The Movies You May Have Missed This Summer

Reilly Smith

During the summer, there is free time to be spent on movies, but the need for an escape might not be as essential as when you return to school.

Avery Marks, editor

Over the summer, many movies debuted in theaters from comedy to action, but whether you were traveling the world, volunteering at camps, or working, you may have missed some of the feature films that came out during the break. 

This selection of movies has something for everyone: those looking for nostalgia, music, comics, or even horror. If you didn’t manage to catch these movies over the summer, now is the perfect time to watch them when you’re looking for a little distraction from school as you readjust to the new year.

Lightyear 

Exploring the backstory of “Toy Story” star, Buzz Lightyear, this new motion picture from Disney delivers stunning animation. The “Toy Story” saga has already explored the journey of toys loved and lost but “Lightyear” takes on a new direction, extending the fictional world that has already been created, and going beyond being just another sequel.

If you are a Marvel fan, you may recognize Chris Evans’ voice as the character Lightyear.

On IMDb, “Lightyear” currently holds a 5.9 out of 10 ranking.

Initially, “Lightyear” was released in theaters on June 17th. Now the movie is available on the streaming service Disney+.

Elvis 

On June 24th, the king of rock and roll made a comeback to the screen in “Elvis.” In recent years, several movies featuring old musicians have given more background on each individual such as Elton John in “Rocket Man,” Aretha Franklin in “Respect,” and Eddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

In the starring role, Austen Butler plays Elvis. However, another notable casting is Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker.

Holding a 7.5 out of 10 rating on IMDb, “Elvis” is now available to stream through HBO Max.

Thor: Love and Thunder 

After fighting Thanos with the Avengers and joining the Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor gets his third movie “Thor: Love and Thunder.” Here we get to see Thor continue his journey as a hero, in addition to meeting the female Thor as seen in the movie’s trailer. 

Returning as Thor, Chris Hemsworth once again gets to act alongside Natalie Portman, as she returns to her role of Jane Foster. 

IMDb voters have given “Thor: Love and Thunder” 6.7 out of 10 stars.

While this new Marvel movie is not currently available for streaming, it is still showing in select theaters since its release in July.

Minions: The Rise of Gru

With yet another back story, “Minions: The Rise of Gru” expands on what we know about Gru’s childhood, which in “Despicable Me,” the first movie in the saga, mainly consisted of his mother, voiced by Julie Andrews, simply being unenthusiastic of his accomplishments. 

On IMDb, “Minions: The Rise of Gru” stands at a rating of 6.6 stars out of 10.

If you’d like to see Gru as a kid and laugh at the Minions’ shenanigans, “Minions: The Rise of Gru” can be viewed on digital retailers such as Amazon along with still being in theaters if you’re craving movie popcorn.

The Invitation

“The Invitation” is a movie for those who are fans of the horror genre. It follows the story of Evie who, using a DNA testing kit, is able to reconnect with family in England. However, everything is not as it seems.

If you watched Descendents as a child, you may recognise Thomas Doherty as he plays Walter in “The Invitation,” which has a 5.3 out of 10 rating on IMDb.

This supernatural horror movie is still showing in theaters.