Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Pop-punk bands compete to go on tour in wholesome tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Summertime Dropouts
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In SUMMERTIME DROPOUTS, Dave (Nicholas Podany), Danny, and Joe play in a pop-punk band with big dreams of making it big. It doesn't take long for them to learn that the road to success is paved with low-paying gigs, junk food, and cheap motels. They find themselves sharing stages with Late For Curfew, an all-female pop punk band with Amie (Crystal Lake Evans) on vocals and guitar, someone Dave knew when they were in high school. Both bands see a golden opportunity for making it when they're given the chance to audition for what will be the very last Vans Warped Tour, but the audition and the result test the members' resiliency, as college, careers, and adult responsibilities begin to loom larger.
Is It Any Good?
This is a sweet coming-of-age movie centered on two bands trying to find success in the pop-punk scene. Summertime Dropouts eschews tales of rock and roll decadence and debauchery in favor of a story of growing up and trying to pursue one's dreams as the responsibilities of adulthood loom ever larger. It probably helps to be a fan of this particular sub-genre of punk music, but even if you're someone who finds it corny, boring, and safe, there's enough to the story of these six friends playing music together to keep it interesting.
The acting comes across as comfortable across the board. No one is over the top and the story feels natural. It's a very wholesome movie. While the parents sometimes have some issues, they show what it's like to be supportive parents of their kids and their artistic dreams. The ending puts a little too much emphasis on this idea of "making it" as the be-all and end-all, even though the rest of the movie shows that what's really important are the memories you make with friends when you play music together.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about coming-of-age movies like Summertime Dropouts. How is this similar to and different from other coming-of-age movies you've seen?
Do you think the movie realistically shows what it's like to be in a pop-punk band? Why or why not?
Why do you think there's such a timeless appeal for movies about growing up?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 29, 2022
- Cast : Nicholas Podany , Crystal Lake Evans , Caleb Donahoe
- Director : Jhene Chase
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Some language.
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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