A Hilarious Coming-of-Age Adventure: Unpacking Good Boys on Blu-ray
A Hilarious Journey Through Preteen Awkwardness: A Review of Good Boys [Blu-ray]
When I first heard about Good Boys, my interest was piqued—after all, there’s something surprisingly refreshing about a coming-of-age tale that involves 12-year-olds navigating the often bewildering world of adolescence. With talented young actors like Jacob Tremblay, Keith L. Williams, and Brady Noon at the helm, I knew I was in for a wild ride. The blend of innocence and chaos in their portrayal of “The Bean Bag Boys” intrigued me, and I was eager to see how this hilariously R-rated romp would tackle themes of friendship, love, and that awkward transitional phase of pre-teen life.
The story kicks off when young Max (a wonderfully earnest Jacob Tremblay) is invited to his first kissing party—a rite of passage that no boy should face alone. In an effort to impress his crush, he enlists the help of his best friends, Lucas and Thor. What starts as an innocent quest to learn how to kiss spirals into an adventure involving a stolen drone, a family of drug-dealing teenage girls, and a series of misadventures that had me laughing out loud. The plot is undeniably absurd, yet it has an undercurrent of relatable truths about growing up that struck a chord with me.
Director Gene Stupnitsky does a fantastic job of balancing raunchy humor with tender moments, reminding us that beneath the chaos, these kids are just trying to find their place in a world that often feels overwhelming. The cinematography captures both the vibrancy of their world and the heartfelt moments that pop up amid the hilarity. The standout scenes are filled with genuine camaraderie, underscored by a script that feels both playful and authentic.
The performances from all the young actors are commendable, but it’s truly Tremblay who steals the show. His portrayal of Max, caught between childhood innocence and burgeoning attraction, feels painfully real and relatable. When he delivers lines that range from genuine to incredulous, it mirrors the tumult of emotions many of us felt at that age. There’s a particularly touching moment when Max’s father provides him with what can only be described as an “awkward dad talk," and it brought a warmth that I found surprisingly poignant amidst all the laugh-out-loud moments.
The movie has been described as "hysterical" by some viewers, and I can wholeheartedly agree. One customer remarked on how “what comes out of these kids’ mouths is scandalous but oh-so-funny!” And while there were certain themes that might not land well with every audience—like the subplot involving drugs—there’s a self-awareness in the script that pushes boundaries while also offering important lessons about friendship, loyalty, and growing up in a complex world.
In conclusion, Good Boys appeals to anyone who has ever awkwardly navigated the terrain of adolescence. It’s not just a film for teens; it enchants adults with a nostalgic reminder of how confusing, chaotic, and downright hilarious those years can be. Whether you’re a parent reminiscing about your own youth or simply someone looking for an entertaining laugh, I highly recommend adding this Blu-ray to your collection. With a runtime of just 1 hour and 30 minutes, it’s the perfect movie to watch on a laid-back evening—just be prepared for the hilarity and eye-rolling moments that come with preteen antics!
