, crowded room, and look at a screen for 2 hours… it’s Jaws.

– Owen Graham

Myself and Auburn Air are proud to present your new favourite holiday tradition.

“A Covid Christmas” starring Jonah Wright, Adam Morash, and Connor Sutherland is fun for the whole family, with a universal message of positivity in an incredibly dark year.

The film follows one child’s journey to spread holiday cheer during a time when most people are running low in that department.

Follow The Link Below To Watch The Film:

Happy Holidays!

– Owen Graham

By: Jude Pepler

A true fan favorite among moviegoers, and one of the most original and creative filmmakers working in the industry today, Edgar Wright has made a name for himself with his stylistic direction, and playful satire across several genres. He manages to bring something new and exciting with every movie, and shows no signs of slowing down, with a sixth film (Last Night in Soho), on the way. Garnering more and more of a reputation around Hollywood, with one of the most consistent and unique filmography’s of any director working today, Wright’s style has proven to be among the most recognizable and beloved formulas in modern filmmaking. His undeniable ability to engross the viewer, along with his ingeniously innate gift to make an audience laugh, is impressive to say the least; and die hard fans will forever appreciate his insane attention to detail, and pure passion for his craft. An overall fascinating artist, and someone who has severely impacted my love for film, I wanted to showcase my admiration for his work, and give MY definitive ranking of his feature-films…so far.

#5- The World’s End (2013)

Let me start by saying, I do not believe that Edgar Wright has made a bad movie. However, I do find myself agreeing with the general consensus that The World’s End is his weakest effort to date. That is not to say this is a bad film by any means, though. All of the charm of Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy is in full affect, and it is certainly a worthy follow-up to it’s predecessors. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are just as good as always, and Wright’s direction style is as engaging as ever. Where this film goes wrong for me, is in the execution of the story. Edgar Wright taking his comedic talents to the sci-fi genre is an intriguing idea, that makes for some great individual scenes and gags, but that is about the only new place Wright goes with the final chapter in his trilogy. After going in an entirely original direction with crime-action-thriller Hot Fuzz, Wright goes back to the concept of a slacker versus an invasion/apocalypse, just like in Shaun of the Dead. There are some nice themes about embracing your past and moving on with your future, but even that feels very reminiscent of his prior films, having previously conveyed messages of maturity and friendship in Shaun of the Dead, and even Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Though far from a “bad” film, something had to be on the bottom of the list, and this is the bottom of the barrel for me; feeling almost like an obligation to end the trilogy, and slightly lacking Wright’s usual passion and originality.

#4- Hot Fuzz (2007)

Edgar Wright had a lot to prove as an up-and-coming director in Hollywood, following 2004’s Shaun of the Dead, and you would be hard-pressed to find someone who would say he did not deliver, with this brilliantly inventive and violent action-comedy. Bending the rules of what a crime-thriller should be, Wright’s vision to make this satirical, yet substantial in and of itself, is why this film is so profound, as it set the tone for the rest of his career. His incredible ability to poke fun, while keeping the audience engaged and invested in his story, is why Wright has been so successful, and has been given opportunities to work with filmmaking legends, like Steven Spielberg and Quentin Tarantino. Wright flat out knows how to make people laugh. The film is hilarious, dramatic, and action-packed, but never crosses the line of being cheesy, because of how self-aware all of the performances are. Simon Pegg shines as a by-the-book cop, turned action-hero, and Nick Frost is a fantastic sidekick as always. They play off of each other beautifully, and deliver lots of laughs from start to finish. Wright’s storytelling is arguably at it’s best, with his signature quick-cuts and over-the-top violence lending very well to the police-action, and surprisingly well-done mystery plot. A completely unrealistic film, with a very human message of enjoying life and not taking things too seriously, Hot Fuzz is a must-watch modern day classic.

#3- Baby Driver (2017)

Ten years after his smash-hit, Hot Fuzz hit the big-screen, Edgar Wright decided to take on the action genre once again; but this time in the form of a musical-heist, getaway film. Arguably Wright’s most ambitious film, right beside Scott Pilgrim vs. the World; this film is the definition of high-octane, and never once lets up. With a combination of colorful characters, intriguing dialogue, and easily immersive action scenes, this is one of the most rewatchable and enjoyable films of the 2010’s, completely silencing any doubts of Edgar Wright making an American film, after shying away from the British comedy genre. Ansel Elgort and Lily James proved to be two of the best young actors working in the industry today, with an amazing chemistry that carries the heart of the film. Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx, and Eiza Gonzalez all offer up strong supporting performances that help flesh out this crime world, that the titular, Baby, finds himself stuck in. Though Wright made a conscious decision to keep this more dramatic and less comedic than his other work, his signature wit is not lost, mixing very well, once again into the action-crime genre. The way he blends up-beat music into this violent, crime-riddled film is pure genius, and classic Edgar Wright humor. His direction is just pure fun. Wright’s trademark quick-cuts and stylistic scene-transitions are a nice contrast to the seemingly dark tale, bringing so much excitement and enjoyment to the story. While obviously different from the rest of his movies, Baby Driver is just as entertaining as the others, and a nice change in tone, while maintaining that signature fast-paced, engaging feel, of all his work.

