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Poster for Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking

Seen it?

2020 | 117 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Great for anyone who remembers how big everything felt at sixteen and anyone who likes knowing it really happened. It gets the awkwardness and the high stakes of being young. Same wavelength as GoodFellas or Erin Brockovich. Based on real events, so expect to go down a research rabbit hole afterwards.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 57 min.
What might put you off
Not the one if you want explosions or easy laughs.

Based on a true story from 1998, five Latino and Black teenagers from the toughest underserved ghetto in Miami fight their way into the National Chess Championship under the guidance of their unconventional but inspirational teacher.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 19K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by John Leguizamo

  • John LeguizamoMario Martinez
  • Rachel Bay JonesPrincipal Kestel
  • Michael Kenneth WilliamsMr. Roundtree
  • Corwin C. TugglesSedrick Roundtree
  • Jorge Lendeborg Jr.Ito Paniagua
  • Angel Bismark CurielRodelay Medina
  • Will HochmanGil Luna
  • Jeffry BatistaMarcel Martinez
  • Zora CasebereChanayah
  • Ramses JimenezAndre Lamar