GOOD KIDS

Cinemavixion Review

Chris McCoy's directorial debut, "Good Kids" (2016), offers a raunchy yet surprisingly earnest exploration of post-high school anxieties and the often-awkward pursuit of lost youth. The film centers on Andy and his three academically gifted friends, who, on the cusp of attending prestigious universities, realize they've prioritized intellect over experience. They embark on a summer pact to shed their inhibitions and embrace the hedonism they feel they've missed out on. Nicholas Braun leads the ensemble as Andy, navigating a series of misadventures that range from clandestine encounters at a country club to the hopeful, albeit digitally distant, pursuit of an online love interest. While the film occasionally stumbles into predictable comedic territory, its genuine heart lies in its portrayal of characters grappling with the transition from adolescence to adulthood, the fear of regret, and the often-unfulfilled promises of liberation. "Good Kids" may not redefine the coming-of-age genre, but it provides a relatable and often humorous look at the universal desire to seize the day, even if that means making a few spectacularly poor decisions along the way.