Summer Catch poster

Summer Catch

"Are you game?"

Movie PG-13 2001 1h 44m 5.4 /10
Directed by Michael Tollin

On the Cape a hometown pitcher named Ryan Dunne, now in college, crosses paths with Tenley Parrish, a wealthy summer visitor. He is a practical dreamer who wants one last shot at a pro contract, while she carries herself with charm and independence. They fall for each other across class lines,... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: February 06, 2026

About Summer Catch

On the Cape a hometown pitcher named Ryan Dunne, now in college, crosses paths with Tenley Parrish, a wealthy summer visitor. He is a practical dreamer who wants one last shot at a pro contract, while she carries herself with charm and independence. They fall for each other across class lines, sharing long days near the water, late night talks, and the pressure of family expectations. The romance unfolds amid the town's summer routines and the rhythm of minor league style baseball, blending light comedy with budding romance. The story keeps its focus on character moments, the pull of ambition, and the pull of a first real connection, without pretending easy solutions. The film uses a sunny, breezy tempo to keep the stakes light, letting the chemistry carry the laughs.

Directed by Michael Tollin, Summer Catch comes from an original screenplay by Kevin Falls and John Gatins. It leans into sunny coastal visuals, confident chemistry between the leads, and a breezy athletic backdrop that fans of sport comedies will recognize. The production makes use of Cape Cod locations to anchor the mood and the performances aim for a warm, sunlit feel.

Box Office: Worldwide gross about 19,693,891 on a 34,000,000 budget. The film did not recoup its production costs, making it a modest performer in theaters. It found most traction through home video channels and television airings.

Despite a pleasant energy and a straightforward rom com arc, Summer Catch did not become a lasting cultural touchstone. It offered light quotes and scenes for fans of Freddie Prinze Jr and Jessica Biel, but these did not echo widely beyond its release window.

Critics had a mixed to favorable read, noting the easy banter and the film's clean approach to romance and sport. The film explores ambition versus comfort, class boundaries, parental influence, and the hope that love can open doors even when the odds look against you.

Details

Release Date
August 22, 2001
Runtime
1h 44m
Rating
PG-13
User Ratings
210 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Comedy, Romance
Country
United States
Studio
Tollin/Robbins Productions +1 more
Budget
$34,000,000
Box Office
$19,693,891
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Freddie Prinze Jr.

Freddie Prinze Jr.

Ryan Dunne

Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel

Tenley Parrish

Fred Ward

Fred Ward

Sean Dunne

Matthew Lillard

Matthew Lillard

Billy Brubaker

Brian Dennehy

Brian Dennehy

John Schiffner

Jason Gedrick

Jason Gedrick

Mike Dunne

Brittany Murphy

Brittany Murphy

Dede Mulligan

Bruce Davison

Bruce Davison

Rand Parrish

Marc Blucas

Marc Blucas

Miles Dalrymple

Wilmer Valderrama

Wilmer Valderrama

Mickey Dominguez

Director: Michael Tollin

Written by: Kevin Falls, John Gatins

Frequently Asked Questions

Summer Catch is not currently available on streaming subscription services, but you can rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

With a rating of 5.4/10 from 210 viewers, Summer Catch is divisive among viewers - your mileage may vary. It's a good pick if you enjoy comedy and romance stories.

On the Cape a hometown pitcher named Ryan Dunne, now in college, crosses paths with Tenley Parrish, a wealthy summer visitor. He is a practical dreamer who wants one last shot at a pro contract, while she carries herself with charm and independence. They fall for each other across class lines, sh...

Freddie Prinze Jr. plays Ryan Dunne, a pitcher for Boston College. The story follows his romance with Tenley Parrish during a summer on the Cape.

Jessica Biel plays Tenley Parrish, the daughter of a wealthy family who summers on the Cape. Her romance with Freddie Prinze Jr.'s Ryan Dunne is central to the film.