For all the hype it got I was expecting a lot more!

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

As another reviewer stated, "Summer Scars" is nearly identical in theme and mood to "The Boys Club", a little known but far superior Canadian film from 1997 about a small group of rather tough acting adolescent boys who encounter a stranger, who at first seems very cool to them, earning their admiration, but in reality turns out to be extremely dangerous, and puts them in a situation where they realize they are in way over their heads. The problem with this film is that the stranger's motivation is never explained or fleshed out, so we are left to guess if he is just a psycho-drifter. The running time is less than 70 minutes, so while it moves along, there is not enough time spent on the increasing danger or the climax, which leaves the viewer with a letdown feeling. The performances are mostly good, and the script (often undecipherable due to heavy Welsh accents) is believable. Unfortunately, none of the kids are very likable, although a couple are decent. OK as a rental, but as a DVD to add to your collection, probably not. Rent "The Boys Club" first if you can't decide.

It has six 14-year-olds playing truant in the woods where they are befriended by a drifter (Kevin Howarth). First he gains their trust by joining in their games but they realize too late they are being held prisoner and when Peter acknowledges he has gone too far, things really get out of hand.I was impressed by the film. Very good performances from Kevin Howarth and the young cast, a thoroughly believable group of teenagers and their interactions are good. Summer Scars is a well acted and frequently tense (most notably the scene with the girl at the end) film.A film that everyone must see!

I could've also written "Down and dirty" as a headline, but I chose the nice try one. It is actually a really nice movie. It has dark drama and psychological subtext to it. Some very disturbing scenes and feels very "real".The actors enhance your impression of the rawness and the realness of the movie. Whethere you think that is a good thing or not, is entirely up to you. Which will also be leaning your likeness for or against the movie. That some sociological problems are brought up to, is another good point for the movie. Entertainment this ain't, especially because it's not afraid to pull punches ... Which is also it's downfall at any given moment. Still worth a look!

When six high schoolers skip school to play in the woods, they come across a mysterious drifter named Peter (Kevin Howarth). At first, all goes smoothly as Peter joins in with the kids' games. Soon, however, he turns and begins to play with the kids in more twisted ways. As the day progresses, Peter starts playing his own games. . . until he goes too far. . .This really is a difficult film on which to comment. From one view, it seems that it's a very uneventful story about a crazy guy screwing with some kids. On the other hand, however, it's an interesting and chilling look into a madman toying dangerously with a group of adolescents in order to teach them a series of lessons. 'Summer Scars' will definitely the type of film that will evenly divide the viewing base between boredom and intrigue, but I'm definitely leaning towards the intrigue. When looking at the film from a technical point of view, it's very good. The script is fantastic, though, as I said, seemingly uneventful. The dialogue flows well and maintains a steady realism throughout, and the realism is enhanced by some good performances from the kids and a great performance from Kevin Howarth (from director Julian Richards's previous film The Last Horror Movie). The direction & cinematography utilize the forest setting well and, even when the group is just sitting around for a period of time, never rests with exploring the area visually. Adding to the atmosphere visually, the lack of a soundtrack really helps to keep things downbeat and believable (think No Country for Old Men). On a deeper level, the film attempts to play almost like a real-world fairy tale. . . do something wrong, reap the consequences, but still come out better (mentally) when it's all finished. In the end, 'Summer Scars' is not for those looking for a plot-driven film with any real amount of action. It's a character-driven thriller that toys with the minds of the youth (and the viewers) and focuses more on lessons of morality than violence and action. If that's what you want, give this one a look.Final Verdict: 7/10.-AP3-