Summer Cinema.

Ferosh.

No particular reason, but I am in love with that zebra. That fabulous, (fake?) neon zebra.

Anyyywayyyss... HAPPY FRIDAY my friends! Just in time for these warm summer nights, I thought I'd send you off into the weekend with a list of some of my most favorite summer movies (plus 2 to get excited about seeing in theaters). So when the sun goes down, you've finished admiring the fireflys and you're basking in the gloriousness that is air conditioning, consider one of these fabulous flicks. Have a great weekend!!!

* Wet Hot American Summer (Trailer HERE)

Wet Hot American Summer

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Set on the last day of camp in 1981, "Wet Hot American Summer" follows a group of counselors (Janeane Garofalo, Paul Rudd, Michael Showalter, Molly Shannon, Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper and Christopher Meloni in what is arguably his greatest role... EVER) each trying to complete "unfinished business" before the day ends. Totally inappropriate and completely hysterical, this is a Merry Meri must watch for summer.

* Moonrise Kingdom (Trailer HERE)

Moonrise Kingdom

Though it only came out last summer, this endearing Wes Andersen black comedy sky rocketed to top of my favorites list immediately. Set on an island off of New England in the 60s, a young boy and girl fall in love and run away together. Concerned parents Bill Murray and Frances McDormand enlist local law enforcement Bruce Willis to search for their daughter while fearless khaki scout leader Edward Norton searches for the boy. And even with that cast, the most brilliant performances come from the kids... watch and love. 

* Almost Famous (Trailer HERE)

Almost Famous

This story of a teenaged aspiring writer who is "kidnapped by rock stars" is pure brilliance. Originally released in 2000 (with a killer soundtrack and gorgeous newcomer Kate Hudson!), Almost Famous is a semi-autobiographical tale (writer/director Cameron Crowe was a teenage writer for Rolling Stone) about coming of age during the tumultuous 1970s. Amazingly, life lessons about growing up, falling in love and the glamorous (rock n' roll) life will be relateable to people from every generation.

* Caddyshack (Trailer HERE)

Caddyshack

This movie is like a right of passage... every human on earth simply must see it. When an exclusive golf course (think rich old members and young, pathetic caddies) has to deal with a crass new member (Rodney Dangerfield) and a destructive dancing gopher (leave that to Bill Murray) classic 80s comedic hilarity ensues. From the infamous "doodie" scene to Chevy Chase's pursuit of prize money on the course, Caddyshack is a must see.

* Vicky Christina Barcelona (Trailer HERE)

Vicky Christina Barcelona

Another visit inside the brilliance that is Woody Allen's brain, I absolutely adore Vicky Christina Barcelona. The 2008 romantic dram-edy tells the story of two American women, who spend a summer in Barcelona and meet a sexy artist, (hell-o Javier Bardem!), who is attracted to them both and still in love with his mentally and emotionally unstable ex-wife (Penelope Cruz at her best). Charming, perfectly cast and set in gorgeous Spain, VCB is summer perfection. Bonus - the soundtrack is awesome as well! (Woody Allen runner up... Midnight in Paris) 

And to wrap this post up, (because blog formatting is a pain in the ass and I do have a full time job to contend with):

* Jaws (Trailer HERE). This movie absolutely terrifies me (still), but it's a summer classic and truly one of Spielberg's best. 

* Dazed and Confused (Trailer HERE). Before there was Wet Hot, there was Dazed and Confused. Anyone who has ever lived through the last day of school (1976 or otherwise) will love watching Matthew McConaughey, Parker Posey, Milla Jovovich and Ben Affleck play out the infamous day.

And two newbies getting much buzz for summer 2013:

The Way Way Back - From the creators of Little Miss Sunshine, with a stellar cast (and plenty of cameos) the Trailer for this Sundance darling had me cracking up! Can't wait to see it!

The Kings of Summer - Another film festival favorite, this movie is being compared to another summer classic, Stand by Me (which I must confess I've never seen... it's on the "to do list"!) Plus, anything with Ron Swanson in full beard deserves a shot. Trailer HERE.