Something Like Summer

WhenI first read Jay Bell's "SOMETHING LIKE SUMMER", I fell in love. I fell in love with the story, the characters and most importantly how he set everything up. I was moved in a way that most literature I had read failed to do. So when I found out that a movie was being made based on the book, I was over the moon. Then when I saw the movie I was left wondering what happened to Jay Bell's masterpiece? I felt like I was getting a Cliff Notes version of "Brokeback Mountain" paired with "Mamma Mia" . This is NOT what Jay Bell created. I'm not a pureist who insists the movie must be exactly like the book, however it should at least closely resemble it. This movie thusly does not. So many things were left unexplained or simply rushed through. The movie never explained the significance of Ben and the music or Tim and his art. So many key plot points were just touched upon or completely ignored. It was as though Jay Bell wasn't even involved in the production. Some of the casting descisions were spot on and others left something to be desired. I really didn't conect with the actor who portrayed Ben. I really think he was sorely miscast. The actors cast as Tim and Alison were however perfect. Even if I gad not read the book first I would have been left feeling confused by this movie. It is Not a good adaptaion of the book

I'd never want to have to bring a book to life, with all the limitations normally involved. I bought and read this series (those available at the time, then buying the rest as they became available) a few years ago, just after losing the last member of my family after taking care of her in my home for 3½ years. My emotional attachment to these books is strong because they helped me move forward, helped me adjust to a very new life. Today, when I saw the e-mail that we could buy or rent the film, I bought and watched immediately.

The music didn't help. I understand they needed to advance the story. If they'd done the book more literally, the film would've been four hours. So the filmmakers were left with difficult choices. For me, it would have been worth it to add ten minutes to more closely follow the death of (I won't tell who). Other than Harry Potter books/films, I've rarely both read and watched a story. I'd read this book three times before watching; a first. Trying to tell that much story in under 90 minutes, they were going to need to leave out significant moments, moments every reader, as much as, treasured.

Unfamiliar with any of them, I really liked the cast. I'd already decided I wouldn't (based on the trailer), but the three boys, the good friend, the parents and the sister - even the obnoxious twink bit part - were all really well done. I look forward to watching it again without taking 20-30 minutes to adjust to them not being exactly as I envisioned when reading. ( I pictured and mannered the two leads a lot like the two leads in 'Get Real', though American.) But at the end of the film, I had the same sense of the characters that I had with the books -- still liking Jace best.

The filmmakers gave a lot of effort with a lot of talent. There were a few especially well done moments of (I'll probably need to watch several times to adequately describe) unique editing/photography. I love the story. I just wish they could have found a way, other than musical numbers, to condense it. But I liked it better than I thought I would.

I want to give it a higher rating, maybe I will after another viewing or two. If you've found it to stream somewhere, and it still has a fairly low rating (currently 6.0), I'd encourage you to give it a try. There's a lot there. If you're debating whether or not to put money on it and you haven't read the book, follow your gut, and stick with it. I think you're likely to find it a rewarding, worthwhile watch in the end. If you liked/loved the book, just watch it.

I used to only check reviews on each movie but never wrote one. This is my first comment because this movie has really struck me speechless.

It's actually an interesting story. I came across the novel by accident and fell in love with the something like ... gay universe. I recommended the series to my friend and he told me there was actually a movie adaptation. I was so excited at first but after the first 5 minutes, I realized I had seen it before and given it up because back then I thought it was disturbingly cringe. Ok I gave it another shot because I love this series so much and it's nothing but cringe.

From the adaptation perspective, it's a failure. The main reason is that the way Jay Bell wrote the series is plot-dense. The series is like a high-schooler diary (not in a bad way) so it is absolutely not possible to cram it into 2 hours. As a result, the movie left out a great deal of important details. For me, it is more of an illustration of the book than a movie. If I haven't read the series, I am sure I will never understand what's going on in each scene before it moves suddenly to some years later.

From the casting perspective, I disagree with some of the previous reviews. Allison is actually really great with sweat voice and satisfactory acting. Ben, Jace and Tim are total disaster. Especially for Tim, he is supposed to be the most handsome one given the fact that his beauty is constantly mentioned in the book. Their acting.... let's just not talk about it.

From the cringe perspective, the movie is soooo awkward. Everything seems cheap and fake. From their motives, dialogue, emotion to the setting and musical, it's just screaming we are underfunded! All these important scenes in the first book are either cut out or carried out in complete awkwardness. They made every line sound ridiculous and emotionless. So I didn't feel particularly touched but sorry for these actors and actresses because they must have felt embarrassed as well. As for the some years passed by part, they really should have done more.

Anyway, I really appreciate their efforts. The something like series is really good so if you have found the movie somewhat intriguing but haven't read the series yet, please read it. Then you will understand what I mean by this is illustration but not an adaptation.

Loved the book series. The characters and story hold a very special place in my heart. That being said, I feel like this adaptation was botched. Mostly by the cringe-worth, heavy-handed acting. I would have loved to see this as a miniseries under better direction with some bigger names attached to star.

First, let me say like most people who have reviewed this movie, the book is 1000 times better. I have no idea why someone read Jay Bell's book Something Like Summer and decided 'oh this would be a great musical". It's not. They could have delved more into the actual story and plot of the book and done without all of the songs, which take up so much unnecessary time rather than developing the love between the two main characters. The first time I saw this was at the gay film festival in Atlanta and there was a Q&A with the Director and the cast afterwards. I never got a chance to ask why in the hell they ruined such a great book by making this movie a musical adaptation. For anyone unfamiliar I would watch this and then go read the book. Otherwise you're going to be extremely disappointed.