A wonderful movie that I, Justin Teplitz, really enjoyed in 1999. It's about a group of Italians living in New York City when the "Son of Sam" murders occured in the 70s. Based on a true story, it displays the harms of drugs and paranoia among friends while showing how random serial killers can get with their killings. This movie was never boring and was somewhat realistic, and every native New Yorker would appreciate Summer of Sam!!! justin teplitz

I had such high expectations about this movie because John Leguizamo was in it and I'm a big fan of his. But he couldn't save this 2 hour plus disaster. I thought it would have been this great battle of Vinnie (Leguizamo) and Richie (Adrien Brody) vs. The Son Of Sam. Instead they keep the killer a complete mystery for most of the movie and focus more on Vinnie's rocky marriage and cheating ways and Richie's identity crisis. That was such a jip. Mira Sorvino looked real awkward playing Vinnie's wife and the ever so annoying Jennifer Esposito was in it which made the movie even more bad as Ruby, Richie's girlfriend. And during the few moments involving the killer, they were very disturbing ones. This is based on a true story. Spike Lee had the best intentions of directing this but this is by far the worst movie he has ever directed. Then again all directors at least have one bad movie. From start to finish, this is a colossal disappointment!

What an awful film. I saw this in a theatre and will never forget when, in what supposed to be a moment of terror and psychosis, David Berkowitz begins to hear a dog speak to him. The audience howled with laughter! I wanted to walk out, but my friend didn't and he had the car keys. Avoid this unless you crave a really violent episode of "Welcome Back, Kotter!"

This movie was not about Sam Berkowitz, and I think it would be unfair to assume it was about mimicking other flicks such as "Boogie Nights" for profit. Perhaps some of the Disco, and Punk Rock scenes were used as "fillers" and some the sex shots also.
The film was mainly about the hysteria surrounding a serial killer on the loose in 1977, but also I believe Mr. Lee was conveying another message such as how many people are trapped in the role they have to play in life that society dictates.
Example, when Vinnie (Leguizamo) tells Ritchie (Brody) "Look at you, you are wearing a dog collar!" Ritchie responds by saying, "So are you, you are on a leash!" In other words, Vinnie has to act a certain way because he is a Catholic Italian, and for that matter commits adultery because he supposedly cannot perform certain sexual acts with his wife because its against his religion. Ritchie, even though being Italian is rejected by his own people because he looks and dresses different. The other Italian men in the neighborhood have to act like "mobsters", and go on a mission to catch this killer because that is what is expected. If one wants to be part of things, they must act a certain way, and there is no freedom of choice.
Spike Lee makes a point to remind every one that there is prejudice and ignorance among every culture, and in this movie he chose Italians. Of course, he had to throw his two cents in the movie making comments such as if the killer was murdering Blacks no one would be making a big deal, but that's Spike Lee for you. I still recommend the movie and think it was very well directed.

From the reading of the reviews found here, one would wonder why some people hated and some loved this movie. FIRST, you must understand this is NOT a documentary about the Son of Sam (aka David Berkowitz). This is a story about the EFFECT, LIVES and TIMES that resonated around the Son of Sam's grip on not only NY but the rest of the country during a very different time in the USA. I suspect most of the bad reviews purchased this expecting a 60 minutes type/docu-drama exposing the inner workings, actions and life of the Son of Sam....which is quite the opposite...this is the story of the people this touched...and being a teenager during this time...I found it hit right on the mark with how it was back then. There may also be a gender gap of buyers too old during this time to relate or too young to not even know/heard of ABBA. If you are somwhere in the middle, you will understand where this movie is at and appreciate the story line of those touched by the Son of Sam.