Review of The Kings of Summer (2013) by Christopher H — 11 Jul 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 it is emotionally engaging, taking these all but unknown teenage actors and giving them an open world to roam around freely.

Centered around three boys that runaway from home to live in the woods for the summer in a home of their own making, the humor in the film rivals any comedy so far this year, anchoring the comedy with a deep rooted emotional connection to the characters and their strife with finding their own way amongst their overbearing parents.

Each teen faces moments of growth and realization that the world isn't perfect and 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 and in turn producing a true 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 while 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 up as one of the highlights in a summer full of Hollywood blockbusters.