Happy Thursday! Today Iām resurfacing some old recommendations because summer has me booked and blessed ā youāll have fresh recs next week. Speaking of summer, here are three summer-based comedies about friendship (and maybe more). If you know someone that might like this newsletter, share it with them:
A long read for the weekend: Five NY Times Critics gave their commentary on the ongoing controversy surrounding In the Heights, the movie adaptation of Lin-Manuel Mirandaās Broadway musical. They discuss colorism, Hollywoodās resistance to change, and accountability.
Happy Pride Weekend, NYC! Stay safe, stay hydrated, and show the world who we are. I love you. ā¤ļøš³ļøāš
Support the Girls šŗ
Support the GirlsĀ follows the lives of a group of waitresses at a Hooters-like restaurant in Texas. In particular, the manager Lisa (Regina Hall) and her two friends and employees Macy (Haley Lu Richardson) and Danyelle (Shayna McHayle) as they throw a car wash fundraiser to help a co-worker. [Trailer]
Why you should watch it:Ā When it comes to movies with heart,Ā Support the GirlsĀ might have the biggest heart of all. Thereās not much of a plot to speak of ā itās just a day in the life of this diverse group of women āĀ but what it lacks in story it makes up for in complex and deeply human characters that leave you wanting to be a better friend, co-worker, and person. It also helps the Regina Hall gives the best performance of her career (even better than this) and one of the best of the decade.
As one character notes, you cry until you laugh and you laugh until you scream. IfĀ Support the GirlsĀ wants you to walk away with one thing itās that itās okay to do all those things. Life is frustrating. Just take it one day at a time. 91 mins.
Booksmart š
Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) have been friends since childhood, but have never connected with their classmates who they have always seen as slack offs. However, on the eve of their high school graduation, they find out that those same āslack offsā have gotten into the same top universities as they did. Determined to not let high school go to waste, they have a hilariously debaucherous (and sometimes illegal) Grad night. [Trailer]
Why you should watch it: I donāt think Iāve laughed harder at a movie in theaters. Thereās so much to admire aboutĀ Booksmart, Feldstein and Deverās charismatic performances, Wildeās assured directorial style, the supporting cast, the rich themes around identity and coming-of-age, but what makes it a delight is the humor. Wilde brings a natural rhythm to the movie that makes each joke and gag land with impact. And refreshingly, itās inoffensive and doesnāt rely on gross-out gags (what a concept!).
And likeĀ Game Night (šØbonus recommendation),Ā BooksmartĀ lets its jokes gestate without going for an easy punchline āĀ some take the entire movie to pay off. And while the goofs and gags are what keep it entertaining, there are some genuinely touching storylines, particularly with Deverās Amy. Sheās a groundbreaking queer character in broad comedy. 105 mins.
Palm Springs š“
When carefree Nyles (Andy Samberg) and reluctant maid of honor Sarah (Christin Millioti) have a chance encounter at a Palm Springs wedding, they donāt realize that their one-night stand is going to be a lot longer than they thought. [Trailer]
Why you should watch it:Ā The time loop movie has been done countless times across multiple genresāmost famously the Bill Murray comedyĀ Groundhog Day. Itās a genre in and of itself that seems like it couldnāt be made new again. However, directorĀ Max BarbakowĀ finds something fresh withĀ Palm Springs.Ā While the movieis certainly a playful romp, it has an engrossing plot and complete character arcs that are made even more interesting by the time loop.
As theĀ movietrudges forward through multiple upbeat montages, it takes time to slow down and spend real time getting to know Nyles and Sarah. Not only is it hilarious with rarely a minute without a joke, it never gets repetitive or boring. Which is a feat considering the entire plot is about a single day repeating over and over again. Itās not surprising this sold for such a large sum because this feels like a classic broad romantic comedy in the making.Ā For all its ridiculousness and trademark Lonely Island shenanigans, the movie has a strong beating heart. 90 mins. [Full review]
š½Ā P.S. You can seeĀ every movieĀ Iāve ever recommendedĀ right here.
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Ā Iām also a Tomatometer-approved critic on Rotten Tomatoes! You can find new movie reviewsĀ hereĀ andĀ here.