It’s the Summer! And as it’s been hot when writing the recommendations for this issue, we thought we’d replicate that feeling with readers by recommending films that feature heat: oppressive, awful heat, either as a character, a theme or the setting.
DIE HARD: WITH A VENGEANCE – Disney+
The first DIE HARD is obviously a masterpiece and one of the greatest action films of all time. The second is an underrated and underappreciated classic that is genuinely an excellent Christmas film. The third in the franchise, WITH A VENGEANCE is an interesting case: everyone unfortunate enough to see DIE HARD 4 & 5 knows that they’re awful, so 3 sits literally in the middle of the series and in terms of the quality of the series. As the theme for this issue suggests, it’s set during an oppressive summer which adds to the constant tension and makes for a great atmosphere. Tasked with solving a series of riddles and purposefully intriguing set-pieces, protagonist John McClane is much less the “superhero cowboy” we saw in DIE HARD and DIE HARD 2, and is this time teamed up with the ever-excellent, and relatively young, Samuel L Jackson. If you’ve never seen this, you’re missing out, even if you’re not a massive fan of action films.
THE KINGS OF SUMMER – ITVx
This is about as far away from DIE HARD as you can get, but it’s an easy recommendation. THE KINGS OF SUMMER is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that follows three teenage friends—Joe, Patrick, and the eccentric Biaggio—who, seeking freedom from their overbearing parents, decide to spend their summer building a house in the woods and living off the land. Joe envisions a utopia of independence, however the boys experience the highs and lows of adolescence, including conflicts, romantic interests, and the harsh realities of self-sufficiency. The film balances humor with heartfelt moments, highlighting themes of friendship, rebellion, and the bittersweet transition from youth to adulthood. Setting the film during the summer recalls the summers many of us had when younger, as the long, seemingly endless days provided endless possibilities. The picturesque cinematography captures that essence of a youthful summer adventure and is supported by a raft of charismatic performances, particularly by its young cast.
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD – Sky Cinema
It’s not often that we’ll recommend a film that isn’t available as part of a streaming app, but Sky Cinema is basically that these days, plus FURY ROAD is so good you have to see it, no matter how it’s available. Set in a scorched, desert wasteland where water and gasoline are scarce commodities, this post-apocalyptic action film features an oppressive heat that intensify he characters’ struggle for survival. The story follows Max Rockatansky, a lone wanderer captured by the tyrannical Immortan Joe’s War Boys. He teams up with Furiosa, a rebellious warrior (and now the star of her own film FURIOSA which was recently released) who has fled Joe’s Citadel with his five wives, seeking a green and fertile utopia known as the Green Place. The film is essentially one long chase sequence, and the relentless pursuit across the desert leads to explosive confrontations, vehicular combat, and daring escapes. Directed by George Miller, the film quickly gained a sterling reputation for doing action like very few films do, and for using editing to not only help tell the story, but genuinely develop the genre in new and exciting ways.
DO THE RIGHT THING
Not only this is this Spike Lee classic not available to stream, it’s also not available on any mainstream subscription service. But no list about “films that feature the summer” is valid without reference to DO THE RIGHT THING. ” Set on the hottest day of the year in a predominantly African-American neighborhood in Brooklyn, the sweltering heat exacerbates underlying racial tensions, culminating in a series of confrontations. The story centers on Mookie, a young African-American man working at Sal’s Famous Pizzeria. As the heat rises, so do the tempers of the neighborhood residents, leading to a climactic confrontation when Buggin’ Out, a local activist, demands the pizzeria feature photos of African-American figures on its Wall of Fame. The escalating tension results in conflict and to say much more would be giving away far too much, but you can probably see where things are heading. The film explores themes of racism, police brutality, and social injustice, with the oppressive summer heat serving as a backdrop that intensifies the characters’ emotions and actions. For a film that’s 35 years old, it’s still incredibly relevant and affecting.
THE FLORIDA PROJECT – Disney+
Directed by probably one of the greatest living directors, Sean Baker, THE FLORIDA PROJECT is set during a sweltering summer in a budget motel near Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The film follows six-year-old Moonee and her friends as they embark on mischievous adventures, exploring their vibrant yet precarious world. Moonee’s young, rebellious mother, Halley, struggles to make ends meet, resorting to increasingly desperate measures. The bright Floridian summer serve as a contrast to the children’s innocent escapades and the harsh economic realities faced by the adults that is all too real and too common, especially during the long summer months. However, Baker’s film poignantly highlights the resilience and imagination of childhood amid their hardship and makes for a compelling watch.
Ian Moreno-Melgar is an educational consultant to the British Film Institute, is a published author of film education textbooks and is psyched about THAT Marvel casting news.
