Gene Stupnitsky (director)
(studio)
15 (certificate)
1h 29mins (length)
18 August 2019 (released)
18 August 2019
The popular comparison straight off the bat; this is ‘Superbad’ with kids. Understandable considering its produced by two of the writers of Superbad, the comedy resembles that of Mc’lovin and crew, its raunchy R-rated and full of adolescence or in this case, prepubescent. The movie follows three sixth graders who skip school in leu of a kissing party they need to prepare for. It chronicles a series of adventures that include buying drugs, learning how to kiss and trying to get home in time to make it to popular kid's party.
It starts with funny friendship-establishing scenes, where the boys play card games in their beanbag getaway and take a visit to the skate park to prove they are 6th graders now (not little 5th graders). It brings a constant flow of laughs that includes a script seemingly unsuitable for characters so young, but it does reflect the producers use of unpredictable casting for their R-rated comic endeavours e.g. Sausage Party (talking groceries).
A cast lead by the popular Jacob Trembly, (who found notoriety through his performance in award-winning ‘Room’ opposite Brie Larson). The other two leads are Keith L. Williams and Brady Noon. Characters who all have their own individual battles, such as Thor’s (Brady Noon) need to be one of the cool kids, Lucas’s uncontrollable honesty in the face of any pressure, which gets them in constant trouble. These young boys face a shared battle, understanding they’re all growing up and this mean growing apart.
Another interesting element is the use of comedy to give a modern-day perspective on issues facing young people. For example, the word ‘consent’ and learning exactly what this means, being respectful to women and navigating the ides of peer pressure in school. It was also nice to see more diverse casting in a comedy about the youth.
Something all audiences (18+ or accompanied by an adult) can look at and appreciate seeing themselves reflected in some way. Whereas in some other school-comedy classics such as American pie, the use of a mainly white male cast may have slightly affected its longevity into today’s forward-thinking socio-political climate.
It was a great laugh and a contemporary take on a dying out sub-genre. This and the likes of Booksmart debuting at SXSW shows a push for a stronger reflection of the times we live in today. It’s a nice change to see a comedic angle on issues such as consent, me too and racial diversity. Strong casting lead for an interesting break down in male architypes. The boys cared about consent, they cared about respecting women and they really cared about each other (importantly expressing this vocally). It wasn’t done in a self-indulging way either, it was written so the audience recognise the complexity young people face in navigating latterly highlighted topics like these.
Good Boys is a hilarious look into the lives of preteens. One which is very relatable. A must see, Laugh after laugh.