Summer Movies that Shine (No Sunscreen Required)

We've got a long weekend ahead of us, Sparklers, so why not spend a few hours (or, ahem, days) at the movies? Sparkler hootie08 makes some summer picks in this post! —SparkNotes Editors

Summer is finally in full swing: School is out, people are flocking to the public pool, and the summer movie lineup is oozing with star-studded, action-packed appeal. There is something about summer movies that always gets me excited, and this summer is not one to disappoint. I have only just begun to dip into the flood of summer blockbusters thus far, but here are some on my to-see list:

Comedy: The Hangover
The Hangover is definitely the movie that all of my friends are talking about. The plot: A Vegas bachelor party goes extremely wrong. Doug (played by cutie Justin Bartha) along with his two buddies (Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms) and his future brother-in-law (insanely funny Zach Galifianakis) set off for a pre-wedding adventure in Las Vegas. After partying a little too hard their first night, Doug’s friends must work together to solve the mysteries of what happened so that they can find Doug, who has mysteriously disappeared, all while suffering from the worst hangovers ever encountered. The movie is full of raunchy-funny jokes and mishaps from start to finish. The Hangover is a definite must-see for a much-needed laugh.

Action: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
The sequel to the live action Transformers movie starring Shia LaBeouf and overnight sensation Megan Fox hit theaters on June 24. From what I have seen, this movie seems to have everything. Intense action? Check. Special effects? Check. Co-starring cuties? Check. Transforming robots with personalities and feelings? Check. Whether or not you have seen the first Transformers film, I believe Revenge of the Fallen is one of those movies that you just need to check out as soon as it hits theaters.

Drama: My Sister’s Keeper
What is a summer movie lineup without a good tearjerker? You can surely find that and more in My Sister’s Keeper, which opened June 26. Honestly, I was sucked in by the theatrical trailer. From the director of The Notebook (sigh) and based on the best-selling novel by Jodi Picoult, this film stars Cameron Diaz (where has she been for the last few years, btw?), Alec Baldwin, and Abigail Breslin. When the Fitzgeralds’ daughter Kate is diagnosed with leukemia, they conceive another child, Anna (Breslin), specifically in order to save Kate’s life. After 11 years of hospital stays and procedures, little Anna decides to hire a lawyer (Baldwin) and put up a fight for the rights to her own body. Sounds intense, huh? I don’t know about you, but I'm already hooked.

Not enough? Some other movies that look interesting and are worth checking out include Year One with Jack Black and Superbad’s Michael Cera, Disney/Pixar’s 3-D adventure UP, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (mark your calendars, muggles: July 15 worldwide).

Seen any movies the rest of the world needs to hear about? Leave a comment and tell us all about it!