Summer Forever

The 2015 coming-of-age movie, Summer Forever, infuses the charm of youthful dreams, friendships and the inevitable pull of growing up into an enjoyable mix of music, drama, and comedy. The film uses the universal appeal of summer escapades and the looming realities of life pursuits to create a narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Directed by Roman White and featuring Megan Nicole, Alyson Stoner, and Anna Grace Barlow, Summer Forever is a musical rollercoaster ride that offers equal measures of light-hearted amusement and poignant emotional moments. The movie combines the elements of musical and drama genres into a cohesive storyline set against the backdrop of the last summer break before college.

The film revolves around three lifelong friends, Sydney (Megan Nicole), Liv (Alyson Stoner), and Chloe (Anna Grace Barlow). Faced with the realization that this might be their last summer together before each one moves on to pursue their life dreams, they decide to make the best of it.

Sydney, a budding songwriter with significant talent, is auspicious to most as she is doubted to take advantage of an excellent opportunity for a singing career. Liv is a quirky, fun-loving individual who embodies the spirit of adventure and excitement. Lastly, Chloe is the peacekeeper among the trio and the one looking for a way to make their friendship last forever beyond their summer adventures.

Their contrasting personalities color the storyline giving it an authentic portrayal of friendships as the movie reveal these characters’ individual struggles, triumphs, and dreams. With music woven intricately into the script, the film often breaks into captivating musical numbers that complement the narrative, adding an extra layer of entertainment.

Pulsating with the vibrancy of summer and youth, the film explores themes such as the anxiety of growing up, the excitement of pursuing dreams, and the bittersweet feelings of leaving behind the halcyon days of youth. The intertwining lyrical performances of Megan Nicole, Alyson Stoner, and Anna Grace Barlow add to the nostalgic and hopeful atmosphere of this movie.

Perhaps one may draw parallels between Summer Forever and the much-loved classic, American Graffiti, due to their shared realization of the fleeting nature of teenage years and the begin of a new chapter. However, Summer Forever departs from the purely nostalgia-inducing feel of American Graffiti to draw audiences into a captivating blend of contemporary issues, friendship, and teenage dreams complete with song and dance that inevitably charm the audiences - young and old.

The talented cast also includes Ryan McCartan of Disney TV fame and Cody Johns, a popular Vine star, increase the attractiveness of the film for younger audiences. Their performances, combined with the pulsating rhythm of well-executed musical numbers, make the movie a standout in the teen movie genre. Meanwhile, the movie's well-written script and its infusion of music ensures that it not just caters to the younger demographic but also to general viewers who love a feel-good movie.

The cinematography of Summer Forever paints a delightful picture with the capturing of beachy, sunny locales and sparkling cities, mirroring the emotions and dreams of the lead characters. The color palette is a spectrum of bright and pastel hues that evoke feelings of nostalgia and youthfulness which enhance the overall appeal of the movie.

Overall, Summer Forever is a well-crafted musical drama that balances youthful excitement and the stark reality of adulthood. It is a beautiful testament to the trials, tribulations and joy of youth, and growing up. If movies could capture the essence of a youthful summer, filled with laughter, dreams, and warmly cherished friendships, Summer Forever succeeds in doing it with conviction and style!