The Last Summer Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: The Last Summer
| Movie | The Last Summer |
| Release Year | 2004 |
| Director | Jonathan Landau |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 95 minutes (1h 35m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Last Summer (2004) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Last Summer are led by Corey Jackson . The supporting cast, including Britt Robertson and Muse Watson , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Last Summer does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Last Summer has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Last Summer
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2004, The Last Summer is a Drama film directed by Jonathan Landau, written by Jonathan Landau. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Corey Jackson as Joel Shuman.
Ending Explained: The Last Summer
The Last Summer Ending Explained: Set in 1981, "The Last Summer" tells the story of 12-year-old Joel Shuman's first summer after the sudden death of his mom. Directed by Jonathan Landau, this 2004 drama film stars Corey Jackson (Joel Shuman), alongside Britt Robertson as Beth, Muse Watson as Jerimiah Shuman, Nick Searcy as Mr. Black. Rated 5.3/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Last Summer?
Set in 1981, "The Last Summer" tells the story of 12-year-old Joel Shuman's first summer after the sudden death of his mom. Joel helps his family come to terms with their tragic loss while spending his last summer of innocence with the best friends he will ever know. "The Last Summer" recalls a time when life was still a mystery and every day was a new adventure.
Jonathan Landau's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Corey Jackson (Joel Shuman)'s journey. Joel helps his family come to terms with their tragic loss while spending his last summer of innocence with the best friends he will ever know.
How Does Corey Jackson (Joel Shuman)'s Story End?
- Corey Jackson: Corey Jackson's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Britt Robertson (Beth): Britt Robertson's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Muse Watson (Jerimiah Shuman): Muse Watson's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Last Summer Mean?
The ending of The Last Summer brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Corey Jackson's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Last Summer Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Last Summer Based on a True Story?
No, The Last Summer is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Jonathan Landau and starring Corey Jackson may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Last Summer?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Last Summer Parents Guide & Age Rating
2004 AdvisoryWondering about The Last Summer age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Last Summer (2004) is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Directed by Jonathan Landau, the film runs for 95 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Last Summer is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2004 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Last Summer worth watching?
The Last Summer is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.3/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Last Summer parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Last Summer identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Last Summer (2004)?
The runtime of The Last Summer (2004) is 95 minutes (approximately 1h 35m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.