American Summer is an upcoming 2026 American coming-of-age family comedy–drama directed by Michael W. Gray, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jennifer B. White and Marc Prey. The film stars Steve Guttenberg, Christie Brinkley, Logan Evan Gray, Mia Talerico, Dan Lauria, Cullen Moss, and Erinn Ruth.
The story follows adult Mikey as he looks back on a formative summer in childhood when he first met Kelly. Through memories of baseball games, neighborhood adventures, and early romance, the film explores friendship, first love, and the emotional challenge of growing up while coping with the uncertainty of a father missing overseas.
Produced by Relentless Filmz and Brooklyn Owl Pictures, American Summer was filmed in Bergen County, New Jersey, including Westwood, Ho-Ho-Kus, and Allendale. The 83-minute live-action feature is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on September 4, 2026, through Blue Harbor Entertainment.
American Summer Age Rating
American Summer is officially rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for suggestive material, some language, and brief smoking. The film is designed as a family-friendly coming-of-age story. Still, parents should be aware of mild romantic content, a small amount of profanity, brief depictions of smoking, and emotional themes involving a missing family member. The overall tone remains warm, nostalgic, and suitable for most school-age viewers.
Violence & Peril
Violence is very mild. The film focuses on baseball, neighborhood play, and childhood adventures rather than action or danger. There may be a few moments of emotional tension related to the father being missing overseas, but there are no graphic injuries, frightening scenes, or intense peril.
Language
The language is mild and infrequent. Parents can expect a small number of light profanities and casual expressions that are common in many PG family films. There is no strong or repeated coarse language.
Mature Themes
The film includes mild suggestive material, primarily involving innocent childhood crushes and age-appropriate romantic moments. Brief smoking is shown, but it is not glamorized or emphasized. The most significant mature element is the emotional theme of separation and uncertainty surrounding a missing parent, which may prompt questions from younger viewers.
Is American Summer Suitable for Kids?
Ages 5–7: With Guidance. Young children can likely enjoy the baseball scenes, friendships, and summer adventures. However, some may not fully understand the emotional storyline involving Mikey’s missing father and may need reassurance or explanation from a parent.
Ages 8–12: Yes. This is the strongest audience for the film. The themes of friendship, first crushes, family support, and growing up are presented in a gentle and accessible way, and the content remains comfortably within PG territory.
Ages 13+: Yes. Teens will probably find the content very mild. Older viewers may appreciate the nostalgic structure and the reflection on childhood memories and relationships.
Overall, American Summer is best suited for children ages 8 and up, while younger kids may enjoy it with parental guidance.
What Parents Can Do
- Explain that the story includes emotional themes about a family member being away and missing.
- Use the film to talk about friendship, first crushes, and handling childhood emotions.
- Mention that brief smoking appears in the movie, even though it is not a major focus.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for American Summer (2026)?
A: American Summer is officially rated PG for suggestive material, some language, and brief smoking.
Q: Is American Summer suitable for children?
A: Yes. Most children ages 8 and older should be able to watch it comfortably, and younger children may need some parental guidance.
Q: Does the movie have any scary or violent scenes?
A: No. Violence is very mild, and the film contains little to no frightening content.
Q: Is there strong language in American Summer?
A: No. The film contains only mild and infrequent profanity.
Q: Does American Summer include sexual content?
A: The movie includes mild suggestive material and innocent age-appropriate romantic moments, but no explicit sexual content or nudity.
Q: Where can I watch American Summer?
A: The film is scheduled for a limited theatrical release in the United States on September 4, 2026 through Blue Harbor Entertainment.