The Kings of Summer is a true gem and a rare treat for cinema goers. A beautifully shot, truly hilarious coming of age comedy with a lot of honesty and truth behind it. I don't use the word "Masterpiece" often....and this review is no exception, but this is without a doubt the best movie I have seen this year.
The movie is about three teenage boys, who frustrated and horrified by the prospect of spending their summer with their overbearing parents, decide to go deep into the woods to build themselves a house and fend and care for themselves, away from prying parental eyes. That's it. The plot of the movie is very simple, and that is one of the many reasons why this film works so well. "Brevity is the soul of wit"- William Shakespeare. Truer words were never spoken. Keep it simple, stupid. You don't need an eclectic cast of characters from polarizing backgrounds or convoluted plot structures to make a comedy interesting. You just need a captivating and funny script and able performers.
Jordan Vogt-Roberts, in his first feature film, displays a remarkable directorial style. The film is constantly interspersed with stylistic and artsy shots of the forest where most of the film takes place. He utilizes things like lens flares and slow motion shots in a way that doesn't scream; "Look what I can do!". The whole movie has a sort of auteur Terrence Malicky vibe without feeling pretentious. In fact, the whole movie is pretty honest, and by that I mean it is free from any agenda other than telling a good story and making the audience laugh and more importantly, care. The film touches on a lot of familiar themes: Complicated father/son relationship, teenage angst and rebellion, love and subsequent heartbreak, to name a few, but Kings Of Summer has such a unique feel and vibe to it, that it never feels cliched. It feels new and it's specific enough to not be entirely predictable.
The script is pretty close to perfect. It has a balance of comedy and drama that doesn't rely heavily on either side. It is really REALLY hysterical. I saw this movie by myself (Awwwww) and I rarely laugh out loud when watching anything alone, and this film had me guffawing quite obnoxiously for the entire run time. When the film wants to be serious, it doesn't force it by dramatically shifting tone and manipulating you into how it wants you to feel. It's all very measured and natural. One of the most striking things about the film, is that unlike most modern coming-of-age stories, it doesn't focus on teenage angst and pain. That stuff is there, but what the film mostly endeavors to capture is the selfishness of teenage years. The feeling that people, especially your parents, are trying to ruin your life and make you unhappy. The main characters choice to run away from their families is a selfish impulsive decision, but one they believe is right, and by showing both the liberating awesomeness of the boy's makeshift house in the woods, as well as the effect their absence has on their families, it creates a very fair and accurate world where all sides are heard and showcased.
The reason that this movie is so wonderful rests a great deal in the performances. The three actors who portray out main characters are all relatively unknown, with the minor exception of Moises Arias (Rico from Hannah Montana. Yeah I watched it......somewhat regularly........what are you, a cop?) as Biaggio, a short creepy kid who follows Patrick and Joe into the forest without invitation and who also provides the film's biggest laughs. Seriously, who knew this kid was a comedy genius? Everyone is great. The timing and delivery of all the jokes and beats in the off-the-wall script are all pitch perfect. Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson, need I say more?) is the biggest standout as Joe's obstinate and vinegary father. He has an unmistakable deep growling voice, almost like a grizzly bear. He showcases an ability in this film to be both hilariously dry and dejectedly vulnerable. He should, but probably won't get some sort of award or accolade for his performance.
This movie is a pretty under the radar indie film, but I am not sure why. It is the perfect comedy for the digital generation, with elements of recent Judd Apatow produced pictures along with a timeless and nostalgic quality that has proven to be very attractive. I implore you to go see it. Check your local movie times, find a small indie theatre, and go support it by buying a ticket. It is sincerely, a remarkable film. I wish there were more movies like this, and I hope that we see more from this director as well as the actors. You are going to appreciate it, "I guarantee it"- Men's Warehouse
10/10
Also, any east-bay people who consider themselves film buffs in any capacity should seriously check out The New Parkway Theatre on 24th and Telegraph in Oakland. I've lived here for almost a year and just found it about a week ago, and Kings of Summer was the first movie I had the pleasure of seeing it at. It's pretty hipstery, but all in good ways. What other movie theatre can you get a slice of awesome pizza and a pitcher of locally brewed beer for under $25 at? I defy you to name one. I'll post a link to New Parkway's website so you can see for yourself how fucking awesome this place is.
http://www.thenewparkway.com
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