Following four girls on their school break before middle-school doesn’t do the young actresses like Lia Barnett and Sanai Victoria justice under the helming and scripting by James Ponsoldt (The Spectacular Now).
The more recognizable thespians of Ponsodt’s well-intentioned, yet manipulative Summering are Lake Bell and Megan Mullaly. A little of that offbeat distinctive flair brought to earlier fare falters her as a pleasant hangout vibe doesn’t organically gel. As melodrama gravitates from a turn reminiscent of a Stephen King tale memorable adapted to the silver screen, Stand by Me that captivated audiences nearly thirty-six summers ago.
Summering really isn’t trying to recapture than magic, but just is too clumsy for its own good as this young distaff quartet begin to learn what awaits them as they delve into a mystery at the end of the vacation. An early admirable youthful haze just doesn’t realize its own flawed, inner beauty when reality sets in.