Good Boys plays out like many similar films in the genre, at least initially. But buoyed by a clever script and solid performances, it builds toward surprisingly bittersweet and poignant conclusion, proving itself one of the best comedies of its kind in years.
The directorial debut of The Office writer Gene Stupnitsky, Good Boys centers on three best friends, sixth-graders Max (Jacob Tremblay), Thor (Brady Noo) and Lucas (Keith L. Williams). Calling themselves the Beanbag Boys, they do everything together, even as they seem to be growing into different people, each with his own needs.
Max is invited to a party by local cool kid Soren (Izaac Wang) and sees it as an opportunity to finally let his crush Brixley (Millie Davis) know how he feels, which drives his story for most of the film. His determination to prepare for the party leads to his father's drone being taken by teenagers Lilly (Midori Francis) and Hannah (Molly Gordon), which sets the three boys on a dangerous, and consistently goofy, adventure to reclaim the craft before Max's dad gets home.
However, fraternity houses, busy highways and disinterested cops stand in their way, with each new complication serving as a solid punchline. But the comedic tone hides a genuine sense of emotion. Unlike most coming-of-age films that center around characters coming together in the end for the sake of friendship, Good Boys is willing to explore what happens when those relationships begin to drift apart and weaken.
Thor is an aspiring singer who becomes desperate to make himself appear cool by drinking a beer at the party. Meanwhile, Lucas longs for a sense of structure after learning his parents are getting divorced, even if that means he's less willing than his friends to to grow up.
Directed with confidence by Stupnitsky, who wrote the script with Lee Eisenberg, Good Boys features moments of awkwardness, fear, excitement, desperation and about 90 other emotional beats throughout its 90-minute runtime. The film is incredibly grounded in 2019, with issues of consent and women's rights explored by the three young leads. As a result of completely embracing the present, the filmmakers have produced something that feels real and in the moment. Much like this year's underrated Booksmart, the era is an important aspect for coming-of-age movies to nail down.
Good Boys is a consistently funny comedy from a team of experienced comedy writers, imbuing he film with a quiet confidence. But by being willing to embrace the more bittersweet, and even tragic, aspects of growing up in a complicated world, Good Boys stands out in a crowded genre.
Opening Aug. 16, director Gene Stupnitsky's Good Boys stars Jacob Tremblay, Brady Noon, Keith L. Williams, Midori Francis, Molly Gordon, Will Forte, Retta and Sam Richardson.