The Kings of Summer

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Love, Simon

by MCDaveMarch 21, 2018

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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Geekscape Movie Reviews: Kong: Skull Island

by MCDaveMarch 11, 2017

In an era full of reboots and remakes, chain reactions often open the door for classic characters and beloved films to make a return to the big screen. Inevitably, 2014’s $500 million worldwide box-office smash, Godzilla, ultimately paved the way for The Kings of Summer director, Jordan Vogt-Roberts, to reintroduce the world to King Kong. And with an infusion of energy and some fresh new ideas, we’re given a version of Kong that we’ve never seen before.

A pair of scientists (John Goodman and Straight Outta Compton‘s Corey Hawkins) piggy-back on an expedition to an uncharted island in the Pacific where they sense some strange occurrences are taking place. Escorted to this dangerous and unknown territory by an Army helicopter fleet headed by a war-hungry Lieutenant Colonel Preston Packard (Samuel L. Jackson), an unexpected encounter with Kong sends the surviving few deep into the woods of this mysterious island. Forced to withstand attacks from multitudes of different monsters inhabiting the strange land, they all hope they can make it home and live to tell the tale of Kong.

Kong: Skull Island stands as a comedy-rich monster film with only one goal, to entertain the audience. From that perspective, Jordan Vogt-Roberts absolutely delivers the goods. The visuals are amazing and the footage of Kong leaves nothing to be desired. Nightcrawler writer and director, Dan Gilroy, pens a clever story surrounding an island full of new monsters that continues to surprise even as the running-time mounts. However, corn-ball dialogue purposely intended to deliver trailer-made one-liners masks a larger problem with the film. Gilroy lazily uses character interactions to explain the plot to the audience and progress the story. Consequently, Skull Island unravels as nothing more than a thoughtless popcorn flick guaranteed to generate gaudy box-office totals and propel a whole new franchise of films.

GRADE: 3/5

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In Case You Missed It – September 2013

by MCDaveSeptember 4, 2013

What’s up with the price of movie tickets these days? They’re a bank-buster, am I right? One way to circumvent draining your life savings is to hold off until the movies you want to see make their way to DVD. Here’s a look at the best films coming to Redbox and Video-On-Demand this September.

#1. The Kings of Summer

One of the year’s best comedies also happens to be one of the most overlooked indie films of 2013. The Sundance Film Festival entry The Kings of Summer (formerly titled Toy’s House) delivers all of the nostalgic and carefree goodness you could possibly want. When two best friends decide that their overbearing parents are too much to handle, they decide to run away and build their own house deep in the woods. With an odd-ball wildcard named Biaggio tagging along for the ride, these three teenagers learn about life, love and responsibility. One of the greatest aspects of The Kings of Summer is its refusal to cater to the sentimental and sappy storylines that always manage to plague a stellar comedy. The laughs are non-stop and the journey is beyond enjoyable … it’s epic. This is one indie gem you won’t want to miss. (SEPTEMBER 24TH)

#2. World War Z

Brad Pitt’s coddled and long-awaited baby, World War Z, proved to be one of the summer’s biggest hits. But not only was it a box-office smash, the zombie action film was a massively energetic and engaging thrill ride. When fast-moving and flesh-eating undead spread like wildfire, government officials take shelter on aircraft carriers in the middle of the ocean. Pitt stars as Gerry Lane, a former U.N. investigator who is literally “forced” to seek out a cure to this apocalyptic disease. World War Z is a high-octane adventure that’s sure to appeal to action enthusiasts, zombie lovers and fans of a strong story. If you missed out on this big-budget summer blockbuster, be sure to catch it later this month. (SEPTEMBER 17TH)

#3. The East

One often criticized facet of modern Hollywood is the lack of originality and clever ideas. Well one of 2013’s most unique and intriguing screenplays came in the form of Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij’s The East. As another Sundance Film Festival selection, The East centers around a private intelligence firm operative (played by Brit Marling) who infiltrates an anarchist group wreaking havoc on major corporations. A rare diamond in the rough that’s highly psychological and makes you question your own personal morals, The East satisfies on a multitude of levels. Thanks in large part to a collection of supporting roles from big names like Ellen Page, Patricia Clarkson and Alex Skarsgard, this feels a lot less like an independent film and more so a modestly-budgeted game-changer. (SEPTEMBER 17TH)

Honorable Mention: It’s also worth taking a flier on the illusionist thriller Now You See Me (SEPTEMBER 3RD) starring Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo and Woody Harrelson. And although I can’t vouch for either film, I’ve heard solid feedback on both Disconnect (SEPTEMBER 17TH) and The Iceman (SEPTEMBER 3RD). Finally, who could forget J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek Into Darkness (SEPTEMBER 10TH).

Geekscape Movie Reviews: The Kings of Summer

by MCDaveJune 3, 2013

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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