🎬 A Sun-Soaked Farewell to Youthful Shenanigans
Staten Island Summer is brought to life through the skilled hands of Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost and Rhys Thomas, who both add their signature touch into the film’s storyline, A coming-of-age movie that paints a vivid picture of the last ‘carefree’ summer before stepping into reality. It explores the mischiefs of two close friends, set in the backdrop of the complex blend of teenage years, ambition, and an epitome summer party.
✨ CAST & CHARACTERS –
Lifeguards, Love Interests, and Local Legends Staten Island Summer bestows a starring role to Graham Phillips who plays the role of Danny Campbell alongside: Zack Pearlman who plays Frank Gomes Ashley Greene who plays the character of Krystal Manicucci
Graham Phillips as Danny Campbell
A thoughtful young man, Danny has a hardworking demeanor and just graduated highschool, so he is grappling with what lies ahead considering it is meant to be summer. While creeping towards adulthood, he is set on making the most out of his warm summer months.
Zack Pearlman as Frank Gomes Enes Frank alongside Pearlman. Full of followers on social media with no post summer plans, Frank acts as the主演 भुगतना. Along side his forgettable girls, he aims to make fresh summer memories.
Ashley Greene as Krystal Manicucci His long time crush is the daughter of mobster hinting that he is navigating rough waters as we are introduced to danny’s romantic dreams. Krystal merely backed ridesafe and nurtured bots on scratch drawers untils she were tempted.
John DeLuca as Anthony DiBuono
A naval enthusiast, Anthony dreams of serving in the forces while lifeguarding and training for the Navy. He encounters Danny in more ways than one.
Cecily Strong as Mary Ellen
The sass and support of our cheerleader lifeguard is none other than a tomboyish Mary Ellen.
Bobby Moynihan as Skootch
“Skootch” the stoner is a great comic character who is a lifeguard.
Fred Armisen as Victor
The mad groundkeeper who is continuously battling with some hornets which creates an amusing side story.
Will Forte as Griffith
Will Forte gives the very strange ‘Griffith’ character too.
Kate Walsh and Jim Gaffigan as Mr and Mrs Campbell
Danny’s parents Campbell played by Jim Gaffigan and Kate Walsh are hilarious and offer a more interesting spin as supportive parents.
Vincent Pastore as Leo Manicucci
Krystal’s scary father Danny Manicucci has the mob ties to Krystal which makes his alliance with Danny romantic pursuit.
📝 THE STORY – Pursuing Ambitions and Creating the Ultimate Bash
The movie portrays Danny and Frank’s summer job as lifeguards at Great Kills Swim Club on Staten Island. With college right around the corner, the pair has made a commitment to make every effort towards enjoying this summer. Their goals: to throw the greatest end-of-summer bash in the history of the club and, for Danny, finally score a date with Krystal. Through dates, work shenanigans, and the day-to-day struggles of growing up, friendships teach each other lessons about life, love, and moving on.
🎭 THEMES – Opening New Doors and Nostalgia of Youth
Coming-of-Age: The film encapsulates the bittersweet transition from adolescence to adulthood, highlighting the fears and excitement that come with change.
Friendship: At its core, the story celebrates the bond between Danny and Frank. It focuses on what is created because of shared struggle and experience.
Ambition vs. Contentment: Characters grapple with their plans and the ease and comfort of what is known. The struggle to choose is not new nor unique, which makes it easier to empathize with these characters.
🎬 PRODUCTION DETAILS
Director: Rhys Thomas
Writer: Colin Jost
Producers: Lorne Michaels, John Goldwyn
Production Company: Michaels-Goldwyn
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Runtime: 107 Minutes
Language: English
Release Date: June 30, 2015 (Digital Download), July 31, 2015 (Netflix)
Genre: Comedy
🌍 RECEPTION – A Nostalgic Nod to Teen Comedies
While Staten Island Summer did not receive positive reviews, with a score of 33% from Rotten Tomatoes, it managed to find a special place among teen comedy enthusiasts. Critics did appreciate the piercing satire that the film featured alongside American Pie and Superbad, along with their helpful synopsis alongside the cast’s talent, and the comedy of youth’s coming of age.
🧨 FINAL VERDICT
Even though Staten Island Summer looks to poke fun at its subjects in a heartwarming manner, those subjects happen to be the last steps of teenage life. A character whom the users follow throughout the movie gets himself into ludicrous antics that endanger his wellbeing, yet all of those events combine together in a respectful manner and they pay homage to a gentle dedication to the have or have not philosophy that follow people during their growing up stages.