Throwback edition: Summer movies that will take you back in time

“Summer romances begin for all kinds of reasons, but when all is said and done, they have one thing in common. They're shooting stars, a spectacular moment of light in the heavens, fleeting glimpse of eternity, and in a flash they're gone.” I click pause. My heart is full (for the umpteenth time, might I add). I had just finished watching the Notebook, again. Summer movies are everything you’d imagine them to be, charming, fun, filled with moments laughter, tear-inducing at times, bitter-sweet, but heart-warming through it all. These are the movies that allow you to slow down and take a pause—(it’s summer after all). They fill you up with a desire to have the same, once-in-a-lifetime kind of adventure. So, we created a summer movie watch list (throwback edition) with films that will take you back to yesteryear and leave you feeling warm, nostalgic, and smiling from ear to ear. The best part? There’s something for everyone. 

Parent Trap 

There’s nothing more summery, than this Disney classic. The film, starring Lindsay Lohan (in a double role), along with Natasha Richardson and Dennis Quaid follows the story of a pair of twins separated at birth due to a divorce and meeting eleven years later at a summer camp. When two find out, they make it their mission to get their parents back together. The film is replete with moments of laughter, and is the perfect movie to watch on sunny day, with your beau. 

Dirty Dancing 

This 1987, romantic drama is as summer as summer could get. Starring Patrick Swazye and Jennifer Grey, the film follows the journey of two characters from opposing worlds, who meet at a holiday resort. He teaches dance and she has two left feet—until she doesn’t. The two spend the summer dancing with each other which turns into a steamy summer romance. And if this hasn’t convinced you yet, watch it for the final performance as the duo dances to the iconic number, Time of My Life. We promise you won’t regret it. 

Golmaal 

Here’s a major throwback for all the Hindi film buffs. Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, this 1979 comedy is all you need for a good laugh in the middle of summer. The gist? A man’s simple lie to secure his job, escalates into a whirlwind of lies that show up in the most hilarious scenes throughout the course of the film. We’d definitely recommend watching it with your family and friends, after a lazy Sunday brunch. 

Wake up Sid 

A personal favourite, Wake up Sid is testament to Mumbai’s summer—sweltering heat, Alphonso mangoes, and pretty sunsets. When the new girl to the city, Aisha meets, Sid, a fresh graduate with no ambitions, their worlds collide in unimaginable ways. He moves into her a studio apartment, when he leaves his house in a fit of rage and the two embark on a journey that is everything cute, nonchalant and simple. As the sunshine season comes to an end, so does the film, and gives a glimpse of the onset of Mumbai monsoons. 

Notebook 

Starring Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling, the Notebook is based on the bestselling book by Nicholas Sparks of the same name. The film follows the story of a young Noah and Allie, both from different worlds who meet one summer and fall in the kind of love that cannot be described. The story goes back and forth in time, and shows the two as elderly citizens with Allie struggling with Alzheimer and a Noah, reading out of his diary, their love story to remind her of him. We’re not crying, you are. 

High School Musical 

A forever, personal favourite, the High School Musical trilogy is the throwback you didn’t know you needed. It takes you back to Disney’s good old days—Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens trying to make their relationship work, uber-cool dance moves, some over-the-top drama from Sharpay, and a little bit of ‘We’re all in this together,’ at the end. I watched the series a few days ago, and it was hundred per cent worth every minute. 

Bend it like Beckham 

Long before Never Have I Ever released, Bend it like Beckham, directed by Gurinder Chadha, was one of the first movies that shed light on the life of the Indian diaspora abroad. This film follows the journey of Jess (short for Jasminder) bends the rules of her Punjabi household to follow her passion and play for a women's football team. Through the chaotic conversations, wedding preparations, a visit to the hospital, Jess is ultimately able to convince her parents to let her play the game she loves, without pressurising her into conforming to conventions.