Almost Summer

"Almost Summer" was worked on by four screenwriters (Judith and Sandra Berg, Martin Davidson--who also directed--and Marc Reid Rubel), yet it opens with the oldest visual cliché in the teen-movie manual: anonymous girl in a red bikini lying on a beach towel next to her suntan oil and radio. Who is she? It doesn't matter. For a film that wants to examine cutthroat high school politics with a somewhat serious face, this opening shot--more than any other--tips the writers' hand: what they really wanted to make was a girl-ogling flick on the level of "Beach Blanket Bingo". When his candidate for student body president is suspended, wheeler-dealer Bruno Kirby has to come up with a last minute replacement to challenge Lee Purcell, the class brain. Most of the actors look old enough to be in college (one of the reasons, I think, the movie didn't catch on with its target audience), although Didi Conn does her oddball outsider thing to good effect (even if the sight gag with her braces is overdone). One tires quickly of wise guy Kirby, who swears like a seasoned sailor and gambles on the side like a streetwise hustler. "Grease" beat this into theaters by three months and, while that film also featured kids too old for class, it had a real feel for classrooms and teachers and puppy love. "Almost Summer" wants to be hard-shelled and yet sentimental--the underdog as teen idol--but the dialogue is too smart and worldly and cynical. Where's the fun of being a teenager? ** from ****

This is one of the most enjoyable teen movies I have ever seen (and that I wished was released to video). It was released the same year as another great comedy in which Tim Matheson played a role "Animal House" (Which is probably why it was overlooked).

One of the most memorable parts of this film would definitely be the soundtrack, which could have and should have been a formal label release. The soundtrack features a lesser-known 70's act named High Inergy whose song "We are the future", played a marquee role in the movie's Prom scene. I remember purchasing the group's album "Steppin' Out" as a kid mainly because of the look of the girls and not necessarily for their musical talents.

The closing song is one of the best ballads I have ever heard, and I can still hear it in my head. I wish I knew the group's name so that I could look for it somewhere in cyberspace.

If you liked films such as "Over the edge" and "Rich Kids", I think this is one that you will enjoy as well.

As a revenge to his hokey 'friend', a guy latch a plan to make an unlikely candidate for the incoming school election. Strings attached and loose ends collide, the film implodes into a very heartwarming and highly underrated high school romance drama.

Not really familiar with Motown's dabble to the movie business but this was well made. The acting is not really something to write about AND verges into the Grease discussion of how old are they to play teenagers BUT there's the story is just well made. I guess I had dabbled into too many sleazy 80s comedies that it was a nice surprise that this film has a bit heart and built storyline. Familiar face Didi Cohn of Grease fame, plays a minor role as a damsel wanting the very best for the guy that treated her with a little bit of respect. Though the film centers around. Her older brother and his 'new' friend as they try to sham a win. [3.5/5].

PS. Just a bit of minus points to how they handled the Christine's fall. A bit too harsh for some incel-ish behavior.

great movie for any ages, especially if you liked high school. Kirby and Conn have unique voices and Conn has awesome legs. Friedrich plays a likable character and seeing a pre-Animal House Tim Matheson is cool.

I caught this movie one weekend afternoon years ago when the clothes and hairstyles were still fashionable. What intrigued me I have no idea, maybe it was the woman in the bikini caressing her body and the music was very Beach Boys. I had the unmistakeable impression I had seen Didi Conn and Bruno Kirby in something else, but no idea what it could have been, especially Kirby. They were perfectly cast as brother and sister. John Friedrich, as the new kid Darryl Fitzgerald, rounded out the group for me. Kirby sought to get back at Lee Purcell by pushing Friedrich to run against her as class president. With his slogan 'you don't know me, but. . .' and his weak, adolescent behaviour, Friedrich was very convincing for me as an insecure teen. When he learns of underhanded dealings perpetrated by Kirby, he drops out of the race. This was my intro to the teen vehicle of everything wrapping up in the end. I always wondered why the film never became more recognizeable or launched more successful careers for the actors and actresses.