Film / Almost Summer

Almost Summer is an American Comedy film directed by Martin Davidson and released in 1978. It stars Bruno Kirby, Lee Purcell, Didi Conn, John Friedrich and Tim Matheson.

Things seem to go well for Bobby Devitto who is endorsing Grant Michaelson, the soon-to-be student-body president of the Pacific High School. Unfortunately, Grant got expelled and Christine Alexander is the remaining candidate running unopposed. In a last resort, Bobby convinces Darryl Fitzgerald, a relatively unknown student, to run for presidency. Christine's ambitions are compromised and Bobby is ready to pull out any trick in order to win the race.

Released to weak reception, the movie later acquired recognition for predating a new style of "high school movie" genre which would later appear in movies like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and The Breakfast Club. It is also known among Beach Boys fans for its soundtrack which contains songs by the band Celebration, led by Beach Boys lead vocalist Mike Love. Fellow Beach Boys Brian Wilson and Al Jardine co-wrote the theme song "Almost Summer" which turned out to be a moderate hit. Other songs off the soundtrack are performed by the Soul/Funk band Fresh.

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It's almost tropes:

• Affectionate Nickname: Darryl's run for school presidency has him nicknamed "Darryl "You don't know me but..." Fitzgerald", based on his first speech where he acknowledges his non-existant reputation.
• Appropriated Appellation: After Christine is nicknamed "Alexander the Great" by Bobby, she uses that moniker for her campaign.
• Burlesque: During a performance contest, Chrstine plays a Burlesque-type show where she flaunts her legs.
• Caught on Tape: A broadcast variant: Christine arrives late at the debate between her and Darryl. She looks exhausted and washed up, on top of finding out that the debate is filmed live on television.
• Closing Credits: The credits roll as the students dance at prom.
• Dark Reprise: The theme song "Almost Summer" is reprised in a slow and sad tone later in the film.
• Drugs Are Bad: Christine uses the death by heroine overdose of 17-year old friend as an example of what she would fight against as a president.
  When I'm elected, I guarantee you will not find YOUR best friend lying dead on a bathroom floor.
• Election Day Episode: A race between Christine Alexander and Darryl Fitzgerald for the student-body presidency.
• Face on the Cover: The main cast dressed for prom, as well as Christine dressed as a cheerleader and jumping (making her appear twice on the cover).
• Fan of Underdog: Donna towards Darryl.
• Foe Romance Subtext: Implied between Bobby and Christine during the first scenes of the film. Despite their high school presidency rivalry, Bobby secretely looks forward to dating her, and the two get together during prom night.
• Food Fight: Happens out of nowhere after Donna throws a plate out of rage to someone at the cantina.
• High School: California's Pacific High School, to be more precise.
• High-School Dance: At the end of film where the Dénouement also happens.
• In-Universe Soundtrack: During the introductory scene of
• Intercourse with You: During a scene taking place at the cantina, a song with crude lyrics can be heard through the speakers, much to the students' surprise and excitement.
  Because you should get together. Everybody ! Get her in your bed! And grab her tit! And you kiss on the back of her neck! And you say "Suck! Suck! Suck!", cause the world is built on sucking. And you take two pencils, stick it-(Record Needle Scratch)
• The Man Behind the Man: Bobby doesn't run for high school presidency but takes all of the decisions for Darryl whom he considers a novice. Christine notices that and dares Darryl to have a public debate with her.
  Darryl: I disagree.
  Christine: You disagree, or Bobby disagrees ?
• Mythology Gag: The second verse of the theme song "It's Almost Summer" references the members of The Beach Boys during their teenage years as well as the song "Little Deuce Coupe":
  Alan wants to be a football player
  And Brian wants to start a group
  Carl's gonna be the guitar player
  And Dennis wants a Little Deuce Coupe
• Opposites Attract: Bobby and Christine's relationship winds up this way as they finally hook up during prom compared to being arch-nemeses at the beginning of the film.
• Pop-Star Composer: Celebration, a band consisted of Beach Boys lead vocalist Mike Love and other artists affiliated to the band (notably Jazz/Rock saxophonist Charles Lloyd who also composed the rest of the soundtrack).
• Pubescent Braces: Donna wears them. One gag has her braces snapping during an encounter with Darryl.
• Romantic Wingman: Donna is fond of Darryl. Bobby tells him about it and encourages the two to engage, which infuriates Donna.
• Shout-Out:
  • Donna compares Darryl to Dustin Hoffman.
  • As a student announces the performances of the student-body candidates, he comes up to the stage dressed up as a shark while an arranged version of Jaws' theme is played on piano.
• Soundtrack Dissonance: The Break Up Song "Sad, Sad, Summer" plays as a group of teenagers is dancing a slow romantic waltz.
• Student Council President: The whole premise of the film is the election of the school's student-body president.
• Title Drop: On the movie's theme song which is played during the opening sequence.
  We're growing up little by little
  Going through a four year spin'
  It's almost summer