Something Like Summer (2017)

Sadly Over-hyped

All that we are seeing on the screen is happening with real people, real action sequences in the background, forcing the eye to watch as if we were there.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.

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 almost bought the book on Amazon. But the fool in me gave it a pass. Now that I'd seen the movie I have a rather mixed feelings about it. I mean the story is fine; beautiful, in fact.But it ran so much like a daytime soap that it felt too sappy at times. And what's worse it tried to be a musical which was totally off. So much so that it even felt like "Glee".In any event, putting the cheesiness of daytime soap and musicals aside, what's important was the story itself. In all honesty, it's a beautiful story that spans several decades and with the movie's run time being slightly under 2 hours I'd say the story line was pretty solid. But it all had to be credited to the author of original novel itself, Jay Bell. Production-wise was "meh".However, it doesn't hurt that the two main leads happened to be cute.

It may be hard to believe but I was unaware of Jay Bell's Something Like series of books before I recently came upon this movie by accident. I immediately became enamored with the actors, their acting, the music and the ability of Director David Berry's ability to capture the gut wrenching emotions of a young, gay man growing up. Grant Davis did a wonderful performance playing the roller coaster life of Ben. I have to admit I was surprised when Ben started singing and the movie cut to a stage scene where Ben is singing to a living statue of his first real love, Tim. Davis' voice was perfect for emotionally telling details of Ben's feelings. The music added a unique touch to the movie. The expression on Ben's face in the scene where he had his first kiss is incredible. The chemistry between all the characters was significant. One of the ways I judge how well I like a movie is how many times I check how much time is left in the movie. Something Like Summer captured my attention, evoked emotions in me that I didn't know I had and without me ever stopping to see how much time was left in the movie. I'm sorry I missed the West Coast premiere of the movie here in San Diego. I'm almost ashamed to say I lost track of how many times I have watched the movie. I discover new things every time. It was that good.

I have read all of the something like books and was naturally excited to see the movie was coming out and waited what seemed to be an eternity to see it. Sadly to say I shouldn't have waited. This movie failed to incorporate any kind of value from the book. I felt disconnected and had i not read the book, would have been totally lost as nothing is connected coherently. The movie reminds me of some kid show with a bunch of preppy guys out a catalog and no clear purpose. The movie also failed to display any kind of intimacy or emotionality expected in this work. And what is with all the singing?? I literally skipped through it as it was long drawn out and irrelevant. Overall I would have to rate this movie as a failure. Giving 4 for effort.David Santos, call me.