Since the weather is going to be mediocre this weekend, and you are probably still recovering from the three days of partying last week in honor of the Flag Day-Father’s Day-Bloomsday holiday trifecta, Bwog enlisted newbie critic Brandon Hammer to brainstorm some classic and not-so-classic films that would fall into the general category of appropriate summer rentals.

Nostalgic for Camp: Heavy Weights (1995)

For those whose greatest memories of summer are when they could escape from their parents, school, and everything else at camp, Heavy Weights will bring you back to these more innocent times. Co-written by Judd Apatow, Heavy Weights is the story of a group of overweight boys, whose historically fun Camp Hope is taken over by a weight-loss maniac (played by Ben Stiller). What follows is the oppression, and subsequent rebellion, of the campers. The film is hilarious with great acting by Stiller and Tom Hodges, whose character (Lars) is a hysterically funny uber-European exercise fanatic.

The Traveler: L’Auberge Espagnole (2002)

Though the majority of this film does not actually take place in the summer, L’Auberge Espagnole will resonate with anyone who sees the season as the time to travel and explore. A Franco-Spanish production, it’s the story of French student, Xavier (Roman Duris), who journeys to Barcelona in order to learn more about Spain and other European countries. After getting an apartment with a bunch of other Europeans from all over the continent, Xavier has the opportunity to explore their various cultural traditions and philosophies. Cameos include some stereotypical British folk and Amelie star Audrey Tautou.

The Entire Class of 2008: The Graduate (1967)

One word: Plastics. For those who are feeling unfulfilled and lost — “ennui” is the term you post-grads throw around — or just enjoy a good Simon and Garfunkel track, The Graduate is the story of Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), who returns home from college at the top of his class, but incredibly unsatisfied. He perversely finds fulfillment by sleeping with the wife of his father’s partner, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) until, that is, he falls for her daughter. Fraught with exceptional direction by Mike Nichols as well as an unforgettable cast, The Graduate taps into that post-adolescent sense of uncertainty and rebelliousness.

The Romantic: Dirty Dancing  (1987)

For those who dream of summers of love with hot, unclean dancing and plenty of the necessary drama, Dirty Dancing is the perfect film. Due to a quirk of fate, Baby (Jennifer Grey), who has minimal dance experience, ends up offering to substitute in a performance with Johnny (Patrick Swayze). Through her elaborate training, Baby falls for Johnny, against the wishes of her strict but loving father. With great music and a passionate love story, Dirty Dancing is the perfect film for those who see summer as the season to fall in love.