Sons of Summer

I feel like I'm losing my mind reading these 9-10/10 reviews. This movie was so bad that I can only conclude those people watched something entirely different. This movie would have been a lot better if it had picked a lane. At times it was a good-times summer surfing movie, a road trip movie, and a crime thriller. The problem was that none of those things seemed to be dominant or done very well. The movie also centered around the one guy's dad who was murdered 30 years ago, which means these guys were all at least 30. They did not look 30 or act 30. I also feel like that random thing was completely unnecessary. It wasn't even like the guy needed closure or some part of his life wrapped up, it was just something that happened. That led to the road trip which barely happened. It took over 40 minutes for them to even leave town and then they spent maybe 20 minutes actually doing road trip stuff before going back to what they were already doing. This movie also had at least 8 different surfing montages, one of which wasn't even of the main characters. The biggest problem though was that the acting was terrible and the dialogue was extremely bad. Everything was so stiff and inorganic that it was impossible to pretend this was anything other than a poorly made movie. I don't think that there was really much to redeem this movie; it was poorly made and boring.

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.

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.

"sons of summer" movie is a movie with an extremely weak script, without observing any dramatic structure, without a single interesting story.

In this movie, no dramatic action that has the potential of a feature film happened, the acting of the actors was very poor and it was the worst movie I have seen in my life.

A film without a story, without a hero, without any attractive turning point, conflict and potential, this film had neither characterization nor dramatic characters.

I am really sorry for the creators of this work, especially with the untalented and weak actors.

I wish the makers had a bit of dramatic literacy before making the movie.