Stolen Summer

Rating:
Summary: Stolen Summer
Review: A beautiful film. I loved every minute. I watched it three times in one day! I highly reccomend it!
-Martha Cole

Rating:
Summary: GREAT!
Review: A touching and thought provoking film. It makes me sad that producer Chris Moore is ashamed of this film. Or one might think he is. I mean if you saw the last season of "Project Greenlight" he doesn't speak highly of this first film produced by Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and himself for season one of HBO's Project Greenlight. Perhaps Mr. Moore bases his feelings on how much money the movie made, which was very little. I think we all know that there are countless movies out there that bombed at the box office, but prove to be wonderful and meaningful motion pictures. I liked "Stolen Summer" because it asked questions we all have. It features a first rate cast including Aidan Quinn, Kevin Pollak, Eddie Kaye Thomas & Bonnie Hunt. I would have liked to see more of Bonnie Hunt, she is an absolute delight on screen. Check her out in larger roles like "Return to Me" & "Only You" also. The story revolves around an 8 year old Catholic boy who is on a quest to get a younger friend (a Jewish boy) into heaven. ~A great film, good for family viewing if you can get the younger kiddies to take the deep subject matter seriously.

Rating:
Summary: A great family movie
Review: After watching Project Greenlight on HBO, I was expecting a poor movie. However, I was plesantly surprised with its quality. This movie has a great message for all no matter what your religion is. I especially like how the movie makes us understand that the "us verses them" metality that some people have about their religion is wrong.Also, listening to how the two boys view the world and religion was a delight.
Although it does have a few minor curse words, I would still recommend it as a family movie for children who are about 8 years old or older. Depending on the maturity of the child.

Rating:
Summary: that rare film that deals with religion in America
Review: American films deal with all aspects of every day life: work, school, marriage, family, divorce, adolescence, sexuality, crime, alcoholism, drugs, disease, death - the range of subjects is virtually endless. Yet if you were to look to films to get some sense of what defines American culture, you would never know that religion played any kind of role at all in the lives of the common, ordinary citizen. Spirituality seems to be the one aspect of life that never gets acknowledged even by the most incisive of filmmakers. Of course, we do occasionally run across the serial killer who claims to be doing "the Lord's work" as he's butchering his victims, or the diabolical Catholic Church hierarchy plotting the deaths of hundreds to maintain its nefarious hold on its riches and power, or the sleazy evangelist who is out there bilking millions out of their life savings in exchange for a phony one way ticket to eternal glory. But we almost never see just plain garden-variety folks who go to church, value their faith and try to make their religion an intricate part of their workaday lives. Why is that?

Well, "Stolen Summer" is that rare American film which actually acknowledges that religion plays a key role in many people's lives. It's Chicago, 1976, and 8-year old Pete O'Malley, fearful of going to hell, is on a quest to assure his place in heaven by converting neighborhood Jews to the Christian faith. As part of his effort, he enlists the aid of a local rabbi who, admiring Pete's honesty and willingness to seek for Truth, agrees to let the boy set up a lemonade-cum-salvation stand outside his temple. The film deals with a wide array of characters, including members of Pete's family as well as the rabbi's, who have varying reactions to both Pete's stated goal and the burgeoning friendship between Pete and the rabbi's own son.

"Stolen Summer" is not afraid to confront the sectarian nature of religion that is often used as a means of dividing people of faith rather than bringing them together. Moreover, by viewing the world through the unfiltered eyes of these two innocent young boys, writer/director Pete Jones points up the empty ritualism that often defines how we adults choose to practice our faith. Pete and Danny, by cutting through the layers of nonsense and getting to the simple heart of the matter, force many of the grownups in the film to re-evaluate their own beliefs and practices.

