Synopsis:

Imaginative quiet teenager Rafe Katchadorian is tired of his middle school’s obsession with the rules at the expense of any and all creativity. Desperate to shake things up, Rafe and his best friends have come up with a plan: break every single rule in the school and let the students run wild.

- Written by CBS Films

Film Review:

For the most part of my middle school years, I don’t remember much of it. However, this film has reminded me of what it felt like being a kid. And what it’s really like being in middle school. I would definitely say that it was tough being out there on your own surrounded by other kids you don’t know.

To begin with, I think this film is impressive enough to be considered engaging, at least not having that thought of when the film would be over, knowing that it’s a kids movie. However, despite some of the odd scenes that felt a little bland, this turned out pretty good. Rafe, played by Griffin Gluck did pretty well in his role as a semi-introverted misunderstood kid who’s going through some rough times. Gluck has done few roles in the past including his role in “Just Go With It” , but probably hard to believe he was the kid there. He was quite young but you could tell that he’s already got the potential for lead roles.

The rest of the cast were pretty good with their roles just except for Rafe’s Mom, played by Lauren Graham who seemed to have had very limited scenes and felt she was just in and out of the movie. His sister Georgia, played by Alexa Nisenson was the most outstanding of all. She did well playing the part of being an “acting-tough” younger sis and who had to be the more responsible one between the two of them. Deep inside though she is all squishy and sweet, who really cares for her brother and just wants to spend time with him.

There’s also the few pretty serious current issues that the film managed to cover. First was climate change, where it’s still quite shocking how people deny it being true. And how people refuse to accept that it’s happening now and that we have to do something about it. As well as corruption in systems for instance here in this film, Principal Dwight, played by Andrew Daly was quite a manipulator when it comes to the annual student’s test competition for his own personal gain. Lastly, family issues that are hard to deal with, like loss and grief.
I do have to mention about the beautiful pranks that Rafe and his friend Leo (Thomas Barbusca ) who also happens to be his brother has managed to pull off. It’s pretty cool and has a highly creative element to it. The pranks were to avenge his cartoon friends that Rafe keeps in his precious red notebook, which Principal Dwight gladly destroyed. Unknowing, how much Rafe values this notebook. The only thing that keeps him from feeling sad and lonely about his brother’s short lived life. This eventually woke up Rafe’s rebellious side and made him the misfit kid, and risking his only chance of finishing middle school or else.

This film is definitely a fun, light-hearted family movie that everyone will enjoy. And the best part is, there’s lessons to take home and ponder about.

In NZ cinemas January 12, 2017.