Beyond the Blockbusters

All Things Considered's Bob Mondello picks his favorite summer movies
Edited by Mary Eileen O'Connor

Just as Christmas decorations seem to go up earlier every year, Hollywood keeps moving up the start of its summer parade of would-be blockbusters.

This year, Star Wars: Episode 2: Attack of the Clones arrives in theaters the week before Memorial Day, and special effects will predominate in a lineup of sequels, kid flicks and action adventures.

But interspersed with the mass-market attractions each summer, there are always a few prestige films. Here, Bob Mondello, movie critic for All Things Considered, heard weekdays on WHYY 91FM at 4 p.m., picks five of his favorites:

The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde's classic comedy of manners is interpreted by an all-star cast that includes Judi Dench, Rupert Everett, Reese Witherspoon, Colin Firth and Frances O'Connor.

Windtalkers Hong Kong action director John Woo brings his own stylistic flourishes to a fictional tale of protecting Navajo code-breakers during WWII.

Minority Report Steven Spielberg directs a story by science-fiction writer Philip K. Dick about a future judicial system that can catch and convict murderers before they have a chance to commit a crime. Sounds like a great system unless you're the suspect. Tom Cruise is the suspect.

Road to Perdition 1930s hit man Tom Hanks is basically a family guy, despite his profession. When his wife and child are killed, he seeks revenge. The drama also stars Paul Newman and Jude Law and is directed by Sam Mendes.

The Safety of Objects This ensemble drama about suburban disappointment and unhappy marriages is based on a terrific book of short stories by A. M. Homes and stars Glenn Close.