GUEST EDITORIAL: 9 Perfect Films for Outdoor Movie Night
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9 Perfect Films for Outdoor Movie Night
by Kevin Gardner
There's nothing that says spring has sprung more than a barbecue and outdoor movie night. Invite your favorite people and keep your movie choices light, charming and fun!
Beach Movies
When spring hits you find yourself obsessed with ideas to get more sunlight. If you've found yourself creating a new Pinterest page for pool designs and asking your friends for a review of solar companies, then what could be better than a movie night celebrating fun in the sun? For some light-hearted, goofy fun that will keep you laughing and not require any deep introspection, some classic beach movies are the perfect choice for your springtime movie-fest.
The first two Gidget movies from 1959 and 1961 are beach movies at their best. The original, aptly titled Gidget, was moviegoers' first introduction to the title character and is played with innocence and humor by the amazing Sandra Dee. It's a simple coming of age comedy that maintains its charm even today. The second movie, Gidget Goes Hawaiian, is a continuation of the story of Gidget's romance with her first great love - Moondoggie.
Of course, you can't have a beach movie night without some Frankie and Annette beach party movies. These movies were so popular, that they made a staggering seven of them in the years between 1963 and 1967. They single-handedly made the bikini the new beachwear for girls. They're all silly and fun but if you only have time for one, make it Beach Blanket Bingo. It's the fifth movie in the series but considered the best by fans.
Romantic Comedies
Romantic comedies are the perfect outdoor movie selections! Lay out some colorful blankets, light a fire in the firepit and snuggle up with your favorite person.
The first choice would be 50 First Dates. This movie is a treat from beginning to end. Showcasing the wonderful duo of Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, this film is seriously funny and the chemistry between Barrymore and Sandler makes for some heartwarming romance. Secondary characters are awesome in this movie. Sean Astin (Sam in The Lord of the Rings) is hilarious as the lead character's lisping, wanna-be bodybuilder brother.
Bridget Jones’ Diary is another screwball romantic comedy with enough romance in it to induce some heartfelt sighs. Renee Zellweger is quite lovely in this role and with co-stars Colin Firth and Hugh Grant there is more than enough British humor, charm and dry wit to go around.
Last but not least is the award-winning Four Weddings and a Funeral. Although this little film was nominated for just about every major award, many people haven't seen it. It's a delightful ensemble film about a group of friends as they search for love over the course of four hilarious weddings and an absolutely heartbreaking funeral.
Musicals
Movie musicals are a no-brainer for outdoor movie nights. The trick is to choose movies that everyone has seen before so that you get the added treat of hearing your usually conservative neighbor break out in song - and if you're very lucky he'll know the choreo too!
Start off with Mama Mia! Along with two hours of every single one of your favorite ABBA songs, this movie features an amazing cast that includes Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Amanda Seyfried and Julie Walters. It's a movie about love of all kinds - the love of a parent for their child, the love between a group of friends, and of course, romantic love.
If you haven't seen High School Musical you absolutely should. It's wholesome, sweet and filled with foot-tapping songs and some really great choreography. Give it a shot, you won't regret it. It's way more fun than you think it will be.
If you want another movie that just about everyone is going to be able to sing along with, you can't go wrong with Grease. Between the bopping 50s style music and the blatantly corny style, there's no way this movie will play all the way through without someone getting on their feet to sing along while using an ice cream spoon as a microphone.
Your movie night cannot fail with any of these choices. So, heat up the grill, call some friends and get ready for a fantastic night!
