Popular Theory

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!

"Popular Theory" is a smart, fun comedy-drama about family, friendship, and (of course!) science. Outcast and child genius Erwin pairs up with rival student Winston in an attempt to win the state science fair, but gets more than she bargained for as her experiment slowly spirals out of control and ultimately teaches her some important lessons about friendship, family, and what it really means to be "smart."

This is one of those movies that everyone in the family can agree on and enjoy watching for different reasons. I appreciated that I could watch it with my younger kids-I didn't have to explain any overt references that were too old for them, there were no seriously scary or violent parts, and the pace was fast enough that it kept their interest. (And the science, while science-y in the way you hope it will be, is not too challenging to understand for all ages.)

For older kids and adults, the movie surprisingly manages to tackle some dynamic, difficult issues: acceptance and social rejection (for Erwin, her sister, and several other characters), death of a parent, depression (the dad), neurodivergent behaviors (Winston), the power of nontraditional families (the aunt), ethical questions of social/corporate responsibility (does accountability for abuse of an invention lie in the hands of the user or inventor?), etc etc. These more complex themes made the film enjoyable for my spouse and I and gave us some great opportunities for follow-on conversations with our eldest child, but the mature content was elevated enough to go over the heads of the little ones, who just enjoyed watching the film for its great main story line, lovable characters, and a few fun twists.

The film showcases great writing, