Another summer at the movies is in the books and this one was rather mixed.
Top tier films, both in terms of blockbusters and smaller releases, were not in high supply. Instead, most of the flicks out there over the last several months were just about average.
However, there were still some gems worth praising out there, and a few films had qualities warranting merit. As usual, I’m here to give those pictures their due.
BEST MOVIE – The Phoenician Scheme
Wes Anderson’s latest film was released in May and held the title of this summer’s best movie the whole way through. The dramatic comedy was familiar territory, with Anderson’s trademark style at play and the typical suspects in the cast.
This didn’t hinder the movie, though. Anderson’s film felt fresh in narrative and character, with a fun romp to explore the human condition, all while containing the usual visual quirks. The dialogue is enjoyable and the movie is a treat visually.
Runner-Up: Sorry, Baby
BEST DIRECTOR – Wes Anderson, The Phoenician Scheme
Wes Anderson, an auteur filmmaker, has a style so well known that it has become popular to parody and meme his movies. However, at the end of the day, his movies are regularly well made. Sure, they share many elements, but simply having many similarities in genre, dialogue and aesthetic doesn’t detract from the clear level of craftsmanship.
Anderson is a skilled filmmaker, and he once again shows it with “Scheme.” The quality of direction is clear in all phases of the picture. With that said, Spike Lee with “Highest 2 Lowest,” Christian Swegal with “Sovereign” and Eva Victor with “Sorry, Baby” all showed strong direction, too.
Runner-Up: Sorry, Baby
BEST COMEDY – The Phoenician Scheme
This was a close category, as when fully tallied, “The Naked Gun” probably had more big laughs in the end. However, while that is often the most critical thing in a comedy, overall quality matters, too.
All things considered, “The Phonecian Scheme” was a funny movie that ekes out a narrow win because of how well it’s made. The banter between several characters in the flick add a lot of humor with plenty of personality, resulting in a comical experience.
Runner-Up: The Naked Gun
BEST FAMILY – Karate Kid – Legends
Pixar’s “Elio” was a solid entry for the studio, but it was the underrated “Karate Kid: Legends” serving as the best movie accessible for the whole family. It carried perhaps the lightest PG-13 rating in a while, meaning it’s a good flick to watch for most family audiences, about on par with the original.
The martial arts in many scenes is great, the characters are all likeable, and it creates a nice bridge between the 2010 movie and the LaRusso saga. Most importantly, it has plenty of heart.
Runner-Up: Elio
BEST ACTION – Thunderbolts
Like most summers, there were plenty of action flicks released in the last four months, but most ranged from OK to above average. “Thunderbolts” was the exception, with a fun adventure involving a group of lovable misfits.
While the latest from Marvel didn’t reach the heights seen in some of the other pictures in the franchise, this was still a good entry. The movie was fairly reminiscent of “Guardians of the Galaxy,” both in terms of its characters and entertainment value.
Runner-Up: Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning
BEST ACTOR – Benicio del Toro, The Phoenician Scheme
Benicio del Toro was really impressive in “Phoenician Scheme,” managing to capture the usual aloofness and oddities often seen with Anderson’s protagonists, while still giving the character believable emotions and motivations. It’s definitely his best work on screen since 2015’s “Sicario.”
With that said, this was another close category, as Nick Offerman’s portrayal of Jerry Kane in “Sovereign” deserves recognition. All things equal, del Toro had the greater performance, but Offerman was fantastic as well.
Runner-Up: Nick Offerman, Sovereign
BEST ACTRESS – Eva Victor, Sorry, Baby
Just a note, Eva Victor identifies as nonbinary. However, they do use the “she” pronoun and to ensure four performers are honored, I wanted to give Victor an award and this I believe is the best fit. “Sorry, Baby” was the second-best movie of the summer, and Victor wrote, directed and starred in the feature.
They were impeccable in this flick, showing a wide range of emotion with a layered performance. The main character goes through a lot in this picture and Victor is great at portraying highs and lows.
