the stream state

Looking to kick your summer off with a movie? This list will recommend our 5 favourites to get you ready for the sunny season.

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Summer is finally here, and what better way to enjoy the warmer months than by sitting inside in the dark. This list will run through 5 of our picks of the best movies to watch as summer is setting in.

1. Stand By Me (1986)

Rob Reiner’s masterful adaptation of Stephen King’s 1982 novel ‘The Body’, follows a group of friends during a fateful summer adventure. After hearing rumours of a dead body in the woods, the boys set off in search of it. Along the way the group, (played by fantastic child actors Will Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell) uncover more than just a body, having to confront the realities of their own mortality and relationships with each other. An absolute classic, and the perfect movie to kick off your summer. 

2. Dazed and Confused (1993)

Dazed and Confused is Richard Linklater’s coming-of-age masterpiece, featuring one of the greatest movie soundtracks and some of the most iconic lines of all time. The film follows a group of teenagers as they navigate their last day of school in 1976. it is not confined to a single character or plot thread, which benefits the movie’s tone greatly, as it has a very uniquely relaxed feel which not many others have achieved before or since. If you want a chilled-out nostalgia trip, this is the ideal option.

3. Do the Right Thing (1989)

Possibly the best depiction of a summer’s day that is just too hot, Spike Lee’s seminal Do the Right Thing also happens to be one of the greatest films ever made. A scathing look at the state of American race relations, the movie manages to feel just as fresh as it did in 1989. Bursting with bright colours and exciting cinematography, Do the Right Thing should be enjoyed with a pizza on a scorching hot day in order for one to truly feel immersed in its atmosphere.

4. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

The most recent entry on our list, Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is essentially a summer hangout movie, putting you in the passenger seat of struggling actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), his stuntman and de-facto driver Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) and star actress Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie). Set in 1969 Hollywood, the film is rich with incredible sets, music and an underrated meandering plot, which results in one of the best, most exhilarating movie endings of the 21st century. Put this one on a lazy Sunday afternoon and get lost in the immerse of the intricately constructed world of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

5. The Endless Summer (1966)

The Endless Summer is a surf documentary film released in 1966. Bruce Brown directs, produces, edits, narrates and features in this semi-autobiographical look at the surfing trip of a lifetime. The film looks fantastic, featuring some unbelievable shots of vintage surf, taken from a diverse range of locations from New Zealand to Ghana. Scored by lesser-known surf-rock band The Sandals, The Endless Summer is the perfect summer movie, and deserves a larger reputation than the one it currently holds.

That was 5 of the best summer movies, perfect for the beginning of the season. Check back next week for posts like this one.

Looking for the best place to get movie merchandise but not sure where to start? This list will provide 4 great websites to get you started.

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Seen a film you loved and want to get some merch to show your support? These websites will give you some excellent examples to help you decide where to buy from.

1. Last Exit To Nowhere

Last Exit To Nowhere is our first pick for the list. Established in 2007, the website primarily focuses on artist-focused designs, from T-shirts to other merchandise. They have had merch commissioned for a number of studios such as Pixar, Universal and many more, and this is reflected in their unique collections and approach to movie merchandise. If you want to support an artist-first business, with interesting designs and reasonable prices, visit the link below.

2. MovieMania

Changing gears slightly, MovieMania caters for the fan who wants something even more than personal than a T-shirt or a mug. MovieMania sells genuine movie props and ‘cinematic rarities’, from a stack of chips from Elvis (2022), to a signed replica of the shark gun from Bond film Live and Let Die (1973). Whilst these items fetch understandably high prices, the products sold here are singular pieces of history. For a super-fan of one of these films, this could be the perfect purchase.

3. Boutique Home Video

With the rise in popularity of boutique Blu-ray DVDs, there are now a number of top labels all producing artful editions of your favourite movies. From BFI to Criterion, the choice is bigger than ever for those looking to expand their physical collection. UK-based Boutique Home Video makes it easy to pick your next movie, containing one of the largest online collections of specifically boutique labels, meaning you do not have to seek out each labels collection individually. Every purchase is shipped for free, and with a 2-Day guarantee, it could be the choice for your next movie.

4. A24

Everyone’s favourite distribution company A24 unsurprisingly have an excellent merchandise website to match their stellar movie and TV roster. The shop sells a range of items from books, clothes, soundtracks and unique items (see The Lighthouse grooming set). It is worth a look just to marvel at the creative products on sale.

That was 4 of the best websites to use when looking for the best movie merch. We hope it helped give you some help when deciding on what to choose.

