Stevie Stigall | Staff Writer
July 26, 2023
Waves
Waves is a 2019 film produced by A24 split into two parts with two protagonists. The first part follows the oldest son, Tyler Williams, as he deals with an injury that’ll hinder his ability to wrestle for the rest of his senior year and an unexpected pregnancy from his girlfriend. The movie shows the downward spiral Tyler goes on as he results to violence, substance abuse and anger to solve his issues. After a traumatic event in the Williams family, the point of view shifts from Tyler to his sister, Emily Williams. It shows her life after dealing with her trauma and becoming a social outcast. It has a gorgeous soundtrack, gorgeous cinematography and an amazing plot dealing with romantic and non-romantic love.
Booksmart
Booksmart is a comedy movie following two high school seniors the day before their graduation. The two main characters are Molly and Amy who have a goal to confess to their crushes about their feelings and just have fun. Over their four years of high school, they spent all of their time studying and doing academic things instead of the more cliché and fun activities of high schoolers. Molly and Amy go to a party on their last day before summer break starts but their friendship is tested and conflicts arise when trying to pursue their last chance of fun. The movie is hilarious and full of lovable characters.
The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club is a cult classic film from the 1980s that breaks down and dismantle a few high school stereotypes. The movie places five students in detention of different cinematic archetypes. It poses the question: can the jock, the nerd, the princess, the outcast and the delinquent get along? They find friendship and similarities in their hardships and find a way to bond with each other. Although some parts show the age of the movie, it’s a feel good movie that reminds the audience that your background doesn’t matter and you can connect with anyone.
Moonrise Kingdom
Wes Anderson tackles the trials and tribulations of love as a preteen in his film Moonrise Kingdom. The movie is set in 1965 and follows the love story of twelve year olds, Sam and Suzy. Fueled by puppy love, Sam and Suzy escape from their homes and go out to the wilderness to be together. However, a storm is coming and they need to be rescued before they are harmed by the tumultuous weather. Moonrise Kingdom is a heartwarming movie with Wes Anderson’s signature bright colors which adds to the aesthetics of the film.
Skate Kitchen
Skate Kitchen is an incredibly entertaining skate film that explores adolescence as a teenage girl searching for a place in the world. Camille is an 18 year old who has a passion for skateboarding, but her mother wants her to stop after sustaining an injury while skating. Instead of stopping her hobby, she goes to another skate park where she finds a group of girl skaters and joins their crew. Camille experiences the highs and lows of friendship and consequences of disobeying her mother. The movie has a raw vibe that makes the viewers feel like they’re skating alongside the crew and that’s what makes the film so appealing.
Real Women Have Curves
Real Women Have Curves is a film about self discovery and breaking suffocating traditions. It follows Ana Garcia, a senior in high school who is dealing with conflicts with her mother due to generational differences. She wants to go away from her home for college but is being held back from by her mother. Ana works in her mother’s factory during the summer and realizes she deserves to have more freedom and education than her mother is limiting her to. The movie deals with body image, learning to live for yourself and upholding or ignoring traditions. It’s a captivating film that can be relatable or eye opening to viewers.
Empire Records
Empire Records is a dramedy that shows hilarious workplace dynamics. The movie shows the adventure of the record shop, Empire Records, as they are threatened to go out of business and turned into a chain. The employees must figure out a way to stop the store from shutting down after a character causes the store to lose the money keeping them afloat. Empire Records is a fun and touching film that’ll make any music lover want to work in a movie store.
So scholars, once our five week adventure is over and we’re in the comforts of our home, tune in to one or all seven of these coming of age movies.