It's also nice to see a family in a film that, although it has problems, is not thoroughly angst-ridden and dysfunctional. The O'Malley's are an intact Irish Catholic family whose eight children are a clear testament to the couple's adherence to papal decrees on birth control. In an excellent, multi-layered performance, Aidan Quinn plays Pete's father, Joe, a hard-working fireman who is proud of his ethnic roots and who feels that the most important role for a man in this world is to take care of his family. Yet, Joe has problems of his own. For one thing, he has an excessive sense of pride that prevents him from wanting his children to have a better life than the one he has made for them. He believes that his college-aged son should be content to work as a dutiful civil servant rather than pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. Moreover, Joe obviously fears what he doesn't know or understand and this comes out in subtle flashes of anti-Semitism, which put him in direct conflict with the rabbi and even his own son at times. Joe is, in many ways, the most interesting character in the film mainly because Jones is careful not to peg him as either a total hero or total villain. Bonnie Hunt and Kevin Pollack offer strong support as Joe's levelheaded wife and the open-minded rabbi, respectively. And young Adiel Stein scores big time as the centerpiece of the film, little Pete O'Malley. Stein conveys an upbeat childlike innocence that is infectious without becoming cutesy or cloying. He is utterly believable as a young boy coming-of-age in a suburban home in the 1970's.

"Stolen Summer," because it deals gently with its people and its subject matter, may strike some as a bit too mild in tone, a bit too lacking in grit to be worth very much. And, in a sense, they may be right. The film does sometimes come off a bit like one of those "good for you" After School Specials designed to deliver an upbeat, heartwarming message about the goodness of mankind without unduly upsetting anyone in the audience. And the movie does feel a bit contrived at times, more concerned with wringing tears or teaching a lesson than it is in capturing life in its rawest form for all of us to see. But no matter. It's still a pleasure to see a film at least attempting to acknowledge both that people do think about religion and God from time to time in this world and that we all don't come from families torn asunder by personal trauma. Yes, one could perhaps wish for a bit more edginess at times - still, "Stolen Summer" merits praise for bringing religion back into the mainstream of American movies.

Rating:
Summary: GENTLE, WELL-MEANING TALE WITH A LAID BACK PACE.
Review: I chanced upon this movie on cable, but Stolen Summer isn't the kind of film that gets made too often nowadays -- light and cute, but balanced with a touching serious side that carries universal messages about religion, God, love, family, growing up.

The director's style is of the point-and-shoot variety, which isn't necessarily a bad thing as over-the-top visual flourishes likely would've taken our attention away from the ample dialogue. The script contains a good amount of surprises, and the character development is quite caringly done.

A word for the acting. Though the characters get gritty on occasion, the film is paced very well. Some protagonists are young (kids) but their work is impressively natural. Bonnie Hunt in particular should have merited more screen time, she works a taut but tender magic as a straight-talking mother.

If you care for meaningful cinema, I think this would make for a very worthwhile rental.

Rating:
Summary: I enjoyed this movie, and recommend it!
Review: In the face of numerous obstacles, the heart of young 8 yr old Pete O'Malley drives himself through the challenge of his young life thus far: Help a Jew get to heaven.

Lost in a Irish Catholic family of 10, Pete take his first steps in becoming a young man by completing his quest and ,in his mind, is maturing to a level that will prepare him to be a fourth grader without a future in hell.

Despite the objections of his near-alcoholic father (aidan quinn), busy mother (Bonnie Hunt) with 8 kids, non-understanding priest (Brian Dennehy), and missing a summer of baseball, Pete finds encouragement in the open minded Rabbi Jacobsen (Kevin Pollack) in his quest to find Jews that want to go to heaven. As fate would have it, Rabbi Jacobsen's son Danny has lukemia. Danny also has a desire to go to heaven.

This movie is a journey into being open minded. Through both the tragedy of the death of a child and the optimism of another child, adults in the life of Pete O'Malley learn to confront their prejudices and develop the ability to re-evaluate their motives for their actions toward others.

Good chemistry between the actors. Touching, informative, and yes funny, I recommend STOLEN SUMMER. I recommend that everyone purchase the entire PROJECT GREENLIGHT SEASON 1 DVD which includes this movie.

Rating:
Summary: Will make you think...
Review: It is in some way, very refreshing to see religion being presented in a movie from 2002 and in such a positive light. Too often the religious leaders in movies are ridiculed and unless we had personally met a kind and generous teacher of spirituality, one would imagine them less than desirable people to know. Here we have a Rabbi and a Priest who make an impact on a young boys life in a positive way.

