A Storm in Summer

Peter Falk is a grumpy old curmudgeon who owns a small deli in upstate New York. His shiftless nephew Andrew McCarthy agrees to sponsor an inner city kid for two weeks, but forgets to tell Falk and then saddles Falk with Aaron Meeks, a young black kid from NYC, and takes off for Atlantic City.

You already know everything that's going to happen in this. Falk will reject Meeks, but he'll come around and everybody's cold heart will be melted. When you find out that Falk's only son was killed in WWII and Meeks has a brother in Vietnam (this is set in 1969) ... I don't need to connect the dots for you.

This is a remake of a 1970 TV movie written by Rod Serling. I haven't seen the original, but I can say that 30 years later, there's no reason to tell a story this familiar. Falk kind of sleepwalks through this, giving you some grumpy Columbo schtick, but not really stretching and really not giving you any convincing emotions in the weepy finale. McCarthy is kind of fine in a very undemanding role, but Nastassja Kinski is epically miscast as well-meaning upper class socialite.

This really feels like a "I need to keep my union card active" project for Robert Wise.

Rod Serling is best remembered for his venture into the imagination and fourth dimension of The Twilight Zone, but so many of his other writings become forgotten, such as "Requium for a Heavyweight." This story, "A Storm in Summer," written in 1970, five years before his death, Rod Serling has been able to successfully recapture the fine writing he did with "Requium." And this story is timeless as it speaks today as it did 37 years ago. Rod Serling is among my favorite writers, and I enjoy his social commentaries and dramatic twists in his stories and "Storm" is no different. The cast is excellent with Peter Falk in the lead, and the chemistry between him and his young co-star is magic! However, there are a few points in the movie that are too slow, and I didn't much care for the Grandmother (and those are the reasons for the 9 rating), but other than that, this is a wonderful movie, the kind you can see with the whole family. And a movie not to be missed!!

I've not seen the original 1970 version but I found this one very enjoyable particularly Peter Falk showing he has great versatility as an actor beyond his role as Columbo.The young boy was very good.PS Does the young boy remind you of another black actor who starred in a 80's series called different strokes. 8/10.

gabyroads

Seldom do you see such a good drama dealing with such heartbreak and emotion without it being filled to the brink with sap. Possibly even more rare, this is a TV-movie that elicits more emotion and has far better direction than many theatrical films, even some of the better ones. Peter Falk once again proves his immense talent with a character far from his portrayal of Columbo. The plot is very good, and as far as I know, quite original(keeping in mind that this is a remake). The pacing is unusually good for a made-for-TV film. The cast is excellent, as is the acting. Peter Falk... what is there really to say? With his talent and charisma, he makes even this character interesting, even though, in the beginning, is almost a modern-day Scrooge, with his hatred for just about everyone and everything. He makes us care about this old man and see through the facade, something very few actors can do, and look at the man underneath, the reason behind the hate. Aaron Meeks, I am impressed. Very few child actors do so well on their first try. The dialog has some truly memorable lines. The film deals with racism and hate in a very good way. It also shows that a big wallet does not mean a big heart. The script is good, and has some new ideas, though the very basis of it is pretty much the typical 'two people from two different worlds' plot. This is one everyone should at least consider watching. I recommend this to fans of dramas and particularly fans of Peter Falk. 8/10

This is a movie I had read about in my TV and movie guides, got curious about, and today watched the 2000 version. A real gem. Not surprising, when you consider it was originally created by the legendary Rod Serling. Peter Falk is masterful as the curmudgeonly deli owner. His fancy-free cousin (Andrew McCarthy) meets Nastassja Kinski at a country club, and agrees to adopt a city kid for a few weeks of fresh air and fishing. Kinski tries to explain the situation to Falk, but he will have none of it. The next thing you know, little Herman Washington has arrived at the bus station. But of course, McCarthy has to zip off to Atlantic City, leaving Herman with the testy uncle. How it unfolds is a work of wonder. Falk meets his philosophical match, while still fondly remembering his own son, fallen in war. They enjoy some perilous fishing, and also manage to maintain dignity over the country-club set. If you aren't moved by this personal character drama, you had better check yourself for a heartbeat! Three and a half stars.