Skylar Jones
Arts Editor
The coming of age film, “Age of Summer,” released on Sept. 7, depicts the struggles of a young Junior Lifeguard in Hermosa Beach, inspiring and moving audiences of all ages in the South Bay.
“Age of Summer” is a heartwarming story for teens who live in the Beach Cities. The movie takes place in Hermosa Beach and Palos Verdes, and the costume design approximates with the attire of the 1980s beach life. Despite the movie’s uplifting themes, the overall storyline is choppy and difficult to follow.
Bill Kiely directed the film, David B. Harris wrote the screenplay, and Joseph McKelheer produced it. The film features several Mira Costa students, including juniors such as Malia Balzer and Megan Seth, seniors Ryan Manick and Charlotte Sabina and alumni Hali Honea and Shane Balzer.
The film depicts the life of a teenage boy named Minnesota, who recently moved to Hermosa Beach. He joins the Junior Lifeguard program in the summer of 1986 and makes new friends in the program. Minnesota faces ordinary teenage challenges throughout the film, such as fitting in with friends and finding himself in a new community filled with many strangers.
Throughout the entire movie, the plot feels complicated to viewers, as it frequently skips back and forth between conflicts. The chaotic storyline makes it hard for the audience to follow. Many scenes seem random, such as one that included a missing person sign of a man who was non-essential to the film at all.
“Age of Summer” contains many problems that are left unresolved. For instance, Minnesota’s bike is stolen and in the process of looking for it, he meets the “Rock God,” but he never actually finds his bike. Another unresolved feature of the film is Minnesota’s chase for his “dream girl,” an issue that is also not settled by the end of the movie. This aspect left viewers confused and unsatisfied, with no clear resolution.
The actors’ lack of acting experience is apparent throughout the film and results in awkward and overdramatic scenes. Several scenes and conversations feel overly-scripted and tense, making for a cheesy and unnatural storyline which periodically bores viewers.
The frequent profanity throughout “Age of Summer” adds to the authenticity of the film in general and viewers can relate to the way the actors speak. Additionally, the young actors are powerfully vulnerable as they put themselves out there and portray raw emotion through their advanced conversations.
A unique feature of the film is its location, mainly filmed on local beaches and the Strand. The cinematography of the film entices viewers with the upclose scenery of local Hermosa Beach and Palos Verdes’ coastline and pier, appealing to South Bay residents.
In all, “Age of Summer” is an uplifting film, relatable to viewers with its nostalgic authenticity. Although the storyline is disorderly and the acting awkward, the overall idea of the movie is entertaining for viewers, making it a must see for local residents.
Released on Sept. 7, “Age of Summer” can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon.
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