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What is the Defernce between Summer Dreams The True Story of the Beach Boys and The Beach Boys An American Family TV Movies

"Summer Dreams" was based on Steven Gaines' "Heroes and Villains" biography, while John Stamos received an executive producer credit on "An American Family," which led to the tone of the movie being dictated more towards Mike than Brian.

I haven't seen "Summer Dreams" since I was a child, but I remember it being Dennis-heavy.

Summer Dreams is an out and out pile of sh*t (doesn't even mention Pet Sounds), whilst An American Family is a pile of sh*t of a higher order, boasting far better production values and using almost exclusive the original music tracks... but as the second part paints Brian as a drooling idiot who wouldn't know a hook if it bit him on the ass, still a pile of sh*t.

This may be one of my favorite summaries of anything, ever.

The fake "Planet of the Apes" beards in Summer Dreams were enough right there to call this a "pile", not to mention the acting, screenplay, etc...

I want to see Love and Mercy in the theater so bad!

Totally agree about the tv movies, though I have a guilty pleasure for both. :)

Definitely guilty pleasures. Fun to watch alone in my room yet something I'd shut off if anybody was in the vicinity.

Okay, to answer your question:

Summer Dreams: unauthorized; rerecorded music
American Family: authorized;  original music, plus new contributions from Brian and Chocolate Shake Man

Summer Dreams: ends in 1984
American Family: ends in 1974

Summer Dreams: no mention of David Marks.
American Family: David Marks is given some attention.

Summer Dreams: obvious fake facial hair that doesn't even match the tops of their heads
American Family: color matching on the fake facial hair is better, but Mike's mustache starts to fall off at one point

Summer Dreams memorable quote: "You know what I love about seagulls?" (Dennis)
American Family memorable quote: "I HATE YOU, MURRY!" (Dave)

Summer Dreams: Pet Sounds and Smile are kind of hybridized, with the title of neither mentioned.
American Family: both projects are separate.

Summer Dreams: No mention of Van Dyke Parks.
American Family: Van Dyke Parks is a character, but after the first broadcast his name was changed to "Samuel Pierce."

Summer Dreams: Carl looks like Anson Williams and is slim.
American Family: Carl looks like Brian and is even slimmer.

Nice write-down, Mr. ws! Shall add:

Summer Dreams: Charles Manson looks as threatening as a baked goose. Quite funny, in fact.
AmFam: Scarier, but still pale copycat of the real deal.

Summer Dreams: good cast of 'Marilyn'.
AmFam: Marilyn looks like a barbie doll.

Both in Summer Dreams & American Family, little to no Bruce.

Bottom line: if you want to see the most resembling BBs - watch "Summer Dreams". Brian, Murry, Audree (not the one who always shouts, "Murry!" as in that other TV movie), Carl, Bruce, Mike were all good. Dennis's bits are rather cheesy, but I think you will enjoy some.
                   For any kind of substance & nice scene of Dennis singing "Forever" to his father over the phone - watch "American Family".

I think the portrayal of Murry in Summer Dreams is spot on.

And what's up with "Landy" in Summer Dreams?? I swear it's Bob Pinciotti in a suit!

Even though not really a Beach Boys movie Matt Dillon sort of portrays A Brian Character and sort of a Smile disaster.  Plus Ilenna Douglas Look a bit like Marilyn.  I actually liked the movie though I did spend most of it trying to figure out who each character was portraying.

RangeRover I have to ask you, are you speaking some language that you made up?

"Baked goose" is hilarious even though I haven't a clue what a baked goose looks (or tastes) like. Honk honk!!! :lol ;D

Greasy. Incredibly greasy. Mind, spuds roasted in goose fat would give the Pope a foodgasm.  ;D

… as might a goose roasted (not baked) in goose fat. Hey that reminds me, have you posted my Christmas card yet?

Summer Dreams is only 2 hours, but American Family is twice as bad at 4 hours.

I need to watch Summer Dreams, havent seen it in years.  I just watched An American Family a couple of months ago, it was ok, really didn't like how Brian was portrayed in this movie.  The scene when Dennis sang "Forever" to Murray was the best scene of the whole movie, it's moving.

I don't like cliches so I make up my own phrases, yes.