Summer of Sam (1999)

This film was engulfed with some of the most unlikable characters in movie history.. Everyone was either a moronic thug wannabe or a self absorbed drugged out sex freak. I rooted for no one. The Son of Sam killer was not the focus of the film, it was only a backdrop for us to view the lives of a bunch of losers. Most of the acting was either sub par or over the top with maybe the exception of Mira Sorvino. I gave it a 3 just for the music and Mira, otherwise it was a zero. There has never been a good film about the events of Son of Sam, only documentaries.

Summer of Sam is a movie that would help you understand the 70's culture in my opinion. The movie at least shows how it was to be young back then.I give it a seven out of ten because this film was lacking just little important things. The story gets confusing during some of the film . The director "Spike Lee" did a horrible job at providing a back story for some of the characters.But besides that it is a good film with graphic materiel. I wouldn't recommend this movie to any one under the age of 15 because of the sex scenes and inappropriate langue.The film shows things I didn't know what was going on such as bathhouses, and punk rock clubs where bands can play music. Or even a walk in porn theater things was different in the 70's.The film did a good job at covering that.

My quick rating - 6,5/10. This is really more like two stories in one. First is the obvious story about David Berkowitz (for those that don't know he was a serial killer in NYC in the late 70s.) and the second story about a man who has various mental problems and drug problems. Now the two really don't have anything to do with each other minus the fact both are happening at the same time and John Leguizamos character (which was acted very well I might add) has a best friend who is fingered as the Son of Sam (the killer). The acting in this film is well above average and the story itself, even if it is partially based on a true story, which it is, was well written out to hold your attention. I am unsure how I missed this one since serial killers are a thing I tend to be interested in, but I am glad I watched this finally and if you do, I am sure you will agree it was a good flick. Enjoy.

Summer of Sam (1999): Dir: Spike Lee / Cast: John Leguizamo, Mira Sorvino, Adrian Brody, Michael Rispoli, Jennifer Eposito: Supposedly based on an actual case in 1977 involving the shooting murders of young brunette women at night. It was the summer of fear and Sam was the name that caused women to wear blonde wigs. John Leguizamo plays a womanizer who cheats on his girlfriend yet feels guilty when he enters a murder site under police investigation. Mira Sorvino plays his girlfriend who works in her father's restaurant. Adrian Brody steals scenes as a misunderstood guy brandishing a Mohawk and wearing dog collars. He does erotic strip dances in gay bars while at home his parents have forced him to live in the garage. Screenplay is not so much about the killer as it is about the everyday lives affected by his reality. Different film for Spike Lee who examines the fear within the characters. He previously made Do the Right Thing. Leguizamo is superb as the guilt ridden cheater whose emotional decay affects everyone. Sorvino plays his girlfriend who questions him and awaits the drug ridden truth. Brody steals the film as the target due to his lifestyle and actions. Michael Rispoli leads the mob after the killer and suspects Brody. He convinces Leguizamo to help set him up. Superb filmmaking highlighting human hysteria at its most lethal. Score: 9 / 10