Growing up is not easy, most especially for teenagers. It’s not always easy to find out where you fit in.
When I was in high school, I didn’t really belong to any specific group. I wasn’t a “jock.” I wasn’t the cheerleader type. I wasn’t popular. I wasn’t a nerd or geek. I kind of blended into the background. I suppose you could say I was a bit of a “wallflower.”
I did go through phases as a teen. In my sophomore year I was into the goth look. I wore six different earrings, I grew a “tail.” I liked to add color to my hair, and I wore things with spikes and that were ripped. I think that lasted for about six months, give or take.
I think it’s only natural for teens to experiment with different looks and lifestyles, while trying to figure out their place in this world. That is the premise of the film My Summer as a Goth.
The film stars Natalie Shershow, Jack Levis, Fayra Teeters, Jonas Israel, Jenny White, Carter Allen, Eduardo Reyes, Rachelle Henry, Lorraine Bahr, Michael Biesanz, Sophie Giberson and Sarah Overman.
Joey Javitts (Shershow) is a 16 year old teen. He father has passed away and her mother, an author, is too busying prompting her latest novel. Joey is forced to spend the summer with her eccentric grandparents.
Joey meets the boy next door. Instead of the typical “hottie” or “good guy” you would expect from the term “boy next door,” she meets Victor (Levis).
Victor is into the goth lifestyle which includes gaudy make up and dark clothing.
Smitten with Victor, and trying to fit in, Joey embraces the goth lifestyle and in turn, turns goth herself, with the help of Victor and his friends.
Having made new friends, thanks to Victor, and her feelings for Victor, things seem to be looking up for Joey. But are they? Is Victor really the person for her? To find out, you need to watch My Summer as a Goth. It’s available now on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Xbox, Vudu, Dish Network and all major cable providers (On Demand).
This movie reminded me of an afterschool special, like the kind I used to watch as a kid. Those types of movies featured kids we can relate to, learning a life lesson which we could apply to our own lives. I sort of got that vibe from this film.
The film is being promoted as “Tim Burton meets Valley Girl in a teen romantic-comedy.” I love Tim Burton films (I met him years ago at an after party), and Valley Girl (the original with Nicholas Cage) is one of my favorite films as my youth. Sadly, I didn’t get that feeling after watching this film. But that is OK. It’s just my opinion, Other people see the film that way.
I liked the character of Joey. I think Natalie Shershow was very convincing as a teen trying to figure things out and trying to fit in. She made you “feel” for her character, and you wanted Joey to find happiness.
I dabbled in the punk lifestyle as a teen (as mentioned above). I had plenty of friends that were hardcore goths, and they were nothing like the ones depicted in this film. It’s almost as if the goth characters in this film were over exaggerated. I think it was more for comedic flair than real life goth. I think real goths would take offense to the portrayal of goths in this film. But again, it’s a comedy, so that might be why.
Joey’s grandparents, played by Jonas Israel and Fayra Teeter, are the funniest part of this film. They are good natured people who are just a bit “out there.” They are the best part of the film if you ask me.
I wanted to like Victor, but I quickly grew NOT to like him (if you watch the film you’ll know why).
Overall I think this was a good film. It was entertaining, if not a bit over the top. I think many people who survived the teen years can relate to this film is some degree. I’m sure almost everyone struggled with “who” they were, learning who your real friends are, and first loves.
The film is distributed by 123GoFilms.
Below is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment.
*I received a free screener link to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
