Critical Thinking
2020 · Movie · 117 min · ★ 6.5 · 79% critics
In 1998 Miami, five teens from an underserved neighborhood take on long odds as they train for a national chess competition. Guided by an unconventional but inspiring teacher, they learn discipline, teamwork, and confidence while pushing past the limits others set for them.
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in the US.
2 hours to watch.
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 2020
- Release date
- 2020-12-18
- Language
- English
- Runtime
- 117 min
- Critic score
- 79/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.5/10 (52 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you like uplifting underdog stories about teens finding focus and confidence through competition, similar in spirit to Stargirl; Not for you if you want darker, more intense drama like Super Dark Times.
Pros: uplifting true-story vibe; underdog teamwork; inspiring teacher figure | Cons: familiar sports-movie beats; predictable momentum; limited character depth
Themes
- high school
- chess
- miami, florida
- based on true story
- chess tournament
Cast & crew
John Leguizamo
as Mario Martinez
Rachel Bay Jones
as Principal Kestel
Michael Kenneth Williams
as Mr. Roundtree
Corwin C. Tuggles
as Sedrick Roundtree
Jorge Lendeborg Jr.
as Ito Paniagua
Angel Bismark Curiel
as Rodelay Medina
Will Hochman
as Gil Luna
- JB
Jeffry Batista
as Marcel Martinez
- ZC
Zora Casebere
as Chanayah
Ramses Jimenez
as Andre Lamar
Directed by John Leguizamo