Congratulations on making it through finals, and, for those graduating, for making it through four years (or more) of college! Now that you have all this time on your hands, why not celebrate the summer with a good movie or two? JustArts recommends one up-and-coming film for each month of break.

May 25, 2012
'Moonrise Kingdom'
Directed by Wes Anderson

After premiering at the Cannes Film Festival a few weeks ago, Anderson's unique story will make its way to the States soon. It's the 1960s and two twelve-year-old children fall in love and run away together, trailed by a search party made up of their family and friends. Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray and Tilda Swinton round out the cast, joined by several other big names and a few newbies. This film makes our must-see list for its gorgeous cinematography and the freshness of its plot. Moonrise Kingdom starts the summer off right: some innocent mischief, a New England coastal setting and a bit of humor.

June 22, 2012
'Brave'
Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman

The Disney-Pixar team has not yet led us astray, so why shouldn't the company's latest release be as great as its predecessors? Princess Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald) is tired of being told what to do. Her conflict with her parents, the King and Queen (Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson, respectively) comes to a head when they try to force her into an arranged marriage. Merida wants to create her own destiny, so she seeks the help of a witch who grants her wish. This comes with a set of unforeseen, unwanted consequences. Merida must confront some of her biggest fears and find the meaning of bravery in order to reverse the curse. With the vocal talents of Thompson, Craig Ferguson and Julie Walters, this is one film that has fans of all ages counting the days until its release.

July 3, 2012
'The Amazing Spider-Man'
Directed by Marc Webb

In this re-boot of 2002's Spiderman, Andrew Garfield plays our beloved, awkward high school student-turned-superhero from Stan Lee's imagination. When Peter Parker finds a briefcase that once belonged to his deceased father, he is drawn into his family's mysterious past. This time around, he faces The Lizard (Rhys Ifans), the alter ego of Dr. Curt Connors, his father's former business partner. As the two duke it out, Parker learns to accept his future as Spider Man. The film's trailer promises lots of action, special effects and drama in this newest addition to Spidey's saga.

Aug. 10, 2012
'Hope Springs'
Directed by David Frankel

Meryl Streep, a chameleon-like performer and the recipient of this year's Academy Award for Best Actress, stars in this quirky comedy about a husband and wife who attend a weekend-long intensive couples' therapy program. Tommy Lee Jones is Arnold, Streep's spouse of 30 years, a curmudgeon who grudgingly agrees to meet with Dr. Bernie Feld, played by the always-funny Steve Carell. Complete with cringe-worthy-but ultimately giggle-inducing-discussions of marital sex, Hope Springs is a heartwarming alternative to the ever-growing popularity of divorce in our country. From the director of Marley & Me and The Devil Wears Prada, this film is sure to put a smile on your face.