This movie is obviously supposed to be a "cute" way to unveil the childishness we as adults possess in regards to our attitudes to various cultures and religions. In other words, the message is that we are all humans and should seek to care and love all human beings despite our insistence on choosing a particular religion for our own spiritual satisfaction.

There are some strikingly true statements in this movie. For one, the Rabbi states that when people are asked to think, that is when they get angry. This is particularly true about us humans when someone confronts us with spiritual issues. The human with an open mind will listen, consider the options and make his own decision. The human with a closed mind will not want to discuss various options and generally will want to impose his/her beliefs on the individual who he feels is wrong.

I prefer to think that in life you can express your beliefs in an open way and then not necessarily look for acceptance, but look for an open exchange of ideas. In my online wanderings, I've always found the most enjoyable discussions on religion are between two people who are willing to listen.

In this movie, the "pride" the adults feel overshadows their basic human qualities like love, caring and a realization of a common human element.

I liked how the Rabbi explained spiritual teaching as something you can offer freely and cannot sell. You cannot buy your way to heaven.

In this movie, the way to heaven is not presented. There is no discussion as to why it is important to believe in Jesus Christ. The cross is mentioned and then there is a distinction between Judaism and Catholicism. However, the actual fact of asking Jesus to forgive our sins is not discussed.

At first you will wonder why Catholic Pete O'Malley (Adi Stein) wants to convert a Jewish person. Our only clue is that his teacher (a nun) at school has asked him which path he will choose. The way to hell or to heaven? He thinks he can please his teacher by converting someone to his religion. His father tells him not to try to change the world at his age. He is eight-years old and yet has the enthusiasm of a missionary during his 1976 summer vacation.

Pete's conclusions about religion end up to be very universal and open minded. They are worth thinking about. How many children take their eternal destiny that seriously, let alone the destiny of their friends.

The beauty in this movie is more in the element of "caring" for others despite their religious beliefs. The message is not really about "converting" anyone to your religion. It is "accepting" others as Jesus would. In accepting us all, Jesus makes a way for us to enter heaven. In this fact, there is great beauty. You don't have to be a member of any particular religion to believe in Jesus Christ.

I am about to listen to "Jesus: His Life and Teachings" by Joseph F. Girzone. Lately, I have felt a need to do more research on the life of Christ and this movie was perhaps part of my journey.

I can't really agree with Pete when he says that "anyone" could take the place of the name of Christ. No one else gave their life for all human beings and took on the weight of our sin, nor has anyone else ever claimed to have defeated death.

This movie presents the "way to heaven" in an almost humorous way. Good works and living a good life are emphasized. In the end, "good" is said to be more important than acceptance of a savior. I think the element of "pride" is most interesting and appears at various points during the movie.

To really accept Christ, you have to give up your pride and accept the "help" of a God who loves you. We can't ever be "good enough" to make it. We can make good decisions.

Interesting and thoughtful movie. It also contains some emotional elements that are interesting and the main actor is so cute. What a bright, young actor. He was like sunshine throughout the movie.

He is a good example of a person filled with the love of God, but if he was a real person and not just a character in the movie, it would be interesting to see how he changed as he grew older. Perhaps it is easier to have faith when we are children.

A movie you can actually watch without worrying about offending the children. It will probably offend some adults.

There is the charm. It makes you think.

Rating:
Summary: Well-Intentioned, But Deeply Flawed Film about Two Families
Review: It's 1976. 8-year-old boy Pete is living with his Irish family in Chicago; his dad is a fire fighter Aidan Quinn, and his mother is Bonnie Hunt, both parents being religious Catholics. One day Pete thinks about a very unique theory on Jewish people and the Heaven, and puts it into practice.

Then he gets acquainted with a Jewish boy Danny; Pete, following his childish idea, believes that his new friend cannot go to the Heaven, and tries to "save" him with a decathron test. But soon Pete must realise that the idea of going to the Heaven means not exactly what he has so far innocently envisioned.

