Something Like Summer

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.

I have read all of the books in Jay Bell's "Seasons" series. Because of this, I was really looking forward to this movie. In full disclosure, this is probably why I was so disappointed. A few things: First, Something Like Summer the book was absolutely amazing. However, the film left out so much and I can't help but think that, in part, this was because so much time was spent on the musical aspect of the film. The music was trite, boring, and awkward. It also seemed like it just showed up out of nowhere (e.g., "gee, I don't know how to end this scene, so let's throw in a poorly written and performed song about gay teenage angst).

Second, the characters, costumes and scenery all seemed fake. The whole ambiance of the film seemed like a white upper-middle-class version of gayness rooted in stereotypes.

Finally, I was not pleased with the character of Ben. You know how when you read a book you create an image of the character in your head? Well, whoever played Ben was not it. Of course, the fact that Ben kept breaking into song didn't help anything.

Though not pleased with Ben, the depiction of Tim was spot on :)

I will end with this: if you are a fan of the book, watch the film. However, be prepared for less emotional attachment, excitement, and satisfaction.

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

First, let me say like most people who have reviewed this movie, the book is 1000 times better. I have no idea why someone read Jay Bell's book Something Like Summer and decided 'oh this would be a great musical". It's not. They could have delved more into the actual story and plot of the book and done without all of the songs, which take up so much unnecessary time rather than developing the love between the two main characters. The first time I saw this was at the gay film festival in Atlanta and there was a Q&A with the Director and the cast afterwards. I never got a chance to ask why in the hell they ruined such a great book by making this movie a musical adaptation. For anyone unfamiliar I would watch this and then go read the book. Otherwise you're going to be extremely disappointed.

You know how most gay themed movies are depressing as hell because for some unknown reason production companies apparently insist on having antagonists in the story? Well this movie goes above and beyond to make those companies happy. It's like someone took two different movies with depressing endings and mashed them up together to make this emo monstrosity. The acting is good, the random bursts of songs in the movie are well sung but is a bit distracting and the story is far too rushed because they tried to fit too much in a 2 hr movie. I hope more movies follow the model set by recent movies like 'Call me by your name' and deliver some laid back LGBTQ+ movies with cheerful endings.