Buying for a film fan but not sure what to get? This post will detail 5 of the best movie gifts, available right now.

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A lot of people would consider themselves a fan of movies. If you’re needing to get a gift for someone who does, these 5 options should give you the inspiration you need to finally get their present sorted.

1. Scratch-Off Movie Poster (Amazon)

This scratch-off movie poster is perfect for a completionist movie fan wanting to showcase the extent of their film-viewing. Featuring 100 of the most well-known and essential movies ever, this is a must for any film buff’s wall. £21.99 on Amazon

2. Cinephile: A Card Game (Cinephilegame.com)

For a more social gift, these card game packs from Cinephilegame.com provide the perfect package. Featuring 150 cards (in their standard bundle), there are multiple game scenarios available to players. For the competitive movie fan, this is an essential. $20.00 (£16) at Cinephilegame.com

3. Movie Night Gift Baskets (Canterberry Gifts)

Whilst there are a number of movie night gift baskets available online, this one from Canterberry Gifts is our pick. Featuring a range of American treats, as well as other gifts (such as vouchers and film reels in the Hollywood Movie gift Basket bundle), this is a premium option for movie fans wanting to make their next movie night special. $35.95 (£28) – $69.95 (£54) at Canterberry Gifts

4. Movie Soundtrack Vinyl (Recordstore)

Vinyl has boomed in the last few years and for good reason: aside from the excellent sound quality, the format allows for a greater appreciation of the art featured, as well as other bonuses included in the sleeve. For a movie fan just starting their collection, or an experienced collector, a vinyl soundtrack of their favourite movie will always be a winner. Prices vary

5. Movie Coffee Table Books (Assouline)

Speaking of works of art, Assouline’s coffee table books would improve any living space. Featuring everything from photos and concept art, to interviews, there is a huge range of books available, on a a plethora of different movies and TV shows (and much more). Prices vary

That was 5 of our favourite gift ideas for movie fans. We hope it gave you some good ideas. Be sure to check out the rest our posts if you love the movies too.

Want a movie night with a difference? Check out our list of the 4 best movie experiences in the UK.

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Getting tired of endlessly scrolling streaming services? Not a fan of your local cinema? Its 2024, and there are now a whole host of options available to you, allowing you to experience your favourite movies in new and exciting ways. Our list will highlight a few of the best.

1. ODEON Luxe (Nationwide)

Billed as being ‘designed for the 2020s’, ODEON’s Luxe cinemas definitely aim for comfort. Featuring reclining leather seats, which have considerable leg room and retractable tray tables, watching a film at the cinema has never been comfier. An incentive for fans of the technical side of movies is that each Luxe location boasts Dolby 7.1 surround sound, in addition to its IMAX screens, making them some of the best in the UK for viewing quality. Oscar’s Bar serves upmarket food and drink too, so you can enjoy gourmet foods during the movie too.

2. The Kinema in the Woods (Woodhall Spa)

One for the historians, The Kinema in the Woods began as a sports pavilion in the 19th century, sitting in the grounds of The Victoria Hotel. After the Hotel burnt down, it was purchased and repurposed, opening its doors as a cinema in 1922. It is the only cinema in the UK to use rear projection, projecting its image from behind the screen using a mirror to flip the image (due to size constraints). Open every day (except Christmas), the cinema, which now features two screens, shows new releases, musicals and documentaries. Highly recommended for those want to experience a movie in an atmospheric and unique location.

3. Taste Film (London)

Combining classic movies with top of the range eating, Taste Film is a must for foodie film enthusiasts. Taste Film collaborates with respected restaurants, choosing the locations and types of cuisine based on the film itself. Guests receive a menu before the screening, with a number of courses which correspond with the events onscreen. You’ll have to be quick to book though, as seats are limited and sell out quickly.

4. The Rex (Berkhamsted)

If you want to experience a truly old-style cinema experience, The Rex in Berkhamsted could be ideal for you. Featuring one huge screen, the building is still decorated in its 1938 art-deco style. Additionally, it claims to screen films with the ‘sharpest film projection and clearest non-booming sound anywhere in the world’. It sells out almost every night, after its reopening in 2004, screening over 30 films a month, with both blockbusters and obscure titles making the cut. Don a suit or dress and a glass of wine (it employs an alcohol anywhere policy) and have a traditional film night at the Rex.

That was 4 of the best cinema experiences in the UK right now. We hope that it gave you some ideas to consider next time you want to go out for the movies.