In the summer of 1977, New York City was gripped with fear as serial killer David Berkowitz (a.k.a. Son of Sam) began a violent, random killing spree. Ironically, it was that same summer when Spike Lee decided he wanted to be a filmmaker.

Summer Of Sam is Lee's most ambitious work since Malcolm X (my personal favorite Lee film). It's also a project unlike any of his previous. The film is a flashy, roller coaster ride, chronicling the effect that Berkowitz's mayhem had on a group of young, flawed New Yorkers.

The film boasts a solid ensemble that includes the strong talents of Mira Sorvino, Bebe Neuwirth, Ben Gazarra, Michael Badalucco, Jennifer Esposito, Anthony LaPaglia, and countless others. The most notable performances come from John Leguizamo (in a career defining role as Vinny--a drug abusing hairdresser who constantly cheats on his wife) and Adrien Brody as a completely energetic, spike-haired punk who many suspect is the Son of Sam.

Obviously, the real star of the movie is Lee. Although the film is flawed (there are some moments that don't seem to work), it is a vibrant, exhilarating piece of filmmaking that rarely gives you a moment to breathe. It also captures the feel of the era--bringing to mind movies like Boogie Nights and Saturday Night Fever.

In terms of tension, Summer Of Sam doesn't work as a mystery, because the audience already knows who the killer is. It does, however, work beautifully as a character study--as so many of Lee's films do. The film builds to a blistering climax, that recalls one of Lee's earliest and best films, Do The Right Thing.

In the end, Lee once again demonstrates with great skill and energy why he's one of our best filmmakers. Summer Of Sam is a breathtaking, provocative film that is one of the years best.