Good Boys
Directed by: Gene Stupnitsky
Written by: Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky
Starring: Jacob Tremblay, Brady Noon, Keith L. Williams, Molly Gordon, Midori Francis, Stephen Merchant, Izaac Wang, Millie Davis, Josh Caras, Will Forte, Mariessa Portelance, Lil Rel Howery, Retta, Micahela Watkins, Macie Juiles, Chance Hurstfield, Enid-Raye Adams, Craig Haas, Sam Richardson, Benita Ha, Matt Ellis
Adventure/Comedy - 89 min Reviewed by Charlie Juhl on 15 Aug 2019
Written by: Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky
Starring: Jacob Tremblay, Brady Noon, Keith L. Williams, Molly Gordon, Midori Francis, Stephen Merchant, Izaac Wang, Millie Davis, Josh Caras, Will Forte, Mariessa Portelance, Lil Rel Howery, Retta, Micahela Watkins, Macie Juiles, Chance Hurstfield, Enid-Raye Adams, Craig Haas, Sam Richardson, Benita Ha, Matt Ellis
Adventure/Comedy - 89 min Reviewed by Charlie Juhl on 15 Aug 2019
Every male older than 12 should identify with the Bean Bag Boys. They are brand new sixth graders and believe that status entitles them to a bit more maturity than they have yet to earn. They know things now they did not know when they were tiny fifth graders, some three months ago. We empathize with them because we had all the answers back then too…only later learning the super-secret playground intelligence about girls, their bodies, and how they worked was not exactly from reliable sources. They have just enough information to be dangerous – these “tween” misunderstandings set up awkward episodes, punchy one-liners, and propel an adventure that will test their friendship through threats of grounding, bodily harm, and public humiliation.
The boys are invited to a kissing party. They believe everyone on Earth must already be expert kissers and fear they will be exposed as amateur frauds when they go in for the smooch and the girl realizes they do not have a handle on the maneuvers. Remember, as they compare notes in the school restroom, “Everyone in the sixth grade gets hand jobs.” That term’s specific definition eludes them at the moment, but it sounds both mature and commonplace. This is our first indication Good Boys is no Stand By Me, even though the adolescents are the same age. The Stand By Me crew talked Pez and Superman, but ventured toward edgier themes with thoughts on mortality when they encounter the dead boy. These “good” boys are hormonal grenades stumbling around with the pin already pulled.
The boys are invited to a kissing party. They believe everyone on Earth must already be expert kissers and fear they will be exposed as amateur frauds when they go in for the smooch and the girl realizes they do not have a handle on the maneuvers. Remember, as they compare notes in the school restroom, “Everyone in the sixth grade gets hand jobs.” That term’s specific definition eludes them at the moment, but it sounds both mature and commonplace. This is our first indication Good Boys is no Stand By Me, even though the adolescents are the same age. The Stand By Me crew talked Pez and Superman, but ventured toward edgier themes with thoughts on mortality when they encounter the dead boy. These “good” boys are hormonal grenades stumbling around with the pin already pulled.
If you are familiar with Netflix’s animated show, Big Mouth, these boys have hormone monsters in overdrive who assure them they are the worst and most inexperienced losers in the history of losers. The peer pressure is overwhelming. When Thor (Brady Noon) declines to take a sip of beer (the sixth grade record is three sips by the way), the Scooter Squad labels him “Sippy Cup.” Thor knows all too well that is the kind of nickname which can stick. Thor can also sing. Tryouts for “Rock of Ages” are tomorrow, but he promptly declares he hates singing and will never sing again when another boy says singing is stupid. Sticking out of the middle school crowd is never a good idea lest you leave yourself vulnerable to ridicule.
Max (Jacob Tremblay, The Predator) is the one who must learn the kissing ins and outs. His crush will be at the kissing party and everybody already knows the attachment is so strong, if they kiss, there is no doubt marriage, kids, and a mortgage are a mere formality. Max is so sure of himself, he declares, “Someday, we’re gonna make eye contact.” Talked into using his dad’s strictly off limits drone to spy on the girl next door is fool proof, because Max knows she’s a nymphomaniac, “she likes to have sex both on land and the sea.” It’s these moments where the kids experiment with language they’ve heard, but cannot comprehend, where Good Boys scores points. These bits are not next-level hysterical like the film’s older brother and obvious influence, Superbad, but the vast majority of them land.
The trio’s third mate, owner of the funniest lines, and perhaps emerging in a breakout role is Lucas (Keith L. Williams). Lucas’s parents are divorcing, he’s not into girls yet like Thor and Max, and he is incapable of subterfuge. This walking truth teller tells a slack-jawed cop everything in a convenience store, tells disbelieving parents every sordid detail, and knows they must destroy this sex drug called “Molly” in case it infects the water supply and the entire town gets addicted. Lucas is oblivious to public humiliation and the threat of being out of step with those considered the pack leaders. HIs mom is his best friend. When his shoulder pops out of its socket, he’s unsure whether or not he can go to the hospital; he’s heard he only has a deductible.
There would be no Good Boys if there was no Superbad, but director Gene Stupnitsky’s first film is a worthy addition to the now only trickling supply of R-rated teen comedies. Good Boys must be the youngest protagonists in this genre though. What used to be elder teenagers like Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall, then Michael Cera and Jonah Hill, are now real 12 year-olds. There are times I cannot believe how the filmmakers and the kids' parents had to explain to them exactly what was so funny about the sex toy they were holding or what that CPR doll was really for. We may feel ashamed for innocence lost, but we’re still going to laugh about the absurdity of it all. Personally, my fingers are crossed Good Boys makes all the money in the world so studios return to the glory R-rated teen sex comedies are capable of. For now, they remain stray beacons in the night and must be protected and praised when a particularly worthy specimen is found.
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