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- Unfortunately, despite some beautiful sequences and solid acting, the script by first-timer Chris Galletta pulls its punches, over-explains the emotional meaning of its moments, and tries to lighten the mood in sometimes awkward sit-com-style ways, betraying the movie's more honest spirit.
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Thanks to charming performances and endearingly off-kilter spirit, The Kings of Summer proves to be a slight, sweet entry in the crowded coming-of-age genre. Read Critics Reviews.
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The Kings of Summer is a sweet, funny, quirky and heartfelt...
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Jun 7, 2013 · There's a furious and smart movie inside "The Kings of Summer," a first feature by director Jordan Vogt-Roberts, a film about three teenage boys who take to the woods to build a house from scratch and live outside not only parental supervision but community norms and expectations.
The casting and performances are faultless, and the three young leads make a terrific comedy trio together, generating a specific, unique chemistry. The Kings of Summer could become a young person's classic, destined to be rediscovered by subsequent generations.
- Jordan Vogt-Roberts
- Jeffrey M. Anderson
- CBS Films
The Kings of Summer: Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts. With Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias, Nick Offerman. Three teenage friends, in the ultimate act of independence, decide to spend their summer building a house in the woods and living off the land.
- A coming-of-age adventure with heart and humor.
- Verdict
By Max Nicholson
Posted: May 29, 2013 9:13 pm
Summer 2013 hasn't even technically begun yet and we've already seen numerous action-packed blockbusters hit the scene in recent weeks: Iron Man 3, Star Trek Into Darkness, Fast & Furious 6, et al. Such as it is, it can be easy to pass on some of the smaller films, but if you're looking for something to break up the explosions and gunfire, The Kings of Summer may be just the ticket.
Directed by newcomer Jordan Vogt-Roberts, this coming-of-age comedy centers on three teenage pals -- Joe (Nick Robinson), Patrick (Gabriel Basso) and the eccentric Biaggio (Moises Arias) -- who decide to spend their summer building a house in the wilderness and live off the land. Now free from their parents' high-handed rule, the boys learn what it truly means to be independent, testing both their survival skills and the meaning of friendship and family.
On the whole, Kings' acting is solid and natural -- very in keeping with the film's lighthearted and breezy tone. The main trio of boys are all great in their respective roles and capture the quintessential sensibilities of a group of rambunctious teenage guys. Likewise, Parks and Recreation's Nick Offerman delivers a standout performance as Joe's surly father Frank, as does the actor's real-life wife Megan Mullally, who plays Patrick's overbearing mother. Joe's sister Heather, played by Community's Alison Brie, also turns out some fun moments, particularly near the beginning with Joe.
Of course, the real star of the film is Chris Galletta's screenplay, which boasts a tight story, witty dialogue and likable characters. The script itslef has a timeless quality to it, while still infusing a bit of the contemporary and with each character having his/her own unique voice. The structure is brisk and economic, never padding out its 93-minute runtime. Kings also does a good job of lightly moving between comedy and pathos. It makes good use of its R-rating, maintaining a family-friendly feel without curbing the apt foul mouth of every teenage boy. The humor can get a little broad at times, but for the most part it rides a steady sweet spot and lands all its jokes.
Jordan Vogt-Roberts' The Kings of Summer features an economic script, likable characters, a fun style and plenty of sharp humor -- although its plot is a bit on the slim side.
- Max Nicholson
May 31, 2013 · It’s the story of a couple of high-school friends, Joe (Nick Robinson) and Patrick (Gabriel Basso), who feel misunderstood by their families and run away from home one summer to build a house...
Jun 8, 2013 · The Kings of Summer is the perfect summer movie. It's cinematography gorgeously captures not only the film's pitch-perfect performances, but also the landscapes of wilderness that so...
