Summer City (1977)

This movie was definitely not as great as Braveheart :). But it is interesting to watch for the low-quality. For example, one part of the movie you can not even see the characters it is so dark, and the talking is mumbled; The plot line didn't even really start till about half way through the movie; and the climate did not happen till three minutes to the end, no jokes. But it was funny in the low-quality way, and there were funny moments in the movie.If you watch movies for good character development, special effects or plots; I advise you not to see this movie, unless you are open minded.For all you Mel Gibson fans, like me, you should really see this movie. They might not have it at your local video store, but make sure that you check under all the movie titles it goes by.-Melk

Firstly, this is an old film so don't expect state of the art production, sound values etc as some reviewers have expected. This film is a warm ride through the past annals of Aussie film history. Mel Gibson's first true role, Steve Bisley in an emergent role...even Abigail, bless her sexy cotton socks makes an appearance. This film was the start of Producer, Phil Avalon's long career in indie film making and he's still doing it today! A sort of surf story wrapped around the road trip of four good friends, this one started a trend which has finally arrived at the point where surf movies are now big screen box office hits. So sure, the acting's not the best, production, direction and audio are poor for our 21st Century ears...but watch it and smile for a lot of talent was squeezed out of this little gem. And, I'd love to hear Chris Fraser's 'behind the scenes' story one day!!

Everyone has to start somewhere and this was where Mel started. Plot is alright,the acting quality is variable, certainly John Jarrett, Steve Bisley (and Mel) have done better but I found the movie entertaining and watchable - just don't expect much and you won't be disappointed.

Summer City in itself isn't so great, but it's fully worth watching to see stellar Mel in superb form even in his first professional outing, just like he was a class act in his first outing as director in The Man Without A Face, though 16 years more tremendously developed ('77-'93) in his craft. If you fast forward through most of the parts without Mel you won't miss much. Funny how for a supposedly minor part all the "stars" sought out his special character Scollop as if for validation. Already, even without the title, he was the star in his first appearance, and as selfless as ever. What a tremendous guy!