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Culture / Michelle Langston

10 Films to Watch This Independence Day

Looking to beat the heat this July 4^th holiday?  There are lots of great movies in the theater right now, including Ted, The Amazing Spider-Man and People Like Us.  Once you’ve been to the theater, then you might want to check out one of the films listed in Moroch Entertainment’s Ten Films for July 4^th:

George Washington

Houston Publicist, Jason Price said, “Before writer/director David Gordon Green entered the mainstream with Pineapple Express, he debuted with this little-seen masterpiece. It’s the best movie Terrence Malick never made. And its final scene—at a Fourth of July parade—is, like the rest of the film, the perfect mixture of bitter and sweet.”

The Patriot

Set during the American Revolution, this Roland Emmerich film stars Mel Gibson as a farmer who takes up arms to lead the Colonial Militia during the American Revolution.  And there’s plenty of talent in this cast, which includes Heath Ledger, Joely Richardson, Tom Wilkinson and Chris Cooper.  Jason Isaacs rounds out the group as the villainous British officer, Col. William Tavington, who was based on the real British military leader, Lt. Colonel Banastre Tarleton.

The Sandlot

Long summer days, time at the pool, and a baseball-eating dog named “The Beast” make this film one that is viewed often in our home.  Dallas Publicist, Lawrence Wilczewski said, “Not only a great film, but it takes you back to the days when the only thing that mattered was spending time with your friends and being outdoors. “

Saving Private Ryan

We find it impossible to put together a list of films to watch on Independence Day without mentioning Steven Spielberg’s quintessential war film, set during the invasion of Normandy.  For me, no other war film comes close to the realism depicted in the battle scenes, or the horror, fear and bravery it took from the soldiers that comprise what has been called America’s “Greatest Generation.”

Independence Day

Roland Emmerich makes a second appearance on our list, with this sci-fi favorite starring Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman.  Dallas Publicist, Lawrence Wilczewski says, “Well this film just kicks a$$!”  Dallas Production Artist, Casey Heim adds, “The name says it all.”  And let me add this: Jeff Goldblum has never looked better!

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

When Mr. Smith (Jimmy Stewart) fills a vacant seat in the U.S. Senate, he finds himself embattled with the status quo. Honest Mr. Smith refuses to back down, even when faced with bribery and personal scandal.  Dallas Senior Partner, Cristi Sliter said, “I love this film.  Talk about getting back to basics.  Watching Jimmy Stewart’s speech to his fellow senators makes me cry every time!”   Maybe politicians today should all be required to watch this classic before taking the oath of office.

The Deer Hunter

Michael Cimino’s post-Vietnam era film is a gritty, emotional look at how war changes the lives of people in one small town.   Florida Publicist, Andrea Salazar said, “It not only depicts a very realistic side to war, but also gives a heartbreaking look at the lives of people before and after war, and the tragedies that it encompasses.  Robert DeNiro and Christopher Walken’s performances are powerful.  While definitely a very sad film to watch, it captures the tragedies of war in a very profound way.”

Forrest Gump

It seems hard to believe that this film was released 18 years ago. Yet it remains a favorite, showing up on many of our publicists’ personal July 4^th movie lists.  Florida Publicist, Melissa Slattery said, “I absolutely love this movie and it’s a film that shows true patriotism and loyalty. Forrest also becomes involved in some of the greatest moments in American history, so I feel this is one of the best films of all time to celebrate 4th of July!

Stripes

Bill Murray is one of my favorite actors, and Stripes is one of my favorite comedies.  When John (Bill Murray) and Russell (Harold Ramis) find themselves unhappy with their jobs, they enlist in the army.  Throw in John Candy and John Larroquette, along with Warren Oates as the Drill Sergeant from hell, and you’ve got comedy greatness.  That’s the facts, Jack!

The American President

This romantic comedy stars Michael Douglas and Annette Bening as a widowed president and a lobbyist who fall in love.  Dallas Partner, Sally Smolenski says, “This film is great any time of the year, but especially for 4th of July. It has romance and humor in a patriotic setting plus a good-guy/bad-guy element. What’s not to love?”

Michelle Langston is the Director of Social Media Strategies for Moroch Entertainment. You can follow her on Twitter at @WhenToyzAttack.

(Photos from imdb.com)

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