The Kings of Summer

The Kings of Summer, the latest film by first time feature film director Jordan Vogt-Roberts is a fun filled coming of age story with rebellion, independence, and teenage angst. It will undoubtedly make you laugh, it will also break your heart, and if you're anything like me, it will take you for a trip down memory lane. Because of that, The Kings of Summer gets three buckets of Killer Korn. 






For this movie to be someone's first foray into making feature films, Jordan Vogt-Roberts is definitely on the right track. When I saw the trailer the first time for this movie, I thought it reminded me of the classic movies The Goonies and Stand By Me. I ask you, who doesn't love those movies? The Goonies and Stand By Me were adventures undertaken by best friends, both were movies starring some really talented kids at the time. While their adventures were far different than The Kings of Summer, it struck a similar chord within me. The Kings of Summer brought me back to the times I spent with my friends doing all sorts of things and staying as late as possible and while we never went as far to build our own house, we did do some off the wall, slightly dangerous stuff, but who didn't in their youth? This is a story of three young men who have had enough of dealing with what they deem as emotionally abusive parents and they want out. Jo, played by Nick Robinson seems to be in constant battle with his father Frank, played with a great dryness by Nick Offerman. Jo and Frank lost the glue that held them and their household together when Jo's mother died a few years ago. With Jo's sister Heather, played by Allison Brie living some four hours away, Jo and Frank live like two strangers who don't really like each other much. Jo's best friend Patrick, played by Gabriel Basso has it even worse. He wishes his parents were more like Frank. His mother Mrs. Keenan, played by the hilarious Megan Mullally and his father Mr. Keenan, played by Marc Evan Jackson are helicopter parents, and it's their hovering that literally gives Patrick hives.

Jo is in love with Kelly, played by Erin Moriarty and she seems to like him too, but she's dating Paul, played by Nathan Keyes. He's a senior and Jo is just a sophomore so Jo doesn't really stand a chance with Kelly even though she seems to really like him. It's a ruse though, women...sigh. Anyway, the real star of this movie though, the one kid that makes this all work and brings an absolute amazing performance to the screen is Moises Arias who plays the enigmatic Biaggio. He is my favorite character and he will be yours too. He's got most of the best lines and some of the best scenes, the kid steals this movie. Jo, Patrick, and Biaggio go to a party where high schoolers drink to excess, During that party a neighbor adjacent to the area the kids are partying on tells them to vacate and shoots off his gun, scattering everybody. Jo and Biaggio are walking home and come upon a clearing somewhere in the woods and it gives Jo a sudden flash of inspiration that seems almost divine. He then goes about his adventure of becoming an independent man, something his father seems to want to keep him from becoming. Jo recruits Patrick who initially balks at the idea until one overbearing encounter with his parents induces him to jump into Jo's plans with both feet. Biaggio just goes along for the ride.

Jo, Patrick, and Biaggio then set off to acquire the materials they need to build their "house" in that clearing. While you don't really know how much time passes as they clear the clearing of all the undergrowth and build their "house", they get it done and move in. They pledge to each other that they will kill their own food, and to not tell another living soul about their haven. That is until they find a Boston Market not to far from their location and Jo can't keep from telling Kelly about where he is. Especially since his father Frank and Patrick's parents have taken to the airwaves looking for information on their missing children. There are a few very funny encounters with the police and the adults in this movie as well. Meanwhile out in the woods, everything is working like clockwork until Kelly and some friends arrive. Then suddenly the harmony is fractured, hearts are broken, drama ensues, and friendships are tested.

The Kings of Summer is a charming movie with some great dialogue and even better performances. Written by Chris Galletta, a one time staff writer for David Letterman nails it in only his first attempt at writing a film. Cinematographer Ross Riege captures the world of a seventeen year old kid perfectly and his framing of the woods is shot in almost a dreamlike state. Couple that with the inventive and quirky music by Ryan Miller and you have a very good movie. If you need a good laugh, then see this movie. If you want to take a trip down memory lane, then see this movie. If you want to see something with heart, then definitely see The Kings of Summer, and I'll see you at the theater.