The 2025 dramedy How I Spent my Summer Vacation follows a girl’s journey to discover proof of life. Along the way her life ebbs and flows, like the water she is almost terrified of. Learning about the intricacies of extended or dysfunctional family and moving on.
Writer/Director Kenneth R Frank is another of these multi-talented men who seem to be a literal cottage industry. He not only writes, directs and films his work, Frank edits it as well.
He does a brilliant job.
How I Spent my Summer Vacation Story
Grace is a young girl with an almost obsessive attention to detail. While not OCD per se, she comes close to that territory. She loves tortoises, “Not turtles,” she says firmly.
In short order: She and her brother are kicked out of school. They move over the summer to visit grandpa. She learns about herself and the world.
How I Spent my Summer Vacation Cast
Raquel Sciacca is Grace and the narrator of the film.
Chris Mollica is Tom; father of Grace.
Dawson Sciacca is Richie, brother of Grace.
Paolo Kossi is Uncle Richie.
Christina Elise Perry is Clara.
Ryan Umbarila is Mateo.
Jerry Colpitts is Richie Reynolds.
Why This Works so Well
How I Spent my Summer Vacation is, according to Frank at any rate, a cathartic answer to his own childhood. He uses Grace and her story to give us a low key look at life as a child. In this case, an 11 year old girl. Her fears and worries about living and dying are the crux of the film.
Fortunately, despite her grandparents being divorced, which is the dysfunctionality mentioned above, Grace’s dad is there to guide her. There is no “We Need to Talk About Kevin” issues here. Her family do talk to one another. Perhaps not perfectly, but they try.
What’s Not to Love
Grace owns this one. She is the main focus of attention after all. We get caught up in her intense love for to tortoises and agonize with her about her fear of water.
Franks gives us a combination of narrative story and fly on the wall analysis. This is a case of everything working to the good of the story. In terms of performances, some were great, others were just what the film needed.
Raquel Sciacca carries this one almost effortlessly. She sets the pace and the mood of How I Spent my Summer Vacation. She brings Grace to life in a sympathetic and lively way.
And The Rest
Mollica as the all knowing and caring dad, is spot on here. He exudes a sort of “earned” wisdom and calm. Colpitts, as Richie Sr, is all tired actions and reluctant interaction. Although he gets caught up in the time capsule idea later.
Paolo Kossi is a mixture of affability and charm. As the other Richie in the family he fits brilliantly. Perry is likable and irritating, a great combination for his character.
Franks has given written a script that allows these character to be fully formed on screen. The film, the acting and the written word all culminate to give a well rounded story. So much so that we get caught up in this somewhat inauspicious tale of growing up.
The Verdict
How I Spent my Summer Vacation is a solid 4.5 stars. I had some sound issues, at times Richie Sr’s dialogue was lost to me. The pacing was a tad slow, although this was necessary to the story. I did, however, want to see if Grace’s dream of Galapagos visit was going to happen.
Catch this one when it comes available. It is worth the watch.
The Trailer
