INDIAN SUMMER

CAPSULE REVIEW –– I think the fact that I never went to summer camp makes me an inherent sucker for films that are located on those hallowed grounds. What makes this film different is that the characters are adults going back for a 20-year, last look around reunion. They were Uncle Lou's (Arkin) favorites and since this will be his final season running the camp, he wanted to spend his last week with them. Of course, they all have their own adult issues to deal with – marital problems, career disappointment, loneliness, widowhood – which become exacerbated as they confront their long-shed youth and all its hopes and dreams. The film has its share of silly camp moments with the men playing old-time practical jokes on each other. However, this is more of a serious piece, the characters slowly, if not exactly deeply, coming to terms with themselves and their pasts...and hopefully forging better futures. The camaraderie of the cast goes a long way to making this enjoyable. Lane, as the saddened widow, and Spano, as the husband with career and marital problems, give the best performances, breaking your heart with their big, sad eyes. Williams gets kudos for making a cheesecake role funny and clever. If you like the cast and don't mind a little predictability, this film is a decent way to pass some time on a lazy day.