Even though I’m well past my elementary school days, the advent of summer’s long, humid days always signals a time of boundless freedom and endless possibility. The calendar squares representing the summer months become less a demarcation of time and more a symbolic call to adventure—they almost necessitate creek walks, firefly catching, secret midnight meetings with friends, and sleepless nights spent cycling down dim, tree-lined streets. The creators of Now And Then, a coming-of-age tale set during the summer of 1970, seem to be fully aware of this seasonal phenomenon. With a star-studded cast including Demi Moore, Rosie O’Donnell, Christina Ricci, and Thora Birch, this film is guilty-pleasure nostalgia-candy at its best: there is mystery, adventure, neighborhood rivalry, suburban angst, and the uncomfortable stirrings of adolescent summertime romance. Not to mention one of the best things about any period piece: killer interiors. As I watched this sugar-sweet summertime romp recently, I found myself experiencing a familiar sense of restlessness that often accompanies warm weather months. The perfect way to get ready for summer, Now And Then will have you planning bike ride excursions, cemetery seances, and girls versus guys battles of red rover. Bring on the heat! —Max
1. Paisley Jumpsuit | 2. Schwinn Cruiser | 3. Portable Radio | 4. Gaslight | 5. Mexican Cokes | 6. Keds Sneakers | 7. Rider-Waite Tarot Deck | 8. Jell-O Vanilla Pudding | 9. The Best of The Jackson 5 | 10. Cedar Rope Swing