#2- Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

A huge box-office flop, turned comic book film royalty; this is a time-tested Edgar Wright masterpiece, with a massive cult-following. Offering his brilliant direction and comedic talents to Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim comics, Wright builds his fictional videogame Toronto setting with a fantastic cast, and outlandish visuals. Using Michael Cera as the protagonist action-hero should not have worked on paper, but he makes this movie what it is, with a perfect understanding of Wright’s tone, while bringing his own brand of awkward-charisma to the role. Mary Elisabeth Winstead plays alongside Cera, and her sarcastic, nonchalant delivery works phenomenally beside his quirky, unconventional leading-man performance. Complete with some hilarious side-roles from Kieran Culkin, Brie Larson, and Chris Evans; this star-studded cast makes this over-the-top, hyperbolized action-comedy work somehow; a huge testament to Wright’s direction, and script. Relentlessly funny, gripping, exciting, and genuinely heartfelt, this is one of the best examples in cinema of something working perfectly, that seemingly should not. Fusing indie-rock music, far-fetched characters, and ridiculous fight scenes, into a videogame-inspired world, Wright tells a very human story about young love, maturity, learning from mistakes, and growing as a person. That to me, perfectly summarizes Edgar Wright as a storyteller, and it all comes together incomparably with this mastercraft of a comic book movie.

#1- Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Delivering one of the greatest feature-film debuts of all-time, Edgar Wright made his presence in the film industry known, with this cult-classic horror-comedy. Taking the idea of a romantic-comedy and placing it in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, Wright would showcase his wonderful ability to blend genres, early on in his career. Paying homage to the horror genre, while poking fun at it’s own stereotypes and tropes, this is satire done right. Brilliantly written, with callbacks, references, and jokes, that keep the audience engaged, without distracting from the story itself. Wright takes the idea of a zombie film, and somewhat humanizes it, with relatable characters, and personal themes of love, friendship, and responsibility. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost helm the movie, in roles they have since become synonymous with. Marking their first big-screen pairing, their chemistry is electric, making it instantly apparent that Wright made the right choice, with an on-screen friendship so real, it ties the whole movie together. Adding a legitimacy, to an otherwise silly horror film. Pegg in particular, offers a very strong performance, standing out in a talented ensemble cast (Lucy Davis, Bill Nighy, Kate Ashfield, Rafe Spall, Penelope Wilton), with a hilarious portrayal of a heroic everyman-slacker, who ultimately serves as the heart of the film; offering some very real emotional moments, that help to elevate this over other comedies. Complete with some charming British wit, tons of gore, Wright’s signature flashy directing style, and some genuinely funny and heart-warming moments, Shaun of the Dead is an absolute masterpiece, that would set the bar high for the rest of Edgar Wright’s sensational filmography.

By: Jude Pepler

Gearing up to Halloween night, I am sure many of us are looking for some great movies to watch. This list is not going to be necessarily what I think the “best” Halloween-oriented movies are, rather a nice blend of different movies, that will hopefully peak some interest.

#9- An American Werewolf in London (1981)

John Landis’ comedic take on the werewolf mythos is a perfect watch for Halloween, for it’s nightmarish feel, hilarious writing, and groundbreaking special effects work by the legendary Rick Baker. A truly original film, centered around two American travelers and their run-ins with the supernatural. Blending scares, laughs, and genuine emotion, seamlessly, An American Werewolf in London is guaranteed to entertain you. Featuring one of the greatest special-effects scenes of all-time, and fun central performances from David Naughton and Griffin Dunne, this is a must-watch for horror fans, and cinephiles alike, and there is no better time to check it out than on Halloween night.

