gwnightscream
This 1993 comedy-drama tells about a group of friends that return to a summer camp after 20 years for a reunion and learn that it's going to close down. In the process, they reminisce and learn new things about one another. Alan Arkin, Elizabeth Perkins, Kevin Pollak, Sam Raimi and the late, Bill Paxton are featured. This is a pretty good flick with wacky and dramatic moments featuring a decent cast and beautiful scenery. Give this a view, especially if you think about your childhood.
SnoopyStyle
Unca Lou Handler (Alan Arkin) runs Camp Tamakwa in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada. He invites some of campers from the golden age of the camp. Matthew Berman (Vincent Spano) is married to Kelly (Julie Warner) and runs clothing company Roots with his cousin Brad Berman (Kevin Pollak). Jack Belston (Bill Paxton) is drifting and holding an old grudge. Jamie Ross (Matt Craven) is dating 21 year old Gwen Daugherty (Kimberly Williams-Paisley). Jennifer Morton (Elizabeth Perkins) is single and Beth Warden (Diane Lane) is still struggling after her husband's death a year ago. Stick Coder (Sam Raimi) is the bumbling handyman. The group reminisce about the past, pulling pranks and reconnecting with each other. However a dark episode from the past with counselor Sam Grover haunts Jack and Unca Lou. It's also the last summer for Lou who can't seem to connect with today's kids.Writer/director Mike Binder brings his childhood memories to the screen. It's 'The Big Chill' with a little bit of Meatballs. It's high on nostalgia especially for adults who had camp experience. It is a bunch of middle age white people who are reminiscing about their youth and that's the Big Chill part. I can do without the Roots product placement which takes me out of the movie sometimes. It's not as bad as Bud Light in Transformers but that's the worst of the lot. The story is nice and I like most of the actors. Sam Raimi tries to be funny and does his best. Alan Arkin is absolutely great. It's a very good time at camp and reminds me of my camp experience.
dansview
The plot and character development are weak here, but there are enough enjoyable aspects to keep you viewing. The scenery is amazing, the concept of returning to your childhood camp is appealing, and the cast is familiar and good looking. Alan Arkin's role does not appear to be super challenging, but it requires skillful subtlety and he does it well.Where are these people from, that they would go to camp in Ontario? The other references are American. But Kimberly Williams is wearing a jacket with Canadian flags. No one seems to mention living in Buffalo or Michigan.What the heck do they actually do for a living? The Paxton character says what he does, but I don't think the others specify. Diane Lane is technically too young, but I guess you are not supposed to know that. Are we to assume that the Camp owner played by Alan Arkin has been single and alone for 43 years? We know so very little about him.Does someone have to stay at the camp in the off season? Why? Does the camp bring in enough revenue to support a couple year round?The human dramas are clichéd and lack imagination. But the acting is good all around. I'm sure they had fun filming this one and it shows. There's a really forced plot device involving a black guy. It doesn't make any sense. Why would the guy want to work there in 1972?Like other reviewers have said...if you went to camp, you will probably relate to the whole experience better than someone who has never been at camp. I envy the characters their past. They were so alive in their summers as kids.
Randy Price
I rented this movie when it came out on video tape and really enjoyed it. I had the opportunity to purchase it on DVD a few weeks ago and have watched it several times since. I would have to agree with others when they said Indian Summer was nostalgic film. When I watch it I wish that I could be 10-14 again. I think that is why we all like the movie to some extent. We all at times wish that we could relive our lives as children with the wisdom/knowledge of adults. Wouldn't it be nice to have all your friends/parents be young again? To not have to worry about your job, being a parent etc...??? I know that I would like to jump into a De Lorean and go back in time. While I enjoyed the film very much my all time favorite camp film though is Meatballs with Bill Murray. I wish that they could make an Indian Summer version of that.
AD
