2021 Summer Movie Season - Month By Month Recaps

 

SMS Month 1 Recap (May/June)

Happy hump day followers. As of today, we have reached the conclusion of month 1 of the 2021 SMS. It was an unorthodox start to the season given its later start than usual but that doesn’t mean the films that were released lacked in value or showmanship. Before we move on to Month 2, let’s break down all the films we experienced this month in our first monthly recap of the season.

A Quiet Place Part II

The sequel to one of the most uniquely crafted films in the horror genre started the season off strong with a second chapter that expanded the world and advanced the development of its characters. This is slowly turning into one of the most intriguing franchises in the industry and one can only hope that momentum continues as the story moves forward.

Cruella

Disney’s latest live-action outing gave us the definitive origin story of one of the most twisted villains in the studio’s history. Emma Stone captured the by any means necessary vibe of the character that makes this character so entertaining and terrifying. Pair that with an equally awesome performance from Emma Thompson and Craig Gillespie’s sharp direction and you have a film that is as fabulously twisted as its title character.

In The Heights

A movie that was full of life, music, heart, and pride brought some breathtaking sense of scale and musical prowess to the table became the musical event of the summer. Lin Manuel Miranda's play turned motion picture benefited from an all-star cast of predominantly Latino descent which greatly helped with authenticity and cultural relevance as so many were able to see themselves not as stereotypes but as actual people. A strong example of the power of representation and the impact it can have on the world you want to be displayed. 

Luca

Pixar's latest endeavor showcased a unique animation style with a story that was small in scale but extremely personable in every way. Pixar continues to deliver stories that entertain, enlighten and inspire and Luca is no exception. A heartfelt film that showcases the importance of getting out of your comfort zone and living your life without fear.

F9: The Fast Saga

Dom and company returned to theaters to make up for lost time. After not being able to share their latest adventure with audiences due to COVID, the ninth installment of the Fast and Furious franchise brought the series to what I believe is the peak of its potential in terms of action. While there are a lot of loose threads that I'm eager to see tied up before the series' upcoming two part finale, F9 The Fast Saga was worth the wait and made the wait for the next installment that much harder to bare.

Here is a Numbers Breakdown on How the Following Films Did Financially and Among Critics

Best Box Office Numbers (As of June 30th, 2021)

1. F9:The Fast Saga: $412.2 million

2. A Quiet Place Part II: $249.5 Million

3. Cruella: $184.5 Million 

4. In The Heights: $30.1 Million 

Best Critical Success (via. Rotten Tomatoes)

1. In The Heights (96% Certified Fresh)

2. The Secret Life of Pets 2 (91% Certified Fresh)

3. Luca (89% Certified Fresh)

4. Cruella (74% %)

5. F9: The Fast Saga (60%)

What was your favorite movie you saw this month? Stay tuned for more recaps throughout the season as well as tomorrow's Month 2 preview. Till next time.