Good Boys

The film Good Boys, directed by Gene Stupnitsky, is a coming-of-age comedy that delves into the world of sixth-graders navigating the intricacies of friendships, crushes, and the impending doom of adolescence. The story centers around Max, a charismatic and popular kid who finds himself in the peculiar position of being asked to bring his two best friends, Lucas and Thor, to his crush's party. However, the party invitation is short-lived as the boys soon discover that Max's crush, the enigmatic Becca, has asked him to come alone. Feeling embarrassed and unsure of how to handle the situation, Max convinces Lucas and Thor to help him fix a broken drone that had been a gift from his eccentric neighbor, Eagle Man. The drone had a unique feature: it was equipped with a 360-degree camera that captures footage from all angles, allowing the owner to experience the world from a new perspective. Upon their return, Max reveals the devastating news about Becca to his friends, sending them into a panic. They decide to keep the original plan intact, using the drone to spy on Becca at her party, as a means to gain insight into what Max's crush might be up to. Meanwhile, tensions rise as the trio tries to repair the drone, which they plan to use for their covert operation. Upon successfully repairing the drone, the boys set off to gather footage of Becca's party. However, their plan quickly unravels as they discover the true nature of Becca's party: a raucous gathering of upperclassmen, complete with liquor, dancing, and an overall atmosphere that defies the wholesome innocence of their own middle-school experiences. Despite the chaos that ensues as they try to stay one step ahead of Becca's group, the boys eventually find themselves entangled in an epic adventure of their own, dodging partygoers, evading teachers, and navigating a series of hilarious mishaps. The trio's efforts to capture evidence of Becca's party become a test of their friendship and their ability to navigate the treacherous waters of adolescence. One night, under the cover of darkness, Lucas, Max, and Thor embark on their ill-fated mission, armed with a functional drone and an air of mischief. As they infiltrate the party, the boys witness scenes of intoxication, partygoers performing suggestive dancing, and eventually, Becca making out with another boy - the same one who gave Max's drone a flying lesson. Though the news of Becca and Max's crush kissing sets off a chain of reactions from the two friends, they soon come to the realization that they need to have each other's backs, more than ever, as they face the aftermath of this revelation. As they make their way back home, the boys experience a change of heart, reflecting on the night's events and realizing that growing up brings its share of unexpected surprises, challenges, and opportunities to learn from mistakes. As they navigate the final steps to their homes, Max, Lucas, and Thor understand that their friendship is not defined by what they see at parties or by what their crushes do, but by their shared experiences and bonds as a trio of young boys trying to find their footing in the complex world of middle school. Good Boys masterfully explores themes of friendship, growing up, and social awkwardness, injecting genuine humor into the story while still staying true to its core characters and the coming-of-age narrative. Through their struggles to fix the broken drone and gain insight into Becca's world, the film offers a relatable portrayal of young teenagers confronting the trials and tribulations of adolescence.