Good Boys

Good Boys is a film that attempts to capture the awkwardness of pre-teen life, but it often feels more like a series of juvenile gags than a coherent story. While not without its moments, the film struggles to maintain a consistent tone across its runtime.

Boys on a Misadventure

Good Boys follows three sixth-grade boys—Max, Lucas, and Thor—who embark on an absurd adventure to repair a broken drone before their parents return home. The boys navigate a world filled with misunderstandings and mischief, dealing with the typical trials of pre-adolescence, including first crushes and awkward social situations. As they try to impress their crushes and avoid getting into trouble, the trio encounters various hijinks, including run-ins with older kids and the bizarre world of adult items. While the premise is amusing, it tends to meander, losing focus as the antics ramp up.

Child Actors Shine

The performances by Jacob Tremblay, Keith L. Williams, and Brady Noon are commendable, capturing the innocence and earnestness of childhood as they navigate their mini adventure. Tremblay stands out for his comedic timing, but the other two boys do well to complement him. However, some supporting characters, like Molly Gordon as Hannah, feel underutilized, leaving a sense of missed opportunity for richer interactions. The adult roles, while intended for comic relief, often come off as one-dimensional and fail to add anything meaningful to the boys’ journey.

Comedy with a Simple Lens

Director Gene Stupnitsky opts for a straightforward comedy style, with a focus on rapid pacing to sustain laughs. The visuals are serviceable but lack the creativity that could elevate the film beyond typical fare. The editing feels choppy at times, with scenes that could have benefitted from more breathing room to develop humor organically. The cinematography captures the vibrant, chaotic energy of childhood, but the repetitive setups make it hard to stay engaged in the visual storytelling. There's potential for deeper exploration of themes that gets lost in the comedic rush.

Nostalgia Mixed with Frustration

Watching Good Boys had its ups and downs. There are laugh-out-loud moments that resonate with anyone who remembers the awkwardness of being a kid, but there are also stretches that drag on longer than necessary. The film's attempt to juggle humor and heartfelt moments sometimes falters, leading to emotional whiplash. While it aims for charm, some scenes feel forced and rely too heavily on shock value rather than genuine connection. It can evoke nostalgia for some, but others may feel frustrated by its repetitive antics.