Chapin Rockwell, Head Commentary Editor — “How to Train Your Dragon”

This summer, I’m really looking forward to fueling my post-grad energy into the live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon.” The original animated trilogy was not only visually stunning but emotionally powerful, blending epic adventure with heartfelt storytelling — at least that is how I felt at 7 years old. Watching Hiccup and Toothless grow together and build a bond that defied expectations left a lasting impression on fans of all ages, including me as I still rewatch it to this day.

Now, 15 years later, the idea of seeing that same world brought to life with real actors, detailed costumes and possibly even more breathtaking CGI dragons is incredibly exciting. There’s always a bit of nervousness when a beloved animated film is adapted into live-action, but if done right, this could be something truly special. I’m especially curious to see how the filmmakers capture the beauty of Berk, the skies filled with dragons and the unique personalities of characters like Stoick, and, of course, Toothless.

With Dean DeBlois, the director of the original trilogy, also directing the live-action version, I’m hopeful the film will stay true to the heart of the original story. Whether it’s nostalgia or the thrill of seeing a fantasy world come to life, this movie is at the top of my summer watchlist. I can’t wait to experience the magic all over again — this time on an even bigger scale.

Emma McCartan, Head News Editor — “The Summer I Turned Pretty”

If you scroll through summer inspiration posts on social media, I give it two minutes before you come across something with the quote, “Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August.” This quote comes from the book series “The Summer I Turned Pretty” (TSITP), which has been adapted for an Amazon Prime TV show with the third and final season coming out this summer. From its dreamy ocean shots to its soundtrack interspersed with all the current hits, most notably many Taylor Swift songs, TSITP embodies everything magical about summer. TSITP is by no means an Emmy-winning drama, but it is perfect for chasing that iconic summer feeling and for remembering that anything can happen.

While TSITP is one of the top teen dramas, it also tackles complicated issues and does not shy away from allowing its protagonists to be imperfect. The first two seasons grappled with a cancer battle, the effects of which drew some characters together but pushed others apart. TSITP gives its characters — and their relationships — room to change though, making it one of the more accurate portrayals of young adulthood that I have seen on TV. I am excited to see how the third season tackles changing relationship dynamics as the characters grow up (team Conrad, by the way).   

Speaking of — this third season, based on the book “We’ll Always Have Summer,” moves into Belly’s college years. I feel there is a lack of college-age representation on the big screen, but the TSITP trailer seemed to promise plenty of sweet on-campus moments. Summer is easy enough to romanticize so hopefully season three provides some academic year inspiration. No matter when the show is set, I am looking forward to gathering on the couch with my sisters on July 14 to receive a dose of idealized summer vibes.     

Olivia Miller, Assistant Arts & Features Editor — Campy Action Movie Lineup

So many of the action franchises we all know and love are on a roll this summer — between “Mission: Impossible,” the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Karate Kid,” “Fear Street,” “Jurassic World” and “Superman,” the summer of 2025 just might mark the revival of the classic, campy action movie. Our days will be filled with electric fight scenes and cheesy one-liners. Sure, the franchises might not be particularly introspective or even very good, but the theatrics and clichés offer the sort of uncomplicated entertainment and straightforward fun that we could all use some more of. Here are a few highlights to look out for.

Marvel Studios’ “Thunderbolts*” is out today, May 2, and as a certified Florence Pugh fanatic, you can bet I’ll be seated in the theater tonight, finals week be damned. “Thunderbolts*” is perhaps the defining movie of the upcoming era for Marvel Studios. The movie follows fan favorites, up-and-coming names and underdogs alike, but they each have a certain antihero flair that suggests the film will be Marvel’s most emo movie to date.

“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” is in theaters May 23. I think my mom is more excited for this movie than anyone else…but who doesn’t love a good spy film? “Mission: Impossible” takes the tropes and charms of the action genre and dials them up to 11. The upcoming eighth film in the franchise continues the plot line from “Dead Reckoning Part One” and follows protagonist Ethan Hunt as he keeps an artificial intelligence program out of the wrong hands.

“Superman” will hit theaters July 11, debuting David Corenswet as the new face of Clark Kent. The trailer promises a revival of old-school superhero movies, with its eye-catching color grading and awkward but captivating close-ups. “Superman” could be just what we need for a camp movie renaissance.