Rating of
3/4
Review: The Kings of Summer
MikePA - wrote on 09/08/13
There's something about coming-of-age films that just strike me as something special. When they're done well, obviously. I've seen three this year (Mud, The Way Way Back, and of course The Kings of Summer - I still need to see The Spectacular Now) and all of them are true gems. Fun, engaging, well-intentioned, and beautifully crafted. The Kings of Summer suffers a few flaws, but they're easy to overlook due to the display of excellent performances, clever writing, and a great sense of fun and freedom. The main issue I have with the film, however, is that many of its plot elements feel underdeveloped. That isn't to say that the film lacks effect in its most dramatic moments. It's just that the film, as a whole, feels rather light when the filmmakers are obviously trying to go for heavily effective and meaningful. But nonetheless, The Kings of Summer is still a wonderful little indie that deserves great recognition.
3/4
