After being selected as the winner of the PROJECT GREENLIGHT screenwriting contest, Pete Jones got the chance to make his script, STOLEN SUMMER, into a film while an HBO crew taped the process for a reality TV series. The film tells the story of an Irish Catholic boy, Pete (Adi Stein), growing up in 1976 Chicago. Pete becomes concerned that, as one nun at school has repeatedly told him, he's going to go to hell. He decides that the way into heaven is to convert Jews to Catholicism and makes that his mission. The understanding Rabbi Jacobsen (Kevin Pollak) appreciates Pete's interest in religion and encourages Pete on his "quest." Their lives are further intertwined when a fire breaks out at the rabbi's house, and Pete's father, Joe (Aidan Quinn), a fireman, saves the life of the rabbi's son, Danny (Mike Weinberg). Danny and Pete become friends and think up ways for Danny to be accepted into heaven. STOLEN SUMMER demonstrates Jones' genuine talent as a filmmaker, particularly in the strong performances, while his moving script captures a boy's perspective on friendship and religious belief. STOLEN SUMMER was produced by actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, co-creators of PROJECT GREENLIGHT.
Theatrical release: March 22, 2002 (NY/LA)
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Letterbox - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Additional Release Material:
Deleted Scenes
Trailers
Audio Commentary
Featurette: PETE JONES' PROJECT GREENLIGHT
Scene Vs. Final Film
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus
Distributor Notes: Stolen Summer
Here's the big screen motion picture that fan's of HBO's hit series PROJECT GREENLIGHT eagerly waited to see! From producers Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Chris Moore, STOLEN SUMMER is the touching story of a young Catholic boy, Peter O'Malley, who's on a quest to help a dying Jewish friend, Danny Jacobsen, get into heaven. On an unforgettable adventure marked by conflict and discovery, Pete and Danny will together learn the true meaning of hope and friendship! With Aidan Quinn (LEGENDS OF THE FALL) and Kevin Pollak (THE USUAL SUSPECTS) portraying the families' patriarchs, this critically acclaimed feature also stars Brian Dennehy (TOMMY BOY), Bonnie Hunt (THE GREEN MILE), and Eddie Kaye Thomas (AMERICAN PIE 1 & 2) in an outstanding all-star cast!
Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Stars
Adi Stein: Actor, STOLEN SUMMER (2002)
Mike Weinberg: Actor, STOLEN SUMMER (2002)
Aidan Quinn: American Actor, AVALON (1991)
Kevin Pollak: American actor, comedian
Bonnie Hunt: American actress, BEETHOVEN
Eddie Kaye Thomas: Actor
Brian Dennehy: American Actor
Ryan Kelley: Actor, STOLEN SUMMER (2002)
Lindsay Light: Actor, STOLEN SUMMER (2002)
Director
Pete Jones: Director - STOLEN SUMMER; PROJECT GREENLIGHT Winner
Producer
Ben Affleck: Oscar-winning actor/screenwriter, GOOD WILL HUNTING
Matt Damon: American actor, screenwriter, GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997)
Chris Moore:
Patrick Peach: Producer
Associate Producer
Jeff Balis: Co-Producer, STOLEN SUMMER (2002)
Screenwriter
Pete Jones: Director - STOLEN SUMMER; PROJECT GREENLIGHT Winner
Composer
Danny Lux: Composer, STOLEN SUMMER (2002)
Editor
Gregg Featherman: Editor, STOLEN SUMMER (2002)
Executive Producer
Michelle Sy: Executive Producer, STOLEN SUMMER (2002)
Director of Photography
Pete Biagi: Director of Photography, STOLEN SUMMER (2002)
Review 1:
"...This is a movie that tells stories that work....[The film] is charming, is moving, is funny and looks professional..."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
p.31 03/22/2002
Review 2:
"...Honest and unironic..."
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.46 03/29/2002