Competently directed but terminally cute drama.
Stolen Summer (2002)
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Reviews Counted:57
Fresh:20
Rotten:37
Average Rating:5/10
Consensus: Stolen Summer feels like a sugary after-school special stretched out to feature length.
Theatrical Release:Mar 22, 2002 Limited
Box Office: $119,841
Synopsis: After being selected as the winner of the PROJECT GREENLIGHT screenwriting contest, Pete Jones got the chance to make his script, STOLEN SUMMER, into a film while an HBO crew taped the process for... After being selected as the winner of the PROJECT GREENLIGHT screenwriting contest, Pete Jones got the chance to make his script, STOLEN SUMMER, into a film while an HBO crew taped the process for a reality TV series. The film tells the story of an Irish Catholic boy, Pete (Adi Stein), growing up in 1976 Chicago. Pete becomes concerned that, as one nun at school has repeatedly told him, he's going to go to hell. He decides that the way into heaven is to convert Jews to Catholicism and makes that his mission. The understanding Rabbi Jacobsen (Kevin Pollak) appreciates Pete's interest in religion and encourages Pete on his "quest." Their lives are further intertwined when a fire breaks out at the rabbi's house, and Pete's father, Joe (Aidan Quinn), a fireman, saves the life of the rabbi's son, Danny (Mike Weinberg). Danny and Pete become friends and think up ways for Danny to be accepted into heaven. STOLEN SUMMER demonstrates Jones' genuine talent as a filmmaker, particularly in the strong performances, while his moving script captures a boy's perspective on friendship and religious belief. STOLEN SUMMER was produced by actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, co-creators of PROJECT GREENLIGHT. [More]
Starring: Adi Stein, Mike Weinberg, Aidan Quinn, Kevin Pollak
Starring: Adi Stein, Mike Weinberg, Aidan Quinn, Kevin Pollak, Bonnie Hunt, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Brian Dennehy, Ryan Kelley, Lindsay Light
Director: Pete Jones
Director: Pete Jones
Screenwriter: Pete Jones
Producer: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Chris Moore, Patrick Peach
Composer: Danny Lux
Studio: Miramax Films
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Release:
Sep 24, 2002
Reviews for Stolen Summer
There's nothing here Disney wouldn't approve of for a TV movie of the week. Heck, it's safe enough for the PAX network.
Taken on its own, Jones' first feature is a small thing, and no indicator of what he might do in the future with the TV lights turned off.
Pete’s screenplay manages to find that real natural, even-flowing tone that few movies are able to accomplish.
Stolen Summer isn't a home run, but it's a solid line drive up the middle.
Jones has tackled a meaty subject and drawn engaging characters while peppering the pages with memorable zingers.
Stolen Summer would hardly be worth comment were it not for the story of how the film got made.
Stolen Summer is no disaster, though. It's merely one more misfire fortunate enough to attract actors like Bonnie Hunt and Aidan Quinn, who almost make it work.
Latest News for Stolen Summer
September 19, 2005:
Fox Demands to See Farrellys "Hall Pass"
Pete Jones' spec script for the comedy "Hall Pass" has been picked up by Fox, and the moviemakers are looking to hand it over to professional yuksters Peter &... More...
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