#8- Candyman (1992)

A film that opened the doors and acted as inspiration for many young black filmmakers, like Jordan Peele (director of Get Out and Us); Candyman is an intriguing horror picture, that deserves to be spoken in the same conversation as the likes of ’90s horror classic like: Scream, Misery, and The Silence of the Lambs. Helmed by a commanding performance by the great Tony Todd, this mythological take on the slasher-genre is rich in story, atmosphere, and lore, and it makes for a tremendously enthralling movie, that you will never forget. An underrated classic in the horror industry, this ’90s gem is a must-watch, and needs more respect. So, if you are looking for a less commercial film that is more obscure and personal, look no further than this masterfully crafted homage to the beauty of scary storytelling.

#7- Beetlejuice (1988)

From the master of Gothic-whimsy, Tim Burton’s classic comedy is the perfect movie to watch if you are not into horror movies, but you are looking for a fun film centered around monsters. While not being set on the holiday, Beetlejuice completely embodies what makes Halloween so special, with creepy visuals, witty writing, and some scares, while keeping things PG, for those who scare easy. With an electrifying main performance from the lovable Michael Keaton, this film is sure to keep you entertained, as an easily digestible love-letter to the whimsical and macabre side of storytelling.

#6- Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)

Easily one of the better films in the extensive franchise, Jason Lives is the first Friday the 13th film in the series to acknowledge how cheesy they were, and just have fun with it. Truly a movie with nothing to lose, director Tom McLoughlin pays tribute to classic monster movies, while delivering a very fun and original ’80s horror film in the process. A very self-aware film that just goes for it and embraces how cheesy it is, Jason Lives is memorable for it’s tongue-in-cheek brand of comedy, and over the top gore. If you are looking for a corny, R-rated slasher film to entertain you, and maybe make you laugh, then look no further than this 1986 horror classic.

#5- The Shining (1980)

What some may deem the greatest horror film ever made, Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece is not exactly fit for Halloween, but absolutely makes up for it with the insane creep factor. Based on the amazing novel by Stephen King, The Shining is one of the scariest movies ever made, and that is why it makes this list. A slow-burning film about isolation and madness; this is something everyone should see at least once. Held together by Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance, and Kubrick’s legendary directing, this is a movie for anyone who wants a more advanced film than the previous entries on the list.

#4- Get Out (2017)

A breath of fresh air in the horror industry, Jordan Peele’s hit film gained instant success for it’s social-commentary on racism and classism. Making the transition from comedy to horror look easy, Peele’s Get Out is an instant classic, and for good reason. With a brilliant lead performance from Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out is sure to shock you, and entertain you at the same time. An utterly immersive story that grips you from start to finish, this is psychological-horror done right. Easily one of the most original and memorable films of the 2010’s, Peele’s big screen debut is perfect to watch in October, and a great film to view during the BLM movement. Using themes that are unfortunately still relevant today, Jordan Peele made a huge splash in the industry, and continues to do so, while breaking down barriers for other aspiring black filmmakers.

#3- Scream (1996)

From one of the great masters of horror, the late Wes Craven made one of the best horror films ever made, at a time when the industry was very stale and lifeless. A witty-satire and critique of the genre, while paying homage and flipping it’s tropes on their head. Seamlessly balancing comedy and horror, Scream is considered a classic in horror, for it’s deconstruction of the genre, while creating something very original and timeless. At times legitimately funny, and at times legitimately scary, Scream is one of those rare occasions where it shouldn’t work on paper, but works extremely well. Telling it’s own coherent story, while parodying the genre itself, Wes Craven’s iconic film is perfect for Halloween, because of it’s embracement of horror, and relentlessly fun approach.

#2- Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

A cult-classic solely centered around Halloween night, Michael Dougherty’s passion project is a love-letter to the holiday, and one of the most ambitious horror films in recent memory. Featuring four intertwining tales, this anthology is pure fun, scares, and excitement from start to finish. Dougherty’s directing is impactful and inspired, pulling out all of the stops to make this movie feel like Halloween, and he absolutely succeeds. There may not be another film in the world that truly captures the tone and feel of the holiday so well, and that is why it lands so high on this list. Trick ‘r Treat is instantly memorable for it’s intriguing and dark approach of the holiday; and should be a go-to for everyone’s Halloween movie-watching binge.

#1- Halloween (1978)

Could there be any other answer? John Carpenter’s immortal classic has remained so prestigious over the years for it’s masterful directing, iconic antagonist in Michael Myers, and the atmospheric Halloween feel. Not only a staple of horror films, but a huge staple of the holiday, and one of the most well-loved films of the ’70s. Halloween is an almost perfect movie that never gets old, and is guaranteed to get under your skin. John Carpenter’s iconic score is cemented in pop-culture forever, as is the film itself. Likely never going anywhere as the greatest film about the holiday, Halloween is an absolute necessity in October, and a masterclass in horror filmmaking.

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