Summerland, a town located on the southern tip of British Columbia, has become a beacon of hope after a gloomy and dull summer. Despite the challenges imposed by the ongoing pandemic, Summerland managed to bring joy and excitement to residents and visitors alike. The town’s vibrant atmosphere, picturesque landscapes, and array of outdoor activities have attracted a surge of tourists seeking an escape from their monotonous routines. From hiking and biking trails to wine tasting tours, Summerland offers something for everyone. Its ability to revive spirits and uplift moods has made it a bright spot in an otherwise dreary summer..
The summer of 2020 may be remembered as one where everyone either stayed home or took a big risk just by going outside.
Realistically, even the mellowest summers can bring about great shenanigans – especially if it involves travel. Summerland by Lankyboy (as the directing duo, Noah Kentis and Kurtis David Harder, are known) reminds us of these summer escapades and offer a lighthearted film for many to enjoy after a dreary season.
Summerland – set to hit digital platforms and VOD on September 14th – introduces us to three teenagers embarking on a post-graduation road trip. The film follows a young graduate named Bray (Chris Ball), who’s pursuing another graduate named Shawn (Dylan Playfair). After the two meet online, Bray and Shawn agree to meet up at the Summerland music festival across the country. Unbeknownst to Shawn, Bray is catfishing him by using photos of his best friend’s girlfriend as a cover. As Bray and his best friend Oliver (Rory J. Saper) prepare for the road trip, Stacey – Oliver’s girlfriend (Maddie Phillips) – joins the duo, complicating Bray’s plan to reveal himself to Shawn. What starts as a drug-fueled quest to a concert becomes a journey to love oneself and others.
Lankyboy’s film is a legitimate comedy in every sense of the word. It doesn’t try too hard to shoot for laughs so much as it just focuses on post-college graduates being post-college graduates. There’s drugs, sex, and personal reflection, but it isn’t hyped up or exploited as one might expect.
On that note, the performances are spot-on from everyone. Chris Ball, Rory J. Saper, and Maddie Phillips are stellar and born for their respective roles. Each character has their differences and the actors bring them out flawlessly. Bray is quiet and reserved while living a double-life online, Oliver is the reckless party boy who’s facing a personal dilemma that will separate him from those he loves, and Stacey is a privileged young lady aware that there’s more out there than just what she’s been given. There’s nothing flat about their delivery or their characters, allowing audiences to make immediate connections with them easily.
Billed as a comedy, Summerland is actually more serious than many would expect. The characters go through crazy episodes, yes, but their experiences also hint at their youth. They’re in their early 20s about to move from college to the real world. Time is running out in every sense. A lot of thought went into this script, and it’s clear Lankyboy drew from this experience that almost everyone has – or will – go through in their lives, giving Summerland a “slice of life” feel alongside its comedic approach.
If anything, there are a few loose ends that are not tied up at the end. There isn’t a way to explain this without spoilers, but that definitely knocks it down a point. Otherwise, Summerland is an enjoyable film that oddly feels like a combo of National Lampoon’s Vacation and Stand By Me. It is a road trip comedy filled with all the craziness one might expect while on the road, but it’s also a coming-of-age drama in that it explores the pressures of love and loss with absolute sincerity.
2020 has been a trying year, but Summerland offers a wonderful escape for anyone wanting an adventure that’s full of laughter. Lankyboy invested a lot of effort in this one, and it most certainly paid off.
Some of the coverage you find on Cultured Vultures contains affiliate links, which provide us with small commissions based on purchases made from visiting our site. We cover gaming news, movie reviews, wrestling and much more.
Verdict
Summerland is a character-driven comedy that also delivers a heartfelt message about growing up. The script and performances are solid, allowing for an enjoyable ride from one scene to the next. Although the ending could be a little more satisfactory, the film makes for a great summer watch with friends, and even family.
“Summerland” is a comedy film directed by Lankyboy, set to be released on September 14th. The film follows three teenagers on a post-graduation road trip to the Summerland music festival. One of the teenagers, Bray, is catfishing his friend Shawn using photos of his girlfriend. As they embark on their drug-fueled journey, the film delves into themes of self-discovery and love. While billed as a comedy, “Summerland” also touches on more serious topics. The performances are strong, and the film offers an enjoyable and heartfelt watch. Although the ending may leave some loose ends, it is a great summer film that provides an escape and laughter in a challenging year.
Hashtags: #Summerland #Bright #Spot #Dreary #Summer
Hgvt.edu.vn trang tổng hợp kiến thức giáo dục, công nghệ, đời sống. Bạn có thể tự đánh giá nội dung và trở thành cộng tác viên của chúng tôi
Leave a Reply