
Critical Thinking
Seen it?2020 | 117 min | Drama
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
Trailer
More like this
BullyWeeknight WatchAnother true-story drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
GoodFellasFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed true-story drama.
Erin BrockovichFriday Night FlickAnother true-story drama, and a Friday Night Flick.
CapoteFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed true-story drama.
King CobraWeeknight WatchAnother true-story drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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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