Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Big Boys’

7/1/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

(L-R) Isaac Krasner as Jamie and David Johnson III as Dan in the coming-of-age comedy BIG BOYS. Photo Credit: Dark Star Pictures.

One thing that fans of cinema can agree upon, is the that teenage coming-of-age story, has become quite stale. Courtesy of recycled plotlines that always follow the same course. Wherein we meet a teenage boy that is either searching for meaning in life or searching for love and romance… and they struggle deeply as they try to find those elements. For life is hard and this quest teaches them that, and of course… they are grateful for going through such matters in the end, for they learn, they love, and they have the happiest ending possible. One that we have seen a million times and offers us nothing of substance. Maybe some laughs, and that’s unfortunate.

Because this is a genre of film that could teach and offer relatable moments to people everywhere. But alas, this is what we’ve been stuck with for ages now, and that is likely why we’ve seen this type of film begin to fade from the marketplace because it offers nothing. Or at least, it used to offer nothing. For recently, a new story in this genre arrived on the market, and well… Big Boys is nothing short of a breath of fresh air for the genre. In large part because it offers us something new for the coming-of-age story. In large part because this film is quite relatable and realistic in nature, and of course… is revolutionary and progressive at the same time. All of which this film accomplishes by way of a simple and impactful plot.

Wherein we meet a teenager named Jamie who is just going about, living life, and he is absolutely looking forward to an upcoming camping trip with his brother Will and his cousin Allie. Because Jamie is all about that family time, but it doesn’t take long for this trip to bring great concern into his heart. Mainly because Allie is bringing her new boyfriend, Dan, and that will interrupt the dynamic. But Jamie finds himself dealing with greater concerns as the trip rolls along. In that, he greatly admires Dan and wants badly to impress him for reasons he cannot understand. But an evening with a pair of teenage ladies from another camp, that could serve as prospective romantic interests, combined with that need to impress Dan makes it clear to Jamie, that he is attracted to men, and he needs to be honest with himself and Dan about what his heart is yearning for.

Isaac Krasner as Jamie in the coming-of-age comedy BIG BOYS. Photo Credit: Dark Star Pictures.

Which is a plot that genuinely makes… for a revolutionary coming-of-age story. Largely because… it’s hyper realistic in so many ways. Which starts with the casting, since writer/director Corey Sherman made a point to bring actors into the fold that are every day, working actors that immerse themselves into their characters to give us… a story that feels like we’re watching real life play out instead of a movie. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Jamie is an awkward teenager, like so many of us were back in the day… and that allows for a natural progression to take place. One where Jamie comes to understand his feelings and preferences in a supremely organic manner that is filled with the same powerful confusion, we all felt at that age when we discovered such emotions. All of which, we just don’t see in these types of films and that is so welcome.

But of course, where this story truly shines is in its LGBTQIA+ foundation. Because so many stories in this genre feature a heterosexual/heteronormative romance. Where the boy and a girl fall in love and discover the wonder of matters of the heart, and that’s just not representative of the world. Because clearly, people discover the same sex or come to discover that they are deeply attracted to qualities that are specific to a person and not a gender. Which makes Jamie’s discovery so important since it showcases how that discovery comes forth in detail and how it is awkward because of stigmas in this world, and that is something that is rarely put on display in cinema. But it is present here and offers anyone that went through this catharsis and understanding, and that only adds to the wonder of this powerful feature.

One that truly is groundbreaking and incredible, courtesy of that carefully crafted, realistic story that resonates with people across the board and of course… offers up a refreshing perspective regarding how people really come-of-age in this world. All of which makes this an important film that you need to see. For this is that rare film that features earnest performances that genuinely draw you into the story. With Isaac Krasner leading the charge with his game-changing portrayal of Jamie, and this is also a feature that truly captures life as it is, and properly showcases the real people of the world and that… is what we need more of in entertainment.

Watch ‘Big Boys’

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