Malcolm (Shameik Moore) and his 2 friends are self-proclaimed geeks, academic achievers who endure humiliation and threats in their high school and their tough Inglewood, CA neighborhood. What starts out feeling like a nerd high school comedy (with a decidedly black twist and not many laffs), turns into a risky teen adventure involving drugs, criminals and other community stereotypes. This trio has a hardscrabble energy that defies expectations and the movie has a smart attitude and plenty of heart: a blend of political concepts from “Boys in the Hood” with the sensitive life lessons of a John Hughes flick.
(3 / 5)