The overlooked kings: The Kings of Summer

Katie Zilcosky, Staff Writer

January 29, 2014

The Sundance Film Festival premiered a film of interest this year called Kings of Summer starring Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, and Moises Arias.

The Kings of Summer entered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the festival. It was nominated in the category, however did not win.

This film is not your average coming-of-age goofy teenager flick. It stars three fresh faces that are supported by witty dialogue and an original story line.

After receiving praise from the Sundance Institute, Kings of Summer went on to release a limited U.S. release as most independent films do.

The unfortunate parts of limited releases is the limited amount of publicity and time spent on these independent films. Kings of Summer definitely deserved more of this publicity and time.

In the film, Robinson plays a teenage boy named Joe who is in great conflict with his father. He sets out to establish his own freedom by building a house in the woods with his best friend Patrick, played by Gabriel Basso.

While the boys are both charming and have their own wit about them, the show was stolen by Moises Arias who plays Biaggio, the comic relief of the movie.

Biaggio appears to have more than a few screws loose. He is silly and childish through most of the movie. But there’s more to Biaggio than meets the eye. His character is dynamic and intriguing.

The movie is also very visually appealing. Golden hour shots, pleasant sunlight, and vibrant trees from the surrounding woods make the film’s cinematography top notch.

And no coming-of-age movie would be complete without a romance. While it doesn’t often take center stage, the romance that buds as a result of the boys’ friend Kelly, played by Erin Moriarty, is a very important story in itself.

Overall, the Kings of Summer is fresh. Its cast and crew are new, but talented, and have managed to produce a film that is enjoyable through and through.

Kings of Summer is now on DVD.

About the Contributor

Katie Zilcosky, Staff Writer

Have you ever found yourself walking around the high school and wondering, "Who is that girl that looks like Scarlett Johansson?" Well look no further, her name is Katie Zilcosky. Aside from this extreme likeness, there is a lot more to Katie than meets the eye. To say she is involved in Bethel Park High School is a huge understatement. Katie is musically inclined. She plays violin in Concert Orchestra and french horn in Marching Band, in which she is a bus monitor. Katie also has a sporty side. She plays varsity lacrosse for the girls' team in the spring. Katie said, "Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Yeah I play lax." The majority of Katie's time is consumed with student-run activities. She is the Homecoming Chair of Dance and Decorations and the corresponding secretary of SGA on the Executive Board. "I basically do all of the attendance work. I'm like the mean guy, like giving demerits and stuff," Katie said. Katie maintains a part-time job cashier at Trax Farms, where she is a cashier. Katie's post BPHS plans include majoring in Journalism/International Relations at either Syracuse or American University. As for paying, Katie has a secret. She said, "My father works for Duquesne University, so I am able to enroll in tuition exchange, where I get my tuition covered as if I were going to Duquesne." She hopes to work in foreign services, such as an embassy, someday. She would also like to join the Peace Corp. Obviously, this girl has a lot on her agenda. And yet, Katie Zilcosky will find time to write current events, features, and opinion pieces for Hawk Eye. Wriiten by Zach Laufer, Staff Writer