Staten Island Summer

Staten Island Summer is a 2015 coming-of-age comedy film set in the warm, sunny setting of a Staten Island public pool. The movie, directed by Rhys Thomas and penned by Saturday Night Live writer Colin Jost, brings together a comedic ensemble cast, including Graham Phillips, Zack Pearlman, and Ashley Greene. This is the story of teenage friends, their last summer together before heading to college, a unique borough, and their escapades of youthful endeavor.

Graham Phillips plays the role of Danny Campbell, a recent high school graduate and pool lifeguard, who is preparing to head off to Harvard in the fall. Danny, a boy-next-door, is a loveable character who's stuck in the limbo between high school ending and college starting. He promises his wild best friend, Frank (Zack Pearlman), that this will be the best summer ever before they head separate ways for college. The plot revolves around the duo's attempt to organize a legendary goodbye summer party.

Zack Pearlman, who plays Frank, is an unforgettable character living in a world without consequence, celebrating every disaster, and enthusiastically looking forward to his next outrageous adventure. Often shirtless and armed with a sharp, self-deprecating wit, Frank continuously advocates for epic schemes and decadent revelling.

Ashley Greene plays the enigmatic older girl, Krystal Manfretti, who also happens to be a mob boss's daughter. Krystal struts around in chic attire and sunglasses, a badass woman in a niche largely dominated by men. Her character adds an exciting twist to the plot, contributing to the comedy and chaos, and presenting a romantic interest for Danny.

Many of the pool employees and patrons also play various integral roles. The lifeguards and the motley crew of neighbourhood characters help to build a unique environment that encapsulates the charm and eccentricity of Staten Island. Through their witty ploys and shenanigans, they bring an irresistible charm to the movie, highlighting the peculiarities and nuances of community dynamics, modern teenage life, and the often humorous power structures in a public pool hierarchy.

One standout factor about the Staten Island Summer is its script. Expect a great deal of humor infused with astutely observed situations, giving it an authentic feel, which elevates this movie from the regular fare. The premise is relatable – the uncertainty and bittersweet feelings associated with bidding goodbye to adolescence added with the anticipation and fear of embarking on a new journey towards adulthood. The narrative tackles this transformative period in life with humor, maintaining a light and easy-going pace throughout.

Staten Island Summer is not just about teenagers growing up. It's equally about a locality, the people, their interactions, in this case, the unique mix of folk who inhabit Staten Island's neighbourhood. Staten Island captures the essence of the place, the community's idiosyncrasies represented through the various characters the audience meets along the way.

This film is a slice-of-life comedy that offers a unique look at the ritual of summer jobs, young friendship, the charm and craziness of local neighbourhoods, first love, and letting go. It emphasizes the beautiful chaos that is the last summer before college and the antics that come with it.

In conclusion, Staten Island Summer is a feel-good movie that captures the charm and essence of summer spent with friends and the bittersweet goodbye to adolescence. It's a fun-filled journey with hilarity, friendship bonds, humorous complications, and the nuances of community life. Whether from Staten Island or elsewhere, viewers will find parts of this film that resonate with their own summer adventures and misadventures.