Stolen Summer (2002)

In the heartland of Chicago's suburbs during the vibrant 1970s, an earnest eight-year-old Catholic boy named Pete navigates the world, flanked by the teachings of his Catholic school. As summer casts its golden hue, Pete is left with a resonating message from a stern nun - to tread the path of the Lord, not the Devil. Taking this to heart with an innocent zeal, Pete embarks on a divine mission for the summer. Inspired by the belief that Catholicism is the sole ticket to heavenly bliss, he sets out to convert a Jew to Catholicism, hoping to secure them a place in the afterlife. His search leads him to a local synagogue where he encounters Rabbi Jacobson, a man of wisdom and humor who patiently navigates Pete's flurry of questions. Amidst the echoes of the synagogue, Pete finds an unexpected friendship with the Rabbi's son, Danny, who mirrors Pete in age but is tragically plagued by illness. Seeing an opportunity, Pete chooses Danny as his candidate for conversion. Fuelled by the priest's words that all must face a test before entering the heavenly realm, Pete designs a mini-decathlon, investing himself in Danny's spiritual reformation and training. As Pete immerses himself in this unusual summer project, his bewildered parents grapple with understanding their son's newfound purpose. As they grow closer to Rabbi Jacobson, they exchange shared anecdotes and insights into the unpredictable journey of parenting. Stolen Summer paints a poignant picture of youthful determination, faith, friendship, and the universal tribulations of parenthood, all under the warm glow of a Chicago summer.

Stolen Summer is a comedy movie featuring Aidan Quinn and directed by Pete Jones.

Stolen Summer is currently streaming on Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy Stolen Summer on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Vudu.