Cast
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Freddie Prinze Jr.
as Ryan Dunne
Jessica Biel
as Tenley Parrish
Fred Ward
as Sean Dunne
Matthew Lillard
as Billy Brubaker
Brian Dennehy
as John Schiffner
Jason Gedrick
as Mike Dunne
Brittany Murphy
as Dede Mulligan
Bruce Davison
as Rand Parrish
Marc Blucas
as Miles Dalrymple
Wilmer Valderrama
as Mickey Dominguez
Christian Kane
as Dale Robin
Corey Pearson
as Eric Van Leemer
Cedric Pendleton
as Calvin Knight
Gabriel Mann
as Auggie Mulligan
Zena Grey
as Katie Parrish
Crew
Director
- Michael Tollin
Writer
- Kevin Falls
- John Gatins
Producer
- Sam Weisman
- Brian Robbins
Reviews
Wuchak
**_Youth antics, baseball and romance with Freddie Prince Jr. and Jessica Biel_**
While a Cape Cod baseball prospect with hopes for the Major League lands a gig playing for the Chatham Athletics (Freddie), his potential girlfriend (Biel) is pressured by her pompous father (Bruce Davison) to move to San Francisco and work for a firm. Brian Dennehy plays the no-nonsense coach while Matthew Lillard, Brittany Murphy, Corey Pearson and Wilmer Valderrama play various youths. Fred Ward and Jason Gedrick are on hand as the father and brother of the protagonist.
"Summer Catch" (2001) is essentially a baseball version of "Youngblood" (1986), "Varsity Blues" (1999) and "The Program" (1993). It's not as good as "Varsity Blues," but it's arguably superior to "The Program." Sure, it's predictable in some ways, but everything clicks for an entertaining coming-of-age flick: cast, story, acting, locations, cinematography, music and editing.
Biel shines on the feminine front in several notable scenes while Beverly D'Angelo still sizzles at 49 years-old in a small role; and Brittany is nothing to sneeze at. I'm at a loss as to why "Summer Catch" is so reviled.
The film runs 108 minutes and was shot in Southport, North Carolina.
GRADE: B
Jul 10, 2023
Thematic Analysis
Summer Catch represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Michael Tollin brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2001, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Summer Catch took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $34.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1503 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 79 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2001, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Summer Catch shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Swinging Cheerleaders, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Summer Catch subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Lymelife and Stay Hungry explore similar territory, Summer Catch stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 22, 2001
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Budget: $34,000,000
- Revenue: $19,693,891
