Most Anticipated Movies of Summer 2023
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”
Years after finding the Lost Ark, escaping the Temple of Doom and searching for the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones is back.
The Indiana Jones franchise is one of the most iconic movie franchises, action or otherwise, to hit cinemas and has been gracing fans with explosions, fights and riding off into the sunset for over forty years.
Harrison Ford will reprise his role as the titular character, who gets roped back into exploring to help his goddaughter, played by Phoebe-Waller Bridge. Mads Mikkelsen will play the villain, a former Nazi who is in control of the moon landing for NASA.
The trailer for the film, which premiered during the Super Bowl and at Star Wars Celebration, shows Jones with his iconic hat and whip set to the tune of “Raiders March.”
This will be the last time Ford plays his beloved character, and with all the hype around it, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” looks to take fans on the adventure of a lifetime. -Adrianna Gallucci
“Barbie”
Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” is set to release in theaters on July 21, 2023, and is one of the most exciting releases of the summer.
The film will be Gerwig’s fourth as a director, following the success of her previous movies. Her most recent movie, a 2019 adaptation of “Little Women'' was nominated for six Academy Awards and was very critically acclaimed. Gerwig’s 2017 film, “Lady Bird,” was also beloved and critically acclaimed, snagging 5 Academy Awards as well.
There is a lot of excitement for this movie’s release, and it will begin showing in theaters on the same day as another highly-anticipated summer release, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.”
Details of the plot are being kept a secret, but the movie is about a Barbie who has been expelled from Barbie Land and is set off to live in the human world.
The star-studded main cast is led by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling and also includes Will Ferrell, Emma Mackey, Issa Rae and America Ferrera. Helen Mirren is also featured as the narrator. – Izzy Charboneau
“No Hard Feelings”
The public has asked, and Jennifer Lawrence is ready to deliver.
While the slow return of the raunchy comedy has been happening, the new era of blockbuster comedy movies could finally be cemented with the Lawrence lead film “No Hard Feelings.”
Lawrence is one of the greatest actresses currently working. While she receives endless praise for her dramatic work, she has the comedic timing and wit of a professional comic.
There’s an argument that there aren’t “real” movie stars anymore, and Lawrence and “No Hard Feelings” should refute that statement.
An uncomfortable premise, R rating, viral trailer, stacked writing team and an audience longing for the classic comedy movies that were once everywhere should make this movie a slam dunk.
With the early 2000s Y2K aesthetic being what’s trendy right now, there’s no reason the popular movies shouldn’t reflect that as well. -Sophia D’Ovidio
“Oppenheimer”
The Emily Blunt Oscar campaign starts right now.
Yes, of the head-to-head July 21st “Oppenheimer” versus “Barbie” debate, it’s hard to envision that “Barbie” isn’t getting all the hype.
But this biographical Christopher Nolan film about the Manhattan Project isn’t going to disappoint. Cillian Murphy plays the titular character, and joining him is an ensemble of some of the greatest actors currently working.
Of course, the aforementioned Blunt, who seemingly puts out awe-inspiring performances year after year but gets no love from the academy. Florence Pugh could cement her place as one of Gen Z’s few legitimate movie stars.
Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon and Rami Malik are also cast in what will be the midnight rain to “Barbie’s” sunshine.
Nolan is one of the most influential directors of all time. Thanks to “Oppenheimer”, movie fans everywhere will get the double feature of a lifetime this summer. -Sophia D’Ovidio
“The Little Mermaid”
One of the most anticipated movies making a splash in theaters this summer is “The Little Mermaid”.
The live action stars Halle Bailey as Ariel and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula. Bailey’s performance is highly anticipated as this will be the first time Ariel will be portrayed as biracial.
This alone has fans very excited. Also, there is excitement for new renditions of the songs many grew up loving. Although there has been some controversy regarding the live action’s interpretation of iconic characters such as Flounder, Scuttle, and Sebastian.
May 26 is when the movie premiers and will set the family-friendly tone for movies being released this summer. - Savannah Swartz
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is easily one of the biggest movies of the season coming in June. The continuation of the Spider-Verse saga is sure to be a hit, especially with the proven success of the first installment of the universe.
Shameik Moore returns as the voice of Miles Morales as well as Hailee Steinfeld voices Gwen Stacey again in the film. The movie is set to build off the first film, with many different Spider-Men joining together to fight crime across the Spider-Verse.
Things all change when Miles has a disagreement with Miguel O’Hara, voiced by Oscar Isaac, leading to a battle across the Spider-Verse between all of the web-slingers.
What makes this movie so exciting is the elite animation that comes with the Spider-Verse saga. The animation in the first film was unbelievable and very different from any other film that Sony Animation had made, and the movie looks just as good this time around.
The story from the trailer also is very intriguing with the relationship between Miles and Gwen, as well as the intrigue with Peter B. Parker, voiced by Jake Johnson, with Parker having a child in the film.
With the insane animation, interesting story as well as a great cast makes Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse the most anticipated film of the summer this year. - Adam Sheetz
Adrianna Gallucci is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email amg7989@psu.edu.
Izzy Charboneau is a second-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email ijc5186@psu.edu.
Sophia D’Ovidio is a second-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email sgd5184@psu.edu.
Savannah Swartz is a second-year communications major. To contact her, email sms9072@psu.edu.
Adam Sheetz is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email ads360@psu.edu.
About the Contributors
Adam Sheetz
Junior / Broadcast Journalism
Adam Sheetz is a third year student from Reedsville, Pennsylvania majoring in broadcast journalism. He has been a broadcaster for WCHX 105.5 FM in Mifflin County covering high school sports. He has also been a member of CommRadio since his first semester at Penn State, being involved in both the Arts and Sports departments. Adam has extensive experience in a play-by-play setting within CommRadio, covering football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer and volleyball for the station. He has done written content for CommRadio ranging from Penn State football articles all the way to discussing Disney Channel movies. To contact Adam, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Sophia D'Ovidio
First-Year /
Sophia D’Ovidio is a first-year from Allentown, New Jersey. She is now a communications (undecided) major at Penn State University. Sophia intends on pursuing a career in journalism. Sophia writes for the CommRadio Arts department.
Savannah Swartz
Second-year / Advertising and Public Relations
Savannah Swartz is a second-year communications major, focusing on advertising and public relations. She is a member of the arts department.
Isabelle Charboneau
/ Journalism
Izzy Charboneau is a second-year student majoring in digital and print journalism. She is from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Izzy is in the news department and the arts and entertainment department of CommRadio. In the arts and entertainment department, she contributes to many listicles, writes reviews, participates in talk shows, and co-hosts a podcast. In the news department, she is on a weekly newscast and writes news stories. To contact her, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Adrianna Gallucci
Sophomore /
Adrianna Gallucci is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism and is one of CommRadio’s New Member Coordinators. She is also a broadcaster, journalist, podcaster and talk show guest. In addition, Adrianna is also a part of PSSN, TDAY Sports and AWSM. She hosts her own independent podcast, She’s All Bat: A New York Mets podcast. She is a huge Mets and Rangers fan and will always talk about pro wrestling. Adrianna wants to work in MLB, NHL or WWE as a journalist or an anchor. You can find her on Twitter at @agallucci17 or email her at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
