I have to agree with another reviewer that has already posted. This movie is not Spike's best. This movie is apparently supposed to be viewed through the young boy's eyes. However, the young kids acting performances in this movie is not that great. While the kids tried their best to portray emotions it was clearly a lackluster performance on both of their part. The grandfather's performance was quite good but something didn't make sense. At the beginning of the movie, it is clear that the daughter doesn't want to be around the father. Later you find out why and once you learn the reason, you have to ask, why on earth would you leave your son with him?

The actor who portrayed the peacher was very very good; however, I got so tired of hearing his long preachy sermons. The whole movie had too much preaching in it. The story didn't make sense to me. The young actors were not very good. Too bad. They were earnest and somehow charismatic, but need some acting lessons. Sounded like they were reading lines. Not Spike's best.

Red Hook Summer is a spectacular story. This is a very emotional movie where you treasure friendship, importance of family, and how incredible young people are. You love these characters, they are going through things, and you just want to give them a hug. It is a joyful movie, but serious things are in thier world. I just loved the movie!