IMDB.COMThe sudden temperature drop has turned a quick jog to the Esquire and/or a leisurely stroll to the Tivoli into contenders for a possible “Fear Factor” round. As the fleece flies out of the closet and the scarf reenters the playing field as an essential accessory, it is becoming increasingly popular to declare at least one evening a week a Blockbuster night. If you love dressing up for Pimps and Hos and other fraternity social gatherings, but want to avoid the walk of pain (wearing South Beach attire in thirty degree weather once the alcohol wears off), then take my advice. In order to simulate tropical locales and summer sands, crank up the heat, whip up some daiquiris, and push play.
National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
Directed by: Harold Ramis
Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo
This first film in the Chevy Chase family saga set still stands the test of time as the “it is so true it’s funny” portrayal of summer family vacations. Everyone has been on a family vacation from hell, but this one takes it to another level. From sibling rivalry to transporting dead relatives, this movie renders summer’s most dreaded nightmare: an all-inclusive vacation complete with twenty-four hour family bonding time. In one of Chase’s most hilarious scenes, he holds a guard at gunpoint at a Disneyesque theme park after finally arriving at it and finding it closed. After watching this summertime movie, full of family vacation gone awry, one becomes suddenly thankful for the miracle of snow.
Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
Directed by: David Wain
Starring: Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, Paul Rudd, Molly Shannon
This summer camp parody relates to anyone who has ever been to sleepaway camp and especially those of us who have labored as camp counselors. The whole movie portrays the last day of Camp Firewood in which all that could possibly go wrong occurs. The “last night of camp” antics ensue, from confessing your love to someone else to taking that much exaggerated final hour off. It takes place in the 80s, which is always added fun, and was filmed on location at a real overnight camp, Camp Towanda. This flick is sure to bring back those cherished or terrible memories of summer camp.
Miami Rhapsody (1995)
Directed by: David Frankel
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Gil Bellows, Antonio Banderas
With the backdrop of Will Smith’s favorite city and a close up of Sarah Jessica Parker, this film could be called “Sex in the City of Miami.” This movie exposes a dysfunctional but loving family fighting and feasting close to the equator. After learning of her parents’ respective affairs, Gwyn (Parker) begins to question her own upcoming decisions. Parker’s character analyzes her life and family’s problems and, like her alter ego Carrie, breaks up with her a fianc‚ without a justifiable reason. The streets of South Beach and the salsa soundtrack will have everyone counting down till Spring break.
My Father the Hero (1994)
Directed by: Steve Miner
Starring: Gerard Depardieu, Katherine Heigel
This father/daughter dramedy involves an estranged father’s attempt to reconnect with his teenage daughter through a week of emotional confessions and apologies intertwined with water sports. Although a Club Med vacation can’t make up for an empty childhood, the five star accommodation right on the beach of the Bahamas is a start. Beneath the sand and beach umbrellas lies a complicated but intriguing love story in which the pre-teen convinces the whole island (especially the cute cabana guy) that the man she is with is her lover, not her middle aged French father.