When a rom-com kills the romance | How I Spent My Summer Vacation video essay

In this video essay on the film “How I Spent My Summer Vacation,” a movie that stars RonReaco Lee and Deanna Dawn, we explore the VERY complicated relationship of two young characters in love.
“How I Spent My Summer Vacation” is an independent film that I always enjoyed watching in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Directed by John Fisher, this 74 minute romantic comedy is a painfully funny look at how messy relationships can get when love, ego, and communication aren’t properly in balance.
This movie may have been filmed on a shoestring budget, but it’s a charming black independent film full of heart, laughs, and life lessons. In fact, despite everyone's passion for Love Jones, Love and Basketball, Boomerang, and Brown Sugar, I'd argue How I Spent My Summer Vacation is one of the best black romance movies of the past 30 years. And certainly one of, if not the very best, black rom com of the 90s.
So journey with me as we explore the massive highs AND lows of Perry (RonReaco Lee) attempting to push forward in the aftermath of a breakup with his first love (Deanna Dawn).
Can Perry cope with the pain of a failed relationship? Or will his regret consume him? Let’s find out in my very first video on Cinema Stew! #blackromance #romcom #romanticcomedy #romanticcomedies #blackfilmmakers #videoessay #romcoms #africanamericanmovies
*This video essay on “How I Spent My Summer Vacation” was written, edited, and narrated by Michael (for the Cinema Stew channel on KZbin). You can reach Michael by email at:
[e-mail]
…
How I Spent My Summer Vacation (1997)
Directed by John Fisher
Starring RonReaco Lee, Deanna Dawn, E. Roger Mitchell, Jade Jenise Dixon, Sahr Ngaujah, Felice Heather Monteith, Darren Law, and more.
…
Music: Unconsciousness by Mini Vandals

[@charliecleveland18]

I’m along for the journey. Love the DVD wall too!

[@RetroBlerd]

Thanks buddy! The collection just slowly keeps growing and growing 😂

[@alext5509]

Awesome Mike! Looking forward to seeing more content.

[@RetroBlerd]

Thank you!

[@DeAnnaDawn]

I love this!! Your analysis and editing are delightful and where in the world did you find such a clean copy? I need one! 😂This is pre-digital as you know and all I have is a VHS!🤷🏽‍♀️

[@RetroBlerd]

Thanks DeAnna! Happy you enjoyed it! I actually just used the DVD copy (swimsuit cover edition 😂), believe it or not. The VHS copy is definitely a little rough. But at least you’re on the cover of that one 😂😂