Some movies are made simply to entertain, but others are meant to
teach a lesson — one that sticks with you for life.
This can be said of Harriman director/writer Brooks Benjamin’s
newest film, “Boys of Summerville,” which debuted at Regal
Cinemas Downtown West on April 17.
The endearing and hilarious film shows that sometimes we
misunderstand the good intentions of our loved ones; and we
allow our pride to stand in the way of living our lives to the fullest.
Lead character Peter Davis (played by Casey Payne) leaves his
big city life to settle his father’s estate in the small town of
Summerville.
The moment he sets foot in the town, his negative attitude toward his father and the town is more than obvious.
However, he quickly discovers the unexpected. Despite his anguish toward his father and small town life, he realizes that his relationship with his father wasn’t as it seemed. He also falls under the spell of the sleepy little town.
Playing opposite Payne is Allison Varnes, as Sam, the tough tow-truck driver/mechanic who refuses to date him at first.
When they both let their emotional walls down, they realize that there is the potential for an amazing relationship with each other.
As Peter spends more time with Sam, Rocky and his other friends in Summerville and becomes part of their softball team, he realizes that he does have a place in his heart for this part of his life.
While both Payne and Varnes were great, the supporting male actor, Wes Murphy, who plays Rocky, absolutely blew me away in the film. Watch out Will Ferrell — I believe I have found my new favorite comedic actor.
His obsession with cake absolutely sent me over the edge ... into hysterics.
That is until I found out the reason behind his obsession (a very sad one that I don’t want to share because it would ruin the moment).
Being the country boy that he is, he is hesitant to date a beautiful young woman named Michelle (played by Amy Eakins Casterline) because she happens to use a wheel chair.
However, he falls head over heels for her, and believe me, the on screen chemistry between these two actors was incredible.
The dynamic in their relationship was so realistic that I was convinced that the two had to be a couple in real life, even though they are not.
Murphy absolutely nailed being the stereotypical redneck, complete with a mullet and a beater car.
Other cast members who stood out as amazing comedians were Brad Bumgardner, who plays Murr, and Carey Jones, who plays Rev. Mike, and Leigh Ann Jarnigan, who plays Cindy.
The entire cast was extremely hilarious. What truly amazes me about the cast members is the majority of them are from East Tennessee.
I would love to see another movie done by this exact cast and writer/director. I hope that Brooks Benjamin’s career takes off very soon, because I completely get his style of humor. I felt like he was writing about people I know.
For more information, visit the Web site —www.boysofsummerville.com.
