Review of Staten Island Summer (2015) by Preston L — 03 Sep 2015

Staten Island Summer is a new teenage stoner-sex comedy ala American Pie, Dazed and Confused, Wet Hot American Summer, etc. This one takes place at a public pool where the lifeguards want to throw a massive party on the final day of summer before they all separate and leave each other forever.

Things I Liked:

The Cast. Featuring a large number of SNL cast members and alums, which is no surprise as Lorne Michaels, creator of SNL, is the producer of this movie. Nearly all of the cast demonstrate funnier comedic chops than they ever have on the show. Also the younger actors play very well off of each other and the whole ensemble fits very well together.

The Comedy. For a comedy that is purely stupid and sexual humor a majority of the time, this one is pretty funny. I don't usually enjoy these sorts of movies a great deal but I found this one made me laugh quite a few times. There are some moments that are more subtle jokes and some that are just absurd but they both work within the world of the film and a decent number of the jokes land the way they should.

Things I Didn't Like:

The Plot. The movie's plot is fairly simple and one that has been done to death. Boy sees cute girl and wants one glorious night to win her over and forever be happy with the girl of his dreams. This one is no different but there are a large number of moments that draw it out unnecessarily and none of them really enhance the story. The main plot is dull and the side plots are weird and they don't mesh.

Overall. Overall the movie works more on it's small moments and skilled comedic cast than the story they are trying to tell. While the plot is bogged down by a lack of originality and a series of weird sub-plots, the movie is ultimately one that doesn't leave the viewer regretting the decision to watch it. I had a good time watching this one. A lot of the comedic moments work fairly well and the cast brings a high energy that keeps you interested throughout.