The Kings of Summer

The freeing feeling of summer hits everyone, but perhaps there was no better feeling than the beginning of summer when you were younger. No school meant an open schedule to do whatever you wanted. Well, that was the theory, but in practice there was still rules to follow, parental rules, and they can rival the strict discipline of school. But what if you could break free of those rules as well? That is the premise for this endearing coming-of-age tale about three adolescent boys who carry out a plan to leave their dysfunctional families behind and live on their own in the woods. Joe (Nick Robinson), Patrick (Gabriel Basso), and Biaggio (Moises Arias), share a perfect onscreen chemistry of three close friends who experience their teenage angst together, and decide to rebel against the structural pressure that created it. It’s a part family drama, part teen comedy, and a part Goonies-level adventure.

The 3 young stars were at the beginning of their careers and like similar coming-of-age stories of the past (think Stand By Me, The Goonies, or the more recent Stranger Things) The Kings of Summer has that balance of lighthearted youthfulness, with the sincerity of parental/family drama. Perfectly cast performances by supporting actors Mr. and Mrs. Keenan (Marc Evan Jackson, Megan Mullally) and Joe’s Dad (Nick Offerman) provide timely comedic relief. And Erin Moriarty as the love interest Kelly, is great representation of the strength of a teenage first love that is so strong it can break apart even the best of friendships. As many great coming-of-age stories do, The Kings of Summer expertly encapsulates a recognizable time in all of our lives, one of joy, sadness, and nostalgia. A perfect summer night’s movie.

Directed By: Jordan Vogt-Roberts

Starring: Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias, Erin Moriarty

Runtime: 96 minutes Year Released: 2013