Popular Theory

Popular Theory highlights that friendship is all about chemistry! The movie shows the negative aspects of popularity and how a positive charge or change through friendship can make the high school experience, and life, more meaningful.

Erwin Page (Sophia Reid-Ganzert) is a 12-year-old genius at Magnolia High School and suffers from social isolation. Her formative years were spent primarily alone with her scientific experiments and books were her friends. Erwin's Aunt Tammy (Cheryl Hines) is certain that science is stunting her social development and with Erwin's Dad (Marc Evan Jackson) empties her room of all science materials to force her to interact with others. The situation is made worse in opposition with her popular older sister Ari (Chloe East) which contrasts the difference in the girls' social positions. High school can be depicted as survival of the fittest where popularity is all that matters to the student body. Erwin is disturbed when new student Winston (Lincoln Lambert), who is 13, enrolls at school and the two of them engage in competition for the upcoming science fair award and scholarship. Erwin and Winston end up together as science partners in their quest to win the competition by utilizing pheromones to impact popularity in their "Friendship Formula."

The ensemble cast in Popular Theory is funny and acidic and gives us the exact chemical reaction that one would hope for. The developing friendship and competitive nature of Erwin and Winston is believable and endearing. I really enjoyed the comedic timing of Cheryl Hines in her supporting role as Aunt Tammy. Also, I have to mention the hysterical drama offered by high school test subjects Casey (Kat Conner Sterling) and Alan (Varak Baronian) as they experience the reactions to their popularity quotient during the social experiment. Great performances by many other high school student cast members really make this movie combust. Popular Theory is directed by Ali Scher, who is also a co-writer with Joe Swanson. I really enjoyed the relationships and the dialogue they created. The movie has a fun soundtrack from music supervisor Ben Sokoler and music editor Jason Soudah which adds to the cause and effect of this film.

This film's message is that false friends can't replace true friends and, as in science, "particles have no meaning as isolated entities, but are better understood through their interconnections." You don't need to be popular at school or in life to thrive or be liked by everybody, but people do need somebody to connect with. Erwin and Winston don't win the science fair, but they do discover the real friendship formula.

I give Popular Theory 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This movie released in theaters February 9, 2024 so go learn why popularity isn't all that matters. By Selene W., KIDS FIRST!

It's one of those movies aimed at children that I used to watch a lot when I was a kid during the afternoon TV slots. The script, while quite predictable, somehow manages to draw you in. There's a compelling element that keeps you engaged, perhaps the charm of simplicity combined with a touch of humor and innocence.

The movie does an excellent job of conveying its message, skillfully portraying life lessons in a manner that's easy for children to understand. It even succeeds in making the audience understand the main antagonist in a convencing way. The editing is well done, especially for a low budget film.

Speaking of performances, the child actors are really good and have chemistry. The film is not just fun but also sprinkles plenty of laughs throughout, making it a delightful watch for both children and adults who appreciate a light-hearted, feel-good family movie.

A beautifully done fun and heartwarming film about friendship and being who you are. Director Ali Scher did such an incredible job using color to tell a story.

This is a great story about two wickedly smart pre-teens (and some other "unpopulars") who struggle to fit in at school, and even at home. They find solace in science and develop a chemical for the school science fair that makes you popular. Erwin struggles to maintain objectivity as the desire to have friends and be popular weighs on her. In the end the story is about loving yourself and being kind to others. Do they win the science fair? You'll have to watch to find out!

A heartwarming film with a unique style and a plot I guarantee you've never seen. Original and smart, this film covers all the pressures that children face to fit in, fear of being seen as the different or 'smart' one, and what true friendship and support actually looks like. I was also thrilled to be legitimately surprised by the ending, something that rarely, if ever happens with children's films.

This is a great film to watch with the 'different' kid in your life, whether they are othered by their intelligence, their disability, their appearance, or anything else. A lovely supportive story that everyone can learn from.

This was a heart-warming family movie that I thoroughly enjoyed. The two gifted students' friendship has its ups and downs; we observe them as they are learning about themselves and each other. They also must learn how to navigate the high school with all the challenges of diversity and levels of maturity. There were amusing scenes that had me laughing out loud and also touching scenes that made me teary-eyed. The music enhanced the movie; I will watch this again to better appreciate what I may have missed during my first viewing. All in all, it had a wonderful cast and a clever plot. Kudos to Ali Scher, director and co-writer!