THE KINGS OF SUMMER

BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
JULY 13, 2013

In addition to being one of the most enthralling coming-of-age dramas this year, “The Kings Of Summer” is as visually stunning as emotionally engaging, taking these unknown teenage actors and giving them an open-world to roam around freely. Centered around three runaways who decide to live in the woods, the film ends up being one of the funniest comedies this year. Anchoring the humor is a deep-rooted emotional connection to the characters and their strife with their overbearing parents.

Each teen faces moments of growth and realization that the world isn’t perfect. Even though some of the story arcs aren’t necessarily happy endings, these stories come off natural and realistic, producing real moments that hit home, creating a genuine emotional response in the viewer. Nick Robinson proves he has a bright future ahead of him, nailing every possible challenge placed in front of him. Nick Offerman and Megan Mulally are the comedic tent poles in the parent camp. Simultaneously, Moises Arias as Biaggio will not soon be forgotten, carrying the funniest moments of the film and creating a persona/brand all his own. Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts takes this independent film and gives it style, with camera tricks and a resonating soundtrack that raises this Sundance Film Festival favorite as one of the highlights in a summer full of Hollywood blockbusters.