Silver screen shines in 2024 summer season

If you’re looking for something to do after the pool parties, barbecues and fireworks wind down, the movies always offer an entertaining respite from the summer heat. From the end of the world to AI scams and even emotions running wild, your new favorite film could be a ticket away.

‘A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE’

Searching for some summer screams? Check out “A Quiet Place: Day One.” Set in an apocalyptic New York City in the early stages of an otherworldly invasion with her cat, Sam quickly forges an alliance with Eric as they attempt to survive bloodthirsty creatures triggered at the slightest sound. As a fan of the franchise, it’s exciting to delve back in, and as a New York native, this is terrifying.

If you’re a newcomer to the trilogy, don’t sweat it! This film serves as a prequel and end cap, meaning you can safely walk into the theaters with fresh eyes. The flick is reminiscent to movies like “The Day After Tomorrow,” “Cloverfield” and “The Invasion of The Body Snatchers,” and the characters unveil the truth and learn what it means to survive. It’s an action and horror film defined by killer sound design and masterful cinematography, as well as standout performances from the entire cast. The film also inspired an original house at the upcoming Halloween Horror Nights next month, an event Universal Studios Florida showcases each year.

‘THELMA’

Looking for some laughter? You’ll love “Thelma!” After being defrauded $10,000 from phone scammers pretending to be her grandson, a 93-year-old grandmother named Thelma Post sets out on a mission to get it all back. It’s an action, comedy and unique coming-of-age film. The 97-minute runtime is heavily focused on themes of family, control and aging. It’s a heartwarming true story that happened to the writer/director's grandmother, a situation that affects roughly 300,000 people each year. June Squibb, who plays Thelma, is featured in her first leading film role of her more-than-70-year career.

‘INSIDE OUT 2’

Finally, for something the whole family can enjoy, try “Inside Out 2,” where you can work through your emotions with animated characters. Whether you’re angry because of scams or fearful after a horror story, this is a perfect way to take your mind off it. This sequel transports you into the world, and mind, of Riley Andersen on the brink of puberty, which as we all know, comes with a range of startling, new emotions. As headquarters experiences massive changes, Anxiety, Ennui, Embarrassment and Envy arrive. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust find themselves lost inside mind islands while embarking on a journey of what it means to welcome new, complex emotions. Like all Pixar films, under the bright animations, the filmmakers address deep themes and conflict that everyone can relate to.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

These picks have something for everyone with engaging cinematography, captivating stories and characters that beg to stick around long after the credits roll. So, if your summer takes you to a theater near you, be sure to consider one of these films. See you at the movies!