An American Summer

...that's a pretty accurate description of 1991's "An American Summer." When I put the DVD in my player I was kind of skeptical because I just watched the semi-sleazy and mediocre (but sorta likable) "Costa Rican Summer" (2010). I was surprised when the story and characters actually captured my attention in the first half hour.

The names of the two mid-teen protagonists -- Tom and (Huck) Fin -- tip-off that this is a modern version of Tom Sawyer, and it's not bad. I appreciate the fact that it lacks the crudeness and sleaze of too many coming-of-age flicks. It's not Disney, but it's good-hearted, fun, and dramatic when fitting.

"An American Summer" is nothing to get overly excited over, but if you're in the mood for a coming-of-age flick with beaches, surfing, fun, bad guys and misadventures look no further. Joanna Kerns of Growing Pains co-stars as Tom's aunt whom he moves-in with over the summer in the late 70s.

The film runs 100 minutes and was shot on the beaches of S. California and thereabouts.

GRADE: B-