Runner-Up: Julia Garner, Weapons
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR – Michael Cera, The Phoenician Scheme
Michael Cera’s character has an interesting journey over the course of the film and he does impressive work in capturing a multi-faceted figure. He excels in portraying a sort of third party in the family drama taking place on screen.
He is plenty funny during the film’s numerous humorous moments, while also nailing the relationship connections his character makes. With that said, Jeffrey Wright deserves praise for his work in “Highest 2 Lowest” as well.
Runner-Up: Jeffrey Wright, Highest 2 Lowest
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS – Mia Threapleton, The Phoenician Scheme
While Benicio del Toro’s performance in this film was stellar, Mia Threapleton nearly stole the show often in “The Phoenician Scheme.” Her character at first glance appears to be a reserved nun, but as time goes on, she’s shown to have an attitude, cleverness and convictions. All of this is brought to the forefront well by Threapleton.
Runner-Up: Pamela Anderson, The Naked Gun
BEST ACTION SCENE – Alley Fight, Karate Kid – Legends
There were quite a few entertainment flicks released over the summer meaning plenty of action scenes. For all the fantastical sequences, though, it was maybe the most grounded set piece that was the most satisfying. The fight taking place in a back alley during “Karate Kid: Legends” was pure martial arts goodness.
The choreography was rather creative, and reminiscent of Jackie Chan’s style of cinematic martial art scenes, where the protagonist utilizes his surroundings to keep up in a fight with several other opponents. It’s shot to show all the action happening and has a good vibe with the music.
Runner-Up: Duck Boat Battle, Nobody 2
BEST SOUND – F1
Not quite the best movie of the summer, but definitely strongest when it came to capturing the noise of what’s happening on screen. Unsurprisingly, there are several racing scenes throughout the picture, and the power of the engines roaring is certainly felt by the audience.
The selling point of the film are the moments with cars on screen, and the movie is benefitted heavily with the related sounds from the track.
Runner-Up: Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY – East of Wall
“The Phoenician Scheme” was really good on the eyes, and despite not liking the film itself, “28 Years Later” looked gorgeous. However, the strongest film visually was “East of Wall.” The Great Plains is a magnificent area, and the cinematography featured in this flick captures the rugged beauty.
It balances that with the intimate and chaotic filming of scenes featuring the family where the drama takes place. While “East of Wall” had some issues keeping it from getting a higher overall score, there’s no doubt it was great to look at.
Runner-Up: 28 Years Later
BEST WRITING – The Phoenician Scheme
Hearing the characters speak in a Wes Anderson film is usually a treat and this was no exception. The dialogue, as expected, is methodical and eccentric, all while brimming with personality and humanity.
Humorous and meaningful, Anderson’s writing infuses the picture with charming energy. Everything in the movie has a particular purpose, and the story unfolds in enjoyable fashion.
Runner-Up: Sorry, Baby
BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS – Superman
There were a few flicks with impressive special effects this summer, from “How to Train Your Dragon” bringing the creatures convincingly to life, to the realistic-looking dinosaurs in “Jurassic World Rebirth.” However, it came down to a pair of superhero films in the end, and the movie with the Man of Steel came out on top.
“Superman” has a huge amount of spectacle, from battles with henchmen to a full-on kaiju event. It’s all brought to life nicely by the special effects team. While the movie is an up and down experience in terms of overall quality, there’s no doubt it dazzles in key scenes.
Runner-Up: Fantastic Four: The First Steps
BEST STUNT CHOREOGRAPHY – Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Tom Cruise is well known for going all out with his stunt work. That’s true once again with “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” From scenes underwater in a sinking submarine to up in the sky on a propeller plane, the latest “MI” has set pieces that capture the danger of what’s taking place.
All action flicks put protagonists in moments of peril. However, few portray have the realism like those shown here.
Runner-Up: Karate Kid Legends
BEST MUSIC – How to Train Your Dragon
The music from “How to Train Your Dragon” may reuse what was in the animated original. But the music in that 2010 flick was pretty damn good. It’s pleasant to the ears here in 2025 as well. The score is beautiful, and perfectly complements the magical moments taking place on screen.
Runner-Up: Karate Kid Legends
Past summer award winners:
Matthew Liedke on Film 
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