Sons of Summer

Part surfing movie part thriller the film is kind of a sequel to Avalon's Summer City released 46 years ago the premiere of which I attended. What I loved about it was in part the nostalgic elements as it referenced the original film which starred a few unknown actors like Steve Bisley and Mel Gibson. This film manages to work as a study of Australian mateship and the contemporary surfie culture that has existed in Australia for decades. The surf sequences are dazzling and elegant and the movie moves with a taut briskness. One hopes it gets publicity on home turf and finds an audience. In the US the movie is playing in select AMC theaters and on demand through Apple etc. Grade B.

The scenery and surfing is great, the plot has a good story line and is carried really well by the main actors being Temura Morrison and Joe Davidson. Alex Fleri has some really good action shots and is believable in his part.

Isabel Lucas parts her part well, but her part could have had many more exciting and meaningful scenes which would have highlighted her part, I believe most movies require good female scenes to bring the movie "home".

Plently of ocean shots and some excitingly good surfing is captured - so if you like to watch surfing close to a beach with a good story line and good waves then you'll love this movie.

Sons of Summer is, above all, an entertainment piece that delivers some of the most breathtaking surfing imagery ever captured on film. While some critics have been quick to put it down for its weaker plot, I believe that focusing solely on its narrative shortcomings overlooks the film's many strengths-especially its striking visuals and immersive cinematography.

The film takes full advantage of Australia's stunning coastal landscapes, with the Gold Coast and Southern NSW providing a perfect backdrop for the mix of action, thriller, and relaxed, music-backed surfing sequences. At times, this combination can feel a little disjointed, but there's no denying the film's visual and atmospheric appeal.

Temuera Morrison delivers a powerful presence despite limited dialogue, proving that sometimes, a performance can be compelling through sheer gravitas alone. Joe Davidson is a convincing and charismatic leading man, though the film could have benefited from stronger storytelling to further develop his character. The simplistic dialogue prevents deeper audience connection, and a richer backstory would have allowed for more engaging performances overall.

While I understand the criticism regarding plot and character development, it's a shame that so many reviews focus only on the negatives. Sons of Summer excels in areas that deserve recognition-its cinematography, action sequences, and stunning surf shots make it a visually exhilarating ride. Despite its flaws, the film remains an all-around entertainer, and for its visuals alone, I rate it highly.

Because if you do, let me tell you, Sons of Summer isn't it.

Based on the flimsiest of pretexts, four surfers whose fathers were friends 30 years ago decide to go on a road trip together along with a huge quantity of drugs one of them has stolen from a local paint-by-numbers gangster. There's no connection between the characters, the acting is as wooden as their surfboards, the plot has holes you could drive a bus through, the cinematography reminds me of the sort found in Aussie movies from 40 years ago, and the whole thing has the feel of an overly long episode of Home and Away directed by someone who loved Baywatch as a kid.

It's not as if Sons of Summer falls into that "so bad it's good" category, it's just an awful, awful movie.

After some awfully hamfisted exposition, 4 friends (seemingly only friends because their Dads are mates) decide on a road trip for a very weakly established plot point. Along the way they make terrible decisions and act like they're in a first time community theatre production. I can't stress this enough- this is awful and my best guess is someone did this as a favour to someone who needed money laundered. There's NO reason. For this film to exist. Not so bad it's good, just bad. Not enough substance here to write anything more on the film so I'll end on saying Rasputin by Bony M is a killer track.