Although he’s directed a lot of TV in the last few years, this is actor Eric Stoltz’s first feature. Sadly, it feels more like an afterschool special than it does a big screen release. When a highly-motivated high school junior (Olivia Holt) finds out her class ranking is #2, she sets out to change things with a very buttoned-up, politically-active classmate (Skyler Gisondo). This seemed like it’s aiming to be a quirky teen comedy/romance, but it’s not clever or original enough to make the grade. The performances are OK, but the plot is predictable, the characters aren’t that interesting and the dialogue is never outstanding or funny. Stoltz shouldn’t be ashamed of this effort, it’s adequate without being outstanding. (Look for him in a cameo as the Young Nerd’s Father).
(3 / 5)