There’s a long history of coming-of-age films featuring disparate stories and ensemble casts, creating a microcosm of the world during that time. Perhaps the most successful film in this subgenre is Richard Linklater’s “Dazed and Confused.” But there are other examples like “Empire Records” and “Can’t Hardly Wait.” Now, “Summer Night” aims to sit beside those films, except with a focus on a new generation.
There’s just too much story to try to sum up concisely in the trailer for “Summer Night.” As best as I can tell, it’s about some really attractive young folks with all sorts of drama related to who’s have sex with who, growing up, and an upcoming rock concert. You know, the stuff that fuels all these sorts of films.
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That isn’t to say that Joseph Cross’ upcoming film is going to necessarily be bad. In fact, the sheer amount of acting talent on display (including “Boyhood” star Ellar Coltrane…remember him?) leads us to believe that there may be something special in “Summer Night.”
The extensive cast of young, attractive actors includes Coltrane, Ian Nelson, Analeigh Tipton, Callan McAuliffe, Ella Hunt, Hayden Szeto, Bill Milner, Lana Condor, Elena Kampouris, Khris Davis. Melina Vidler, Victoria Justice, and Justin Chatwin.
“Summer Night” hits theaters on July 12.
Here’s the synopsis:
It’s the last days of summer. Best friends Seth and Jameson are getting ready to perform—and party—at local rock venue The Alamo. But before the night begins, both young men come face-to-face with serious reality checks: Seth receives life-changing news from his girlfriend Mel, and Jameson has to choose between his on-again-off-again girlfriend Corin and a new girl he’s just met, the outspoken Harmony. At the show, Seth and Jameson’s friends are too caught up in their own lives to be much help: young rocker Taylor romances his new crush Dana, and awkward Jack “Rabbit” avoids his childhood friend Lexi after learning what she did at her sister’s wedding. These intertwining friend-dramas, fueled by a lot of drinking, unfold against a backdrop of live music performed by the best bands in town. By the end of the night, these young men and women are confronted with a series of fast- approaching life decisions that will either leave them stuck in the comfort of adolescence, or catapult them into adulthood.
