Staten Island Summer

Two friends finish high school and set up shop on the sunny shores of Staten Island, where they spend the summer as lifeguards and secretly map out what comes next. Danny is driven by a sense of purpose yet uncertain about a real plan, while Frank rides the wave of easygoing charm and quick jokes. The days blend between sun soaked shifts, late night hangouts, and a string of misadventures that test their loyalty to one another. A small crush on Krystal, a local girl, adds a tangle of nerves and hopeful confidence to their routine. The film follows their imperfect, funny attempts to grow up without losing the best parts of themselves.

Released in 2015, Staten Island Summer was directed by Rhys Thomas with a screenplay by Colin Jost. The project stems from Jost's original concept and features a teen buddy premise set against a distinctly New York area backdrop.

Box office data for Staten Island Summer is not widely reported, reflecting its modest reach and distribution choices. The movie was primarily released through streaming channels and select venues, rather than a broad traditional theatrical rollout.

While not a cultural juggernaut, the film marks Colin Jost's transition from television to feature writing and mirrors a familiar summer rite in urban settings. It offers a snapshot of Staten Island beach life and a light hearted tone that fans of SNL alumni may enjoy.

Critical reception was mixed, with many noting the film's easy banter and the chemistry between Graham Phillips and Zack Pearlman as its strong suit, while some critics found the plot thin and the humor uneven. Thematically, it explores friendship, the push to plan for the future, and how a single carefree season can shape a young person's outlook. Some reviewers also mention that the film relies on familiar setups, but the heartfelt portrayal of loyalty and late adolescence gives the story a small but lasting warmth.