GOOD BOYS (2019)

Directed by: Gene Stupnitsky 
Written By: Gene Stupinsky & Lee Eisenberg 
Cinematography: Jonathan Furmanski 
Editor: Daniel Gabbe 

Cast: Jacob Tremblay, Keith L. Williams, Brady Noon, Michaela Watkins, Molly Gordon, Midori Francis, Will Forte, Retta, Lil Rel Howery, Sam Richardson 

Three sixth grade boys ditch school and embark on an epic journey while carrying accidentally stolen drugs, being hunted by teenage girls, and trying to make their way home in time for a long-awaited party.

When it comes to this film what you expect is exactly what you get. It is hilarious and set up that way more outs of shock then anything else. As you are taken off guard by the things the children are saying but also their naïveté which is naturally hilarious when dealing with things.

What you see is what you get. This won't be mistaken for deep or enriched cinema. This is here purely to entertain and boy does it ever. Neither smart or stupid it just exists.

Though it stars children, this is definitely not a movie for them. As this is mostly for the adults in the audience watching these kids do shocking things. That would be seen as idiotic or unbelievable if it was adults. Though for something so juvenile the film has a maturity to it that makes it feel not as stupid as it could have. As it seems to have foresight.

This movie is set up for pure comedic situations. As there is little plot and that seems more there just to connect scenes and situations. As this film will bring up a certain nostalgia about childhood and those friends formed back then and how inevitably things change. As you develop your personalities more.

As each of the members of the central friendship has a distinct personality. Max the sad eyed leader who is a romantic and more the straight man. Thor the singer who is seeking to always be cool and is a loudmouth and Lucas who is the more prim And proper follow the rules type and surprisingly the voice of reason.

There are plenty of over the top scene of hilarity that just build and build but the frat house scene is the one that is so over the top that it is a classic. Though one wishes there was more of Thor’s matter of fact creepy sister in the film.

As they go forth on a journey and the many obstacles that stand in their way. A highway, teenage girls, raising money, learning how to kiss.

The film though more an ensemble does let one of the bigger names in the cast. Star Jacob Tremblay continue his starring streak.

What One enjoys about this film is that it seems fearless with where it will go. Maybe because it involves kids it plays more innocent and less malicious, the humor and jokes go further then some of these modern comedies that always talk like they are going balls to the wall and then stop short. As they seem to lose nerve or go just to the edge. Here they go forward with no fear because maybe they don’t know any better.

Thankfully though the film might seem More gimmick laden or more exploitive. It actually comes off as more assured and nurturing. More than anything it might feel inappropriate.

Grade: B-