Writer: Chris Galletta
Starring: Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias, Nick Offerman, Erin Moriarty
Tomatometer: 72/61/83 (all critics, top critics, audience)
Spoiler-free Summary: Sick of living with his miserable father, and hoping to impress his sweetheart, Kelly, Joe decides to run away from home and live in the woods. He is joined by his best pal, Patrick, who is desperate to escape the claws of his own overbearing and unbearably annoying parents. Somehow, Biaggio, a peculiar neighborhood kid, winds up on the team, as well.
Two Cents: Some movies are summer movies because they are released during the summer. Others are summer movies because they celebrate the most wonderful blessing ever bestowed on a child – summer! Not summer in terms of weather and Earth’s position in the galaxy, but summer in terms of vacation from school. The Kings of Summer, as you may have surmised from its title, is in the latter category.
In this exquisite ode to the freedom and exploration (of nature and self) that are synonymous with summer vacation, three teenagers cause widespread panic as they courageously escape their mundane lives. The only sad part of the movie is the fact that the main characters are so sheltered, they’ve never even heard of sleep-away camp, a modern and popular alternative to running away from home. Sad as that may be, Joe, Patrick, and Biaggio make the most of their summer break by building a sweet “tree house” in the woods. While living there, they encounter all the problems one might expect to befall a suburban teenager living on his own – lack of funds, lack of survival skills, and, most importantly, lack of deodorant.
Although the main characters seek freedom from their parents, that freedom is symbolic. Not only do these kids live outside of their homes, but they live outside the pressures of teenage social life. An athlete, a nerd, and a complete nut job become family, much like in The Breakfast Club, simply because they are together, and no one else is watching. It’s a classic theme in teen movies, and Vogt-Roberts handles it beautifully. I often remind myself that, were there no one on Earth but we two, Brad Pitt would consider me his best friend.
Robinson, Basso, and Arias are all solid in this film, but none stands out as a future star. Arias is the most interesting, as he takes awkwardness to new heights, but his act probably isn’t sustainable. Moriarty does a nice job as Joe’s love interest, but she may not end up being yours. Nick Offerman is the real star of the movie, delivering his classic mean-spirited, dry sarcasm with incredible touch. Megan Mullally puts her famously shrill voice to good use as Patrick’s insufferable mother.
Should I/Shouldn’t I: The Kings of Summer is the kind of movie that makes you long for your childhood. If you’re not seduced by all the billboards and commercials hawking blockbusters this summer, find some time to see this indie. It won’t be playing in many theaters, and it might not be out for very long, so get on your horse!
Sundae Rating: Two scoops with whipped cream
Sunday Morning Screenings 