Un amor de verano

'Just for the Summer' (2020)

Opening thoughts: Will admit to being very put off by the premise for 'Just for the Summer', it is not easy to make much interesting out of it and it on paper sounds very tasteless. Have seen quite a lot of films etc over time though that don't sound appealing or interesting, but actually manage at the end of the day to be engaging and tasteful. Was really hoping this would be one of those cases. Have also seen Brant Daugherty in other things and although he is hit and miss he has been capable of good.

He is not represented well at all however in one of his worst performances. Unfortunately, 'Just for the Summer' is anything but engaging or tasteful as a film. Didn't like the premise and nothing is done to make it more appealing, instead being a perfect example of why it doesn't work. Not irredeemable by all means, very rarely call anything that these days, but a mess overall that misses a lot more than it hits. This is being said with regret and not pleasure.

Good things: 'Just for the Summer' does have good things. The best thing about it is Linda Darlow, she is the cast member that has the most energy, she was fun and classy to watch and her character was amusing and likeable. The supporting cast are on the whole fine.

The scenery is beautiful too and the photography likewise.

Bad things: However, Daugherty and Hayley Sales are very weak in their roles, looking disinterested and miserable. Both gave off the sense that they knew that their material was not good and decided it was not worth trying. Didn't detect any chemistry between them, which came over as far too cold and distant, the relationship itself is very underdeveloped and their characters are one dimensional and too mopey. The characters are not written well at all and are basically just there ciphers.

Furthermore, the direction is undistinguished at best and phoned in at worst, no spark here. Didn't find anything memorable or interesting about the music, which was pretty dull. The script has no flow, not sounding like everyday conversation and is filled to the brim with cheese. Didn't mind so much that the story was cliched and predictable, that was expected, and this can be forgivable if any effort is made doing something different with typical material or/and if it manages to interest and entertain. It did matter here though, because the story is very dully paced, quite silly and what was potentially tasteless was handled in a very mean-spirited way. Do agree that the ending is very rushed and anti-climactic.

Closing thoughts: In conclusion, not good.

3/10.

Fake dating plots aren't original but this is funnier than some. Whilst there needs to be a certain amount of awkwardness in this scenario, I think having more natural moments would have increased the rewatchability - I felt the pairing was less convincing at the end and lost a bit of momentum. However, I would like to see a sequel where they are more settled as a couple and helping each other with their creative projects, because that was the best scene. It's quite a big cast with a big age range, so there'd even be potential for a family TV series.

This is a fairly typical romance, which combines a couple of tropes, which I'm not going to discuss because I'm not into spoilers.

Most of what is going on his below the surface, and I liked it, because there is no "other woman" or "other man", which is often introduced to create false conflict. Most of the conflict is internal of the characters. And while a no surprises approach to the plot is used, it's a very pretty film to look at. There are some beautiful scenes of the lake, on the pier. Often just for a few seconds, but quite stunning. The photography is actually very good in this film, and I think a lot of romantic comedies are not respected for their direction and photography, but they are often very well done and really add to the story. This is no exception.

A sweet movie with a simple and predictable storyline.

This sweet entertaining tale is better than most lightweight movie romances. The onscreen love match works particularly well because Brant Daugherty (as Jason Humphrey) is quirky, awkward and definitely funny in his pursuit of Hayley Sales (as Pen Campbell), a highly desirable budding author. Formerly a couple in their adolescent years they went their separate ways. One summer though, both coincidentally return to their hometown and meet up again. The charm of the story is compounded by their two mischievous well meaning but meddling grandmothers who match-make at every opportunity. The chemistry between Jason and Pen is believable as it would not be a stretch if they were a couple in real life. Jan and Pen decide to form a pact fooling their grandmas that they are dating to ease the pressure. The run time is perfect, the script is realistic, and the support cast lend credence to the story. It's enjoyable to watch.