Watch Critical Thinking

The movie Critical Thinking from 2020 is a captivating and inspiring drama based on a true story. The film is directed by John Leguizamo, who also stars in the lead role, along with Rachel Bay Jones and Michael Kenneth Williams. Set in Miami in the late 1990s, the movie follows the journey of five teenage students from an underprivileged neighborhood who are part of a high school chess team. Led by their dedicated and passionate teacher, Mr. Martinez (John Leguizamo), the team starts winning local championships and eventually earns a spot to compete in the National Chess Championship in California.

However, the journey to the championship is not an easy one. The students face numerous challenges, including poverty, gang violence, racism, and the prejudices of the elite chess community. Mr. Martinez also faces resistance from the school administration, who see the chess program as a waste of resources and not a priority.

Despite these obstacles, Mr. Martinez and the students persevere, using their critical thinking skills, strategizing, and teamwork to overcome their competitors. Along the way, they also learn valuable life lessons about leadership, discipline, and education.

The acting in the movie is superb, with John Leguizamo delivering a powerful and emotional performance as the tough but caring teacher. The supporting cast of teenage actors, including Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Angel Bismark Curiel, Corwin Tuggles, and Will Hochman, are equally impressive, portraying a range of emotions and struggles that feel genuine and heartfelt.

The film's cinematography also captures the vibrant and colorful setting of Miami, with its diverse and eclectic communities that form the backdrop to the students' lives. The sound and music in the movie are also noteworthy, creating a dynamic and energetic atmosphere that heightens the tension and drama.

Overall, Critical Thinking is a thought-provoking and uplifting film that celebrates the power of education and perseverance. It shows that with the right guidance and support, even those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds can achieve great things. The movie is a tribute to the transformative power of critical thinking and the human spirit.

Critical Thinking is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 65.