Review of Good Boys [DVD]: A Hilarious, Heartfelt Journey of Youth
When I stumbled upon Good Boys, I was instantly drawn by the dazzling comedic pedigree behind it—it’s from the minds that brought us Superbad and Sausage Party. Along with an intriguing lineup that includes Jacob Tremblay, Keith L. Williams, and Brady Noon, I just couldn’t resist exploring this tale of youthful misadventures. How can you say no to a movie that dares to tackle the chaotic world of sixth graders navigating friendship, crushes, and everything in between?
A Woefully Accurate Coming-of-Age Comedy
At its core, Good Boys centers on three preteen boys—Max (Tremblay), Thor (Williams), and Lucas (Noon)—who find themselves spiraling into a whirlwind of bad decisions after they skip school to learn how to kiss for a "kissing party." The narrative, while a certain breeze of outrageous humor, resonates deeply with the inherent awkwardness that comes with being on the brink of adolescence. From stolen drugs (yes, you read that right) to the stark confrontation of young boys grappling with societal expectations—there’s a unpredictably poignant edge layered throughout the chaos.
The boys are beautifully portrayed, with Jacob Tremblay’s vulnerability shining in moments of uncertainty about relationships, and Brady Noon’s baffling expressions capturing all the hilarious ‘ugh’ moments that come with being a kid. Their dynamics felt real and relatable, making me reflect on my own experiences of growing up—those surreal moments when you just didn’t understand why adults made such a big deal about "the talk" or why girls were so bewildering.
Fresh Humor with a Subtle Depth
Gene Stupnitsky’s direction stands out, as he manages to strike that perfect balance between laugh-out-loud moments and subtle emotional undercurrents. It’s not just about the raunchy jokes; a few genuine heart-to-heart moments caught me off guard—like Lucas’s struggles with his parents’ impending divorce or Max’s confusion over his burgeoning feelings toward the girls in their lives. Moments like these remind you that beneath all the raucous laughter, the experiences of growing up are universal and can strike a chord with audiences of all ages.
As for the cinematography, while it keeps the focus primarily on the trio’s antics, the clever framing during their misadventures set the stage for some of the most memorable sequences. Whether it was the hilarity of a drone mishap or the boys’ ill-advised run-ins with the local "bad girls," every frame oozed with an infectious energy that kept me laughing throughout the film.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Who could forget the line, “We’re not just friends; we’re a family”—it encapsulates their bond so perfectly amid the chaos. Reviews from viewers resonated with my sentiment: “Hysterical! What comes out of these kids’ mouths is scandalous but oh-so-funny!” Indeed, it’s a testament to the film’s essence that struck home.
Who Should Watch This?
Good Boys is undoubtedly not for the faint-hearted or those who shy away from crude humor. But if you have a soft spot for coming-of-age comedies that balance gut-busting laughter with a dash of heartfelt sincerity, this movie is a must-watch. Whether you’re reliving your own middle school tumult or simply looking to escape reality for 90 minutes, Good Boys delivers slapstick hilarity mixed with genuine moments of introspection.
In closing, I left the screening with not just tears from laughter but also fond reminiscences of my childhood—how confusing yet exhilarating those days were. For anyone willing to embrace the awkwardness, this film is a delightful ride worth taking!
You can find Good Boys [DVD] here >>