Nick Robinson | Geekscape

The teen rom-com genre receives a slight makeover with Greg Berlanti’s tale of a closeted high school student named Simon who struggles to come out about his sexuality to his friends, family and local community. Love, Simon takes this once taboo topic to the forefront of mainstream cinema, which is a true testament to the progress our culture has made regarding personal views and opinions on homosexuality. However, as the film also refuses to ignore, we still have so much further we can go as a society.

On the surface Simon Spier (Nick Robinson) is your average 17 year old. He has a close-knit group of friends whom he drives to school every morning and hangs out with every weekend, and he’s even involved in the school musical. But unlike most kids his age, Simon is gay and he’s been keeping it a secret from everyone for years. Yet, when a fellow student posts an anonymous message on a social media platform expressing his frustration with hiding his sexuality from the world, the post resonates with Simon and prompts him to begin a pen-pal relationship with his unknown classmate that ultimately could jeopardize both of their secrets.

While there’s nothing particularly exceptional regarding Love, Simon, the film does manage to capture the emotions of its title character rather well throughout a fully entertaining ride. Nick Robinson isn’t necessarily a fresh new face, as we’ve seen his talents shine in films such as Jurassic World and The Kings of Summer, but Love, Simon marks the actor’s first opportunity to take center stage in a major motion picture. Robinson seizes the moment as his valiant turn forces empathy from the audience as Simon navigates life around his deepest and darkest secret. And as his heart aches so will yours, a true testament to strong character development at the hands of both Robinson and screenwriters Elizabeth Berger and Isaac Aptaker. Yet, outside of a stellar leading interest that keeps you invested in the film, Love, Simon is riddled by over-the-top sentiment and stereotypical teen comedy trademarks that unleash an aura of predictability. Veep‘s Tony Hale and Insecure‘s Natasha Rothwell provide refreshing comic relief as Simon ventures through a mysterious journey to unlock the identity of his fellow homosexual pen-pal, but the depth of their romance isn’t felt as drastically by the viewer as it is his character, leaving plenty to be desired. And in the face of reality, where many who “come out” aren’t surrounded by loving family members and accepting friends, Love, Simon possesses a bit of a fairytale feeling in that regard. However, Simon demands that he (metaphorically as a symbol for the entire gay community) deserves a real “love story”, and he’s absolutely right.

GRADE: 3.5/5

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Serving as the most notable platform for independent film, the Sundance Film Festival’s contributions toward improving the industry go far beyond the recognition that it receives. In 2012, audiences were graced with one of the finest crop of Sundance selections in recent memory. Titles such as The Sessions (formerly The Surrogate), Safety Not Guaranteed and the Academy Award Best Picture Nominee The Beasts of the Southern Wild (love it or hate it) headlined an unforgettable class of films. However, the 2013 festival lineup appears to be another exceptional collection of independent movies. Perhaps none are finer than Jordan Vogt-Roberts’ The Kings of Summer (originally titled Toy’s House).

Joe Toy (played by Nick Robinson) is a typical teenager who’s growing increasingly irritated by his single father (played by Nick Offerman). Joe’s best friend Patrick Keenan (played by Gabriel Basso) also can’t take his overwhelming parents. The duo, along with an oddball teenage wildcard named Biaggio, decide to run away from home and build their own house hidden deep inside the woods. Free at last, the trio of friends experience the most important summer of their lives.

Shockingly original and insanely hilarious, The Kings of Summer is a rare R-Rated coming-of-age gem that stands up against classics such as The Sandlot and Stand By Me. As with any accomplished film of its type, The Kings of Summer succeeds on the the shoulders of its trio of young actors. Starring as the recluse Biaggio is Moises Arias, a budding talent who has already mastered the art of the delivery. Arias steals the show as the movie’s main source of laughs and humor. Each bringing their own unique presence to the big screen, Arias and co-stars Robinson and Basso all give stellar performances. On the other end of the spectrum, the older Parks and Recreation star Nick Offerman dishes out a healthy dose of clever one-liners himself. With no shortage of laugh-out-loud scenes, The Kings of Summer makes for nothing less than an entertaining and enjoyable movie experience.

Clearly a comedic standout, The Kings of Summer offers less in terms of story and substance. While the writing does a fine job of generating an enormous amount of laughter, there isn’t much depth below its paper-thin jokes. As a result, nothing ever legitimately feels “at stake” for the characters, leaving The Kings of Summer as a one-dimensional affair. However, to the film’s credit, director Jordan Vogt-Roberts never tries to mold the feature into something it isn’t. He openly embraces the comedy genre and even circles the more dramatic moments with a lighthearted tone. By sticking to the blueprint, The Kings of Summer thrives as a satisfying and delightful comedic effort.

Backed by a somewhat surprising R rating (for a fair amount of adult language and teenage drinking), make no mistake about it, The Kings of Summer is an adolescent tale perfectly suitable for an adult audience. With very limited resources, many independent films fall through the cracks and become vastly under-seen and under-appreciated pieces of work. Hopefully, The Kings of Summer avoids such an unwarranted demise. Currently standing out as my favorite comedy of 2013, make sure to check out The Kings of Summer later this month.

GRADE: 4/5

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Tag: Nick Robinson

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Love, Simon

Geekscape Movie Reviews: The Kings of Summer