Summerhood (Jacob Medjuck 2008):Canada

Pubes, kissing and hand jobs are all a part of camp in the coming of age film “Summerhood” where the characters are adults in kid skin costumes.

The film is a laugh a second ride of a great story combined with stellar acting and direction from Jacob Medjuck who also co-starred in the movie. Based at a summer camp where the inhabitants are children under the age of 12 or so the story follows one group of friends who share the same cabin. When not arguing or throwing around f-bombs or other various curse words the kids are scheming and getting along nicely. None of the characters have real names. Instead they have given nicknames such as Fetus, Reckless and Sundae. With most films at the Santa Barbara Film Festival being dramatic, foreign or unheard of “Summerhood” brings something new and different. With a simple concept it’s not trying to be experimental or edgy, shocking or dark. This is a great movie that moves, inspires and makes you laugh with genuine chuckles.

The acting is superb. Especially from Lucian Maisel the nine-year-old kid named Fetus. With an accent and voice that belongs to a forty-year-old, Maisel plays the character more grown up than the adults in the flick. His portrayal is sweet and heartbreaking as the awkward kid at camp with a lot of friends and a crush on a fellow camper.

Reckless played by Scott Beaudin plays the sly and suave older kid in the cabin with a lot to say and a lot of ideas. The one day legend, the kid roams with his curly hair and baseball T with a self approved sense of achievement.

Medjuck plays the lazy legend Careless who after a risky pant less stunt is placed on job as being camp counselor to Fetus’s cabin. While he is a grown man who at first appears to be a half-hearted person, surprises as he provides the campers with a shimmer of life and support.

The design of the camp is perfect and eccentric. The whole camp is covered in a sweet graffiti as the cabins are strewn with the camper’s belongings and own personal touches from the clothes to the rafters where the kids sit and play.

With the script littered with cussing and sexual language the dialogue is quick and hilarious. With some great life lessons and intellect coming form the kids and Careless, The skin can’t help but prickle with goose-bumps as you listen to the words in the simple scenes.

The relationship of the actors are so relaxed that it feels as if they have spent summer after summer together at camp before making the movie. The cinematography is usually bright and sunny capturing the day. Shots of the bridge at night are almost magical and awe inducing as the opening scene shows Careless and his friend sword fighting with broom sticks.

If looking forward to a film to appear at the best of the fest “Summerhood” is one that shouldn’t be missed. It has loads of sprit, comedy and entertainment without being over done or cheesy. Nothing bad can be said about this genuine film.