OK, as other reviewers say, this is the first film resulted from the 'Project Greenlight,' a competition held on the Net to help aspiring directors realize their dreams. That project started in the autumn of 2000, and it is reported that as many as 12,000 scripts applied to the contest. This film is the winner which is co-produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, supportes of the project. But 12,000!?

I say this because the charm of "Stolen Summer" does not in fact come from the script. The greatest asset of the film is its veteran actors like Aidan Quinn, Bonnie Hunt, Brian Dennehy, Eddie Kaye Thomas, and best of all Kevin Pollack as Danny's father. The acting is unanimously strong; especially that of Pollack as compassionate and tender-hearted father should be long remembered, sustained by deftly expressed humor and touching pathos.

Now, let me say what I have to say. (Don't say I am a harsh guy, please.) Strangely, and regrettably, the two leading child actors are not good. Their facial expressions are not as convincing as they should be, and when we know that fact, we also know the very conspicuous flaw of the film: too sentimental and clithed plot. The story looks sometimes very contrived. The plot concerning the religious idea is, I find, too shallow to make us really think (even considering it is uttered by a child), and the descriptions of Pete's family are actually nothing but too familiar images we have seen before, like stubborn, beer-drinking dad who loves baseball. (Please!) And I could not find the boy Pete so realistic as other characters to make us care him and his friend. I know some kids have original ideas about religion, but I don't think not many would try to 'convert' other people.

Clearly the film is a well-intentioned attempt of creating a family picture with some thought-provoking ideas about ethnic and religious matters, but ironically that provocative part sounds most unrealistic in the whole story.

Rating:
Summary: Well-Intentioned, But Deeply Flawed Film about Two Families
Review: It's 1976. 8-year-old boy Pete is living with his Irish family in Chicago; his dad is a fire fighter Aidan Quinn, and his mother is Bonnie Hunt, both parents being religious Catholics. One day Pete thinks about a very unique theory on Jewish people and the Heaven, and puts it into practice.

Then he gets acquainted with a Jewish boy Danny; Pete, following his childish idea, believes that his new friend cannot go to the Heaven, and tries to "save" him with a decathron test. But soon Pete must realise that the idea of going to the Heaven means not exactly what he has so far innocently envisioned.

OK, as other reviewers say, this is the first film resulted from the 'Project Greenlight,' a competition held on the Net to help aspiring directors realize their dreams. That project started in the autumn of 2000, and it is reported that as many as 12,000 scripts applied to the contest. This film is the winner which is co-produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, supportes of the project. But 12,000!?

I say this because the charm of "Stolen Summer" does not in fact come from the script. The greatest asset of the film is its veteran actors like Aidan Quinn, Bonnie Hunt, Brian Dennehy, Eddie Kaye Thomas, and best of all Kevin Pollack as Danny's father. The acting is unanimously strong; especially that of Pollack as compassionate and tender-hearted father should be long remembered, sustained by deftly expressed humor and touching pathos.

Now, let me say what I have to say. (Don't say I am a harsh guy, please.) Strangely, and regrettably, the two leading child actors are not good. Their facial expressions are not as convincing as they should be, and when we know that fact, we also know the very conspicuous flaw of the film: too sentimental and clithed plot. The story looks sometimes very contrived. The plot concerning the religious idea is, I find, too shallow to make us really think (even considering it is uttered by a child), and the descriptions of Pete's family are actually nothing but too familiar images we have seen before, like stubborn, beer-drinking dad who loves baseball. (Please!) And I could not find the boy Pete so realistic as other characters to make us care him and his friend. I know some kids have original ideas about religion, but I don't think not many would try to 'convert' other people.

Clearly the film is a well-intentioned attempt of creating a family picture with some thought-provoking ideas about ethnic and religious matters, but ironically that provocative part sounds most unrealistic in the whole story.

Rating:
Summary: Bad Script, Good Direction
Review: Let's just hope that Pete Jones sticks with directing movies instead of writing screenplays. The plot is trite and manipulative ... and PREDICTABLE. But it was still fun to see the finished product after watching the Project Greenlight series on HBO. If you forgive the script, the film-making aspect of the movie is better than I expected. It's still worth your time if you're curious about the way it turned out.