Sons of Summer

Part surfing movie part thriller the film is kind of a sequel to Avalon's Summer City released 46 years ago the premiere of which I attended. What I loved about it was in part the nostalgic elements as it referenced the original film which starred a few unknown actors like Steve Bisley and Mel Gibson. This film manages to work as a study of Australian mateship and the contemporary surfie culture that has existed in Australia for decades. The surf sequences are dazzling and elegant and the movie moves with a taut briskness. One hopes it gets publicity on home turf and finds an audience. In the US the movie is playing in select AMC theaters and on demand through Apple etc. Grade B.

Sons of Summer is, above all, an entertainment piece that delivers some of the most breathtaking surfing imagery ever captured on film. While some critics have been quick to put it down for its weaker plot, I believe that focusing solely on its narrative shortcomings overlooks the film's many strengths-especially its striking visuals and immersive cinematography.

The film takes full advantage of Australia's stunning coastal landscapes, with the Gold Coast and Southern NSW providing a perfect backdrop for the mix of action, thriller, and relaxed, music-backed surfing sequences. At times, this combination can feel a little disjointed, but there's no denying the film's visual and atmospheric appeal.

Temuera Morrison delivers a powerful presence despite limited dialogue, proving that sometimes, a performance can be compelling through sheer gravitas alone. Joe Davidson is a convincing and charismatic leading man, though the film could have benefited from stronger storytelling to further develop his character. The simplistic dialogue prevents deeper audience connection, and a richer backstory would have allowed for more engaging performances overall.

While I understand the criticism regarding plot and character development, it's a shame that so many reviews focus only on the negatives. Sons of Summer excels in areas that deserve recognition-its cinematography, action sequences, and stunning surf shots make it a visually exhilarating ride. Despite its flaws, the film remains an all-around entertainer, and for its visuals alone, I rate it highly.

Because if you do, let me tell you, Sons of Summer isn't it.

Based on the flimsiest of pretexts, four surfers whose fathers were friends 30 years ago decide to go on a road trip together along with a huge quantity of drugs one of them has stolen from a local paint-by-numbers gangster. There's no connection between the characters, the acting is as wooden as their surfboards, the plot has holes you could drive a bus through, the cinematography reminds me of the sort found in Aussie movies from 40 years ago, and the whole thing has the feel of an overly long episode of Home and Away directed by someone who loved Baywatch as a kid.

It's not as if Sons of Summer falls into that "so bad it's good" category, it's just an awful, awful movie.

"sons of summer" movie is a movie with an extremely weak script, without observing any dramatic structure, without a single interesting story.

In this movie, no dramatic action that has the potential of a feature film happened, the acting of the actors was very poor and it was the worst movie I have seen in my life.

A film without a story, without a hero, without any attractive turning point, conflict and potential, this film had neither characterization nor dramatic characters.

I am really sorry for the creators of this work, especially with the untalented and weak actors.

I wish the makers had a bit of dramatic literacy before making the movie.

There a few movies that can mix action and surfing. I can think of three. Point Break, Liquid Bridge and Summer City.

SONS OF SUMMER cleverly mixes a Road Trip to pay tribute to a dad that was murdered 30 years ago.

The four sons, lead by actor Joe Davidson who's dad was the one murdered by a Vet and has his own problems is a likeable character warts n all. His relationship with girlfriend Isabel Lucas is at the crossroads as his deeds before they go on the trip make the journey memorable.

Enter Temeura Morrison. What a great actor, he adds the tension and moves the story into a different genre.

Next we have the visuals, the surfing sequences are the best Ive ever seen in a movie and the music was a perfect mix of today and yesterday. Ive rated this 9 stars. Highly recommended.