Best Movies of the Summer

“Oppenheimer”

It shouldn’t be shocking that a Christopher Nolan movie starring some of the greatest actors currently working would be such a feat of filmmaking. But the commercial success of “Oppenheimer” is something truly unprecedented.

With the hype of ‘Barbieheimer,’ this three-hour biopic rightfully earned its place in the pop culture lexicon. The cast had endless star power with Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Rami Malek and more.

To have this level of commercial success surrounding a biopic about a physicist from World War II without the full promotion from its star-studded cast due to the SAG-AFTRA strike is a testament to just how good “Oppenheimer” is.

Nolan’s ability to make this three-hour run time feel deserved and a captivating watch from beginning to end cements his legendary status.

Comparing it to superhero blockbusters of similar runtimes, it’s ridiculous that the film without the extended fight scenes and multiple movies to wrap up better utilizes the 180 minutes of storytelling.

“Oppenheimer” is likely a front-runner in multiple categories at the Oscars. The lead actor trophy should already have Murphy’s name carved into it. The performances from both Blunt and Downey Jr. also made powerful arguments for the supporting actress and actor accolades, respectively.

Whether it was its dueling release with “Barbie” or the intrigue in the story, it doesn’t matter. “Oppenheimer” wasn’t just one of the best movies released this summer; it has been the best released in years. – Sophia D’Ovidio

“Red, White & Royal Blue”

Matthew Lopez knocks it out of the park for his first feature film directorial debut with this refreshing and entertaining gay love story. Adapted from Casey McQuiston’s best selling book, the film gives all the classic rom-com tropes that make your heart warm inside.

Henry, the Prince of England, and Alex, son of the United States president have grown up together attending political events but absolutely despise each other, both thinking the other one is full of himself.

They get into an embarrassing and messy controversy at a Royal Wedding and are set up to fix their public relations nightmare by convincing the world they are best friends.

Beginning to learn more about each other, Henry and Alex realize they have more in common than they originally thought, and they start to fall in love. But will their love be strong enough to protect their families’ very important legacies and jobs?

“Red, White & Royal Blue” allows you to forget about the hardships in your life, hysterically laugh and fall deeply in love with these characters. – Madison Rush

“Barbie”

Hi Barbie! Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie, and Ryan Gosling took the summer by storm with the Warner Brothers Studio movie sensation: “Barbie.” Highly anticipated since the first trailer was released on Dec. 15, 2022, the movie premiered on July 21, 2023.

Gerwig did a phenomenal job directing this powerful movie and inspiring women everywhere. This is not Gerwig's first successful female themed film, as she is famously known for her impressive films “Lady Bird” (2017) and “Little Women” (2019).

Robbie fully stepped into the role of Barbie, as she spoke about how she brought Gosling pink gifts every day on set. Robbie also wore pink during every press interview or movie premiere, absolutely embodying the essence of the character Barbie.

Gosling also spoke about his development into his role as Ken, stating that he drew inspiration from his daughters and how they played with Ken. Gosling also pitched and performed the song “I’m Just Ken,” exemplifying his “Kenergy.”

This blockbuster hit overtook cinemas with the “Barbieheimer” trend, as did the competing film “Oppenheimer,” directed by Christopher Nolan. “Barbie” set an astounding amount of records: biggest grossing movie of 2023, biggest opening by a female director, biggest opening for a toy based film and many more.

“Barbie” was a summer high among men and women, however there was a sense of unity and emotion between women everywhere. The joy of dressing in pink and attending the film with your mother or daughter was shared all across the world. Truly this film united women everywhere, empowering them how Barbie was intended to do 63 years ago. – Grace Bowman

“The Little Mermaid”

“The Little Mermaid” is the latest addition to Disney’s live action remake collection, and the best since Lily James’s “Cinderella” in 2015.

It’s a dangerous game for Disney to keep reinventing classic stories instead of creating new ones, but “The Little Mermaid” felt like a beautiful enhancement of the 1989 animated film.

Ariel and Eric’s chemistry is palpable even when Ariel can’t speak, mostly due to Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King’s stellar chemistry.

All of the songs from the original film appear in this version, plus 3 original songs penned by Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The new songs and tweaked plot points kept “The Little Mermaid” exciting, even if the viewer had watched the animated film a million times before.

The theater atmosphere during the film’s release week was similar to “Barbie,” with young girls dressed up in mermaid outfits and face glitter.

The entire experience was so joyful, and it proved that Disney still has the magical ability to make anyone feel like a kid again. – Kaitlyn Murphy

Sophia D’Ovidio is a third-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email sgd5184@psu.edu.

Madison Rush is a second-year majoring in public relations. To contact her, email mkr5957@psu.edu.

Grace Bowman is a third-year majoring in biology and minoring in psychological sciences. To contact her, email gab5585@psu.edu

Kaitlyn Murphy is a second-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email kvm6255@psu.edu