Summer of Sam

An uneven psychological thriller/drama that becomes unavoidably boring after some time due to how predicable it is. All the attempts at insight fall flat, maybe because I can’t imagine most of the main characters being capable of any deeper interaction whatsoever. And they aren’t… :-P 70% (05/12/2009)

In terms of its script, Summer of Sam is a very captivating affair, and Spike Lee, as the director, knows how to engage the audience effortlessly and yet effectively in the story. However, the mosaic of characters in the film contains beautiful pieces, but in the final effect of a cohesive whole, it appears somewhat stiff. Lee inadvertently stumbled by writing overly diverse characters for many people, who subsequently get lost among themselves because they don't receive enough space to fully express themselves. At that point, it's up to the actors to elevate their parts above the rest. Adrien Brody, the punk rebel launched by Woodstock, is the one who captivates with his breathtaking creation. Whether it's hedgehog-like spiky hair and a guitar in hand or performing in a gay bar, Brody handles it all with ease. However, Lee's two-hour "study of the human self" against the backdrop of brutal murders ultimately leaves a "firework effect" - everything looks beautiful, quickly flies by, but what remains of it in the end? A good feeling? Surprisingly, even that is sometimes not enough. (08/20/2005)

A portrait of the close of the seventies in New York from the perspective of one generation. An outstanding screenplay, a great soundtrack, very good actors and precise directing reigning over it all. An outstanding movie that has no problems in performing for the entire duration. Unlike lots of other pictures, this has something to say. And it says it with style. (07/02/2007)

Spike Lee gave up his steadfast commitment to the fate of the black community in the name of a higher purpose this time. His ambition was to capture the social atmosphere of New York in the 1970s against the backdrop of a series of murders being investigated. An era of liberal freedom of thought, disco music, sexual exploits, drugs, and increased crime. I feel like this time he was doing too many things at once, and a more focused narrative centered on one theme would have benefited the film, but at least I will remember Mira Sorvino's performance until Alzheimer's gets me. In a blonde wig and disco outfit, she looked incredibly provocatively sexy. Everything else is forgettable, although that doesn't mean it was poorly directed. Overall impression: 65%. (11/11/2015)

Spike Lee is in great shape with this movie. Summer of Sam is an excellent period drama set in the 70s with a collection of believable and compelling human stories that run parallel to the rampage of a devious serial killer. There is actually little to fault with this movie. (05/07/2022)