Currently In the groove of small independent ‘coming of age’
releases, with such films as ‘the way way back’ already having graced our
screens, the newest addition for the sub-genre, The Kings Of Summer, hit very
selected theatres earlier this summer only to gift us with a DVD release in
October. Following very much the fanatical dream of the early teenager (if not the
current one), The Kings Of Summer follows three friends as they embark on a
woodland adventure to escape their parents and live self-provided in the wild. Whilst
it’s a plot line that’s been walked countless numbers of times in some route or
another, The Kings of Summer manages to create a strong identity for itself
being sincerely heartfelt and true to life, launching surprises throughout as
it consistently breaks genre expectations.
Being a film of
standard running time it’s extraordinary to consider the great depths that each
character is read into, with protagonist, Joe (Nick Robinson) being the most
seasoned of the three main characters. Usually displayed with contrived gush in
a conventional film of the genre, the protagonist here is instead hugely
genuine, being presented in one of the most realistic portrayals of any teenage
character to date. This comes with aid from the fantastic screenplay written by
Chris Galletta who not only writes with incredible truth and charm but also does
so with such effortless comedic flare. Being truly one of the funniest comedies
of the year if not in recent memory, Galletta entwines ‘intelligent’ wit from
the parental characters and contrasts it with the puerile humour of the
teenagers; creating something for everyone either in the dead pan delivery of
Joes father (Nick Offerman) or the bizarre antics of Biaggio (Moises Arias).
Both of these performances are highly enjoyable with Offerman’s now polished
cold humour and delivery standing out being consistently hilariously rude and
obnoxious to every character he comes across.
With consistent
surprises and realistic turns of events, The Kings of Summer never resorts to
genre stereotypes or clichés making a recognisable brand for itself with its stunning
cinematography and near flawless screenplay. Moving the story along with some pace, at
times certain events feel very contrived as the three characters find a knowledge
of the woods from nowhere with skills to surprise even the most daring architect.
Watching The Kings of
Summer is very much like going on the adventure yourself, part of the trio, despairing
in their losses, grinning in their triumphs and consolidating with their
damaged emotions; this is a truly heart-felt and genuine film that is assured
to paint a smile across your face.
8/10- A portrait of young life, hilarious and painfully true.
Calum Russell
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