CommRadio’s Top Movies of the Summer

Story posted August 30, 2022 in Arts & Entertainment by CommRadio Arts & Entertainment Department.

“Top Gun: Maverick”

There is no argument, in my opinion, that “Top Gun: Maverick” was the movie of the summer.

“Top Gun: Maverick” holds many similarities to its predecessor, “Top Gun”, such as revolving around Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell’s time spent at Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Course, also known as Top Gun. “Top Gun: Maverick”, however, also focuses on Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller.)

“Top Gun: Maverick” uses all the elements that made the original “Top Gun” a classic movie that appeals to all audiences. There are countless action-packed scenes that leave viewers on the edge of their seats, but also heartfelt scenes in which Mitchell (Tom Cruise), discusses his feelings for love-interest Penny Benjamin (Jennifer Connelly.) Both movies also have an iconic soundtrack.

“Top Gun: Maverick” revolves around Mitchell and Bradshaw’s relationship, as Bradshaw’s late father, “Goose”, was Mitchell’s co-pilot before an accident in the original movie. Bradshaw resents Mitchell for a number of reasons but must learn how to accept Mitchell as his superior.

I had a number of conversations concerning the quality of this film over the past several months and have yet to meet anyone who thinks this sequel to an already-iconic film was a bust. “Top Gun: Maverick” was a hit in more ways than one, and is certainly one of the best movies of this year.

- Rachel Newnam


“ELVIS”

With the hype surrounding “Top Gun: Maverick” early on in the summer, it seemed like nothing could beat its box office numbers and nonstop TikTok edits until a month later with the release of Baz Luhrmann’s “ELVIS.”

Focusing on Elvis Presley’s (Austin Butler) career-long relationship with his financially abusive manager Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), the film highlights the world’s infatuation with Presley, while also igniting that appeal to younger viewers.

In proper Luhrmann fashion, modern artists like Doja Cat and Eminem were featured alongside Elvis classics, fusing the two worlds together and giving the frenzies around Presley’s iconic hip shaking a new life.

The mastery of the soundtrack, the costume design, choreography, and overall cinematography embodied the Las Vegas Elvis flair that is known and loved so well.

The emotion and extravagance of “ELVIS” easily makes the visually captivating biopic the best movie of the summer.

- Megan Kelby


“Minions: The Rise of Gru”

This summer was necessary for the film industry as it was the first one uninterrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While there were great movies that came out, such as “Top Gun: Maverick” or “Elvis,” it was “Minions: The Rise of Gru” that saw the internet come together and make a trip to the theaters.

People dressed up in suits, prom dresses or as the Minions and Gru themselves, filling theaters as crowds cheered like it was the premiere of "Avengers: Endgame.”

Due to the ongoing internet trends surrounding this movie, the intended audience might not have been the driving factor in the $843.9 million made at the box office.

These TikTok trends weren’t the only things “Minions: The Rise of Gru” had going for it.

The “Despicable Me” franchise has consistently put out timelessly good movies. Seven years since “Minions,” this nostalgia likely motivated people to see it.

With Steve Carell returning to voice Gru and a stacked soundtrack, this 89-minute movie is a delightful watch with an even better theater experience.

Between the power of nostalgia and Gen Z’s commitment to the bit, “Minions: The Rise of Gru” became the movie of the people this summer.

- Sophia D’Ovidio


Rachel Newnam is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email ren5102@psu.edu

Megan Kelby is a third-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, email mkk5701@psu.edu.

Sophia D’Ovidio is a first-year majoring in communications. To contact her, email sgd5184@psu.edu.