Good Boys Review

It’s not a huge surprise that comedic actor/writer Seth Rogen has chosen to produce the new comedy Good Boys directed and co-written by Gene Stupnitsky, a raunchy coming of age tale that fits perfectly in Rogen’s wheelhouse. Although Good Boys indulges in the same level of vulgar language and sexual profanity that Rogen’s films like Superbad have utilized, those expecting the same quality of humor will be greeted by something far more one-dimensional. The film focuses too much on what is happening instead of why it's happening, often uncreatively injecting the characters into scenarios surrounded by erotic or violent objects for the sole purpose of achieving surface-level humor. Although this approach does conjure moments of hilarity scattered throughout, Good Boys' comfortability in producing countlessly lazy comedic setups and punchlines ultimately becomes its biggest hindrance.

Good Boys follows friends Max, Lucas, and Thor as they enter sixth grade, each facing personal issues with both growing up and finding their place. When Max gets invited to a kissing party where his crush will be, he asked for the assistance of his two pals to help do some research into girls and kissing. Together, the three ultimately decide to use a drone belonging to Max’s father so they can spy on some girls next door. But when the girls get a hold of the drone, it forces the friends to figure out a way to get it back before Max’s father finds out.

The movie follows the formulaic character arcs that are expected from the genre and refuses to utilize them in original and interesting ways, condemning each protagonist to closures that feel expected and generic. The performances by Jacob Tremblay, Keith Williams and Brady Noon are enjoyably believable with chemistry that can help make some of the more unsuccessful jokes passable.

The storytelling of Good Boys is entertaining but quite inconsistent. The film can sometimes feel indecisive, conjuring situations for the kids to get themselves into that have little to no comedic or narrative payoff. Though the film does succeed greatly in its ability to project the array of feelings and worries that each kid is experiencing as their problems mount. The importance of belonging and friendship to each character is well thought out and helps give the film an occasional break from the onslaught of dirty jokes and vulgarity that populates much of the runtime.

Ultimately, the effective parts of the films comedic elements eventually become tiresome through its inability to change, leaving the great performances and down-to-earth themes to help forgive many of the more salacious and suggestive moments.

The vulgar yet unadventurous humor of Good Boys runs out of steam well before it’s over, leaving a hit-and-miss comedy powered by fun and energetic performances.

Produced By: Universal Pictures
Runtime: 95 minutes
Rating: R