Something Like Summer

I have read all of the books in Jay Bell's "Seasons" series. Because of this, I was really looking forward to this movie. In full disclosure, this is probably why I was so disappointed. A few things: First, Something Like Summer the book was absolutely amazing. However, the film left out so much and I can't help but think that, in part, this was because so much time was spent on the musical aspect of the film. The music was trite, boring, and awkward. It also seemed like it just showed up out of nowhere (e.g., "gee, I don't know how to end this scene, so let's throw in a poorly written and performed song about gay teenage angst).

Second, the characters, costumes and scenery all seemed fake. The whole ambiance of the film seemed like a white upper-middle-class version of gayness rooted in stereotypes.

Finally, I was not pleased with the character of Ben. You know how when you read a book you create an image of the character in your head? Well, whoever played Ben was not it. Of course, the fact that Ben kept breaking into song didn't help anything.

Though not pleased with Ben, the depiction of Tim was spot on :)

I will end with this: if you are a fan of the book, watch the film. However, be prepared for less emotional attachment, excitement, and satisfaction.

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.

An attractive, likable cast made it all bearable and, at times, enjoyable, but most of the twists and turns in the story were predictable, derivative and tedious.

There also seemed to be numerous, awkward moments when, out of nowhere, a musical number was inserted in a startling, cringe worthy way. Rather than enhancing the story line, most of them were intrusive, barely relevant and uncomfortable.

While the whole movie was creeping over the line into soap opera territory, the final twist & turn removed all doubt.

It is probably still worth watching, but by the end you may be asking yourself, "what the hell just happened."

You know how most gay themed movies are depressing as hell because for some unknown reason production companies apparently insist on having antagonists in the story? Well this movie goes above and beyond to make those companies happy. It's like someone took two different movies with depressing endings and mashed them up together to make this emo monstrosity. The acting is good, the random bursts of songs in the movie are well sung but is a bit distracting and the story is far too rushed because they tried to fit too much in a 2 hr movie. I hope more movies follow the model set by recent movies like 'Call me by your name' and deliver some laid back LGBTQ+ movies with cheerful endings.

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