The 4th of July weekend is finally here and it's time for grilling, red white and blue treats and fireworks.
Once you have had your fill of the festivities it's time to step inside for some patriotic brain refreshment and treat yourself to a movie that exemplifies the American spirit of freedom, patriotism and even summertime.
If you are hoping to be inspired or simply entertained, I've selected 10 movies that fit the bill.
Whether you are looking to laugh or sob with romance or comedy or cheer along to a summertime thriller, I think you'll be happy with the films on the list.
Grab a drink, pop some popcorn and pick a film to make this weekend complete.
1. Saving Private Ryan (R) Starring: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon. This Steven Spielberg masterpiece follows the U.S. invasion of Europe in World War 2. Capt. Miller and his team go on a harrowing journey to find Private Ryan, the last surviving son of a large family.
2. Jaws (PG) Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss. When a massive Great White Shark starts to tear up a local New England beach, the sheriff, a gritty old seaman and a marine biologist head out on a not quite big enough boat, to bring the fish to justice.
3. Top Gun (PG) Starring: Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer. The beach volleyball scene, leather jackets and Navy fighter pilots taking on the Russians.
4. The Sandlot (PG) Starring: Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar. "You're killing me Smalls!" In the summer of '62, A baseball prodigy takes a group of neighborhood boys under his wing and run through a summer of baseball and adventure.
5. The Patriot (R) Starring: Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger. Farmer Benjamin Martin, a retired French-Indian war hero, is inspired to lead the Colonial Militia during the American Revolution.
6. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (G) Starring: James Stewart, Jean Arthur. Jefferson Smith is appointed to fill a United States Senate seat. Naive and honest, he isn't prepared for the political corruption that greats him. His spirit and determination will not let him back down.
7. Independence Day (PG-13) Starring: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum. When aliens come to earth threatening to destroy life as we know it man's will to survive and Will Smith that shine through.
8. Forrest Gump (PG-13) Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise. Go on a journey with American icon Forrest Gump. War hero to business titan Gump can stumble into any situation and inspire miraculous outcomes.
9. Born on the Fourth of July (R) Starring: Tom Cruise. The story of Marine Ron Kovic's journey from dedicated soldier to an anti-war, pro-human rights activist.
10. Red Dawn (PG-13) Starring: Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Lea Thompson. Russian invaders attack the US and a group of American high school students take a stand against the oppression.