The Kings of Summer - a little movie with a big heart

6/9/13, The Kings of Summer, no awards yet, but wishful thinking, 2013

In theory, this blog is just for movies that have been nominated or won an Academy Award, but I have been known to throw in a random review of a recently seen movie. This movie gets a review all on its own because it was a really good movie, but also because it was filmed on my home turf in Ohio: Lyndhurst, South Euclid, Chagrin Falls, among others. So, for now, I'm wearing my heart on my sleeve (Ohio - the heart of it all). The fact that I saw it at my 'home' theater, The Cedar-Lee, made it even more special. The Kings of Summer is the story of two high school boys, friends since the beginning of time, and their new, odd, little friend who invites himself along, and their adventure in the woods, away from parents, rules and responsibilities. Joe Toy's dad, Frank, is a widower who is trying to get back in the dating scene, and who is constantly at odds with his son. Patrick Keenan gets hives from his parents who drive him crazy with their well-intentioned, but over-the-top, smothering of him. The three parents in the film are probably the most well-known of the cast: Nick Offerman plays Frank Toy; Megan Mullally (Will & Grace) and Marc Evan Jackson are Mr. & Mrs. Keenan. The Keenans have some of the films funniest moments; they would give me hives, too. Joe decides he has had enough of his father's bullying and controlling and after finding the ideal place in the woods, he asks Patrick to come with him to build a house and live, free from their parents. They are unexpectedly joined by Biaggio, who is...different, quirky, strange and in my book, should be nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Biaggio just joins Patrick and Joe, they're really not even sure how it happened, but he earns his place in the triad. Through a series of events, Kelly, a girl that Joe likes, comes out to the hideaway, but falls for Patrick. This causes some hard feelings, and eventually, the trio go their separate ways, and Joe is really on his own. I like this movie because it doesn't make the teenage boys into the gross pigs that so many movies do, but takes advantage of the real quirks found in people and in relationships, and treats them with respect. It reminded me of Moonrise Kingdom where the parents were quirky and the kids functioned as the adults, if that makes sense, and the kids ran away to the wilderness. The music in both movies played a role in setting the mood, and was not intrusive like it can be sometimes. This is a small movie, but was shown at The Sundance Film Festival, so I hope that gives it some legs. Check it out at your local art house or college theater, if you can. It might be an offbeat choice for Father's Day, but I think you will like it. It will definitely balance out the rest of my super hero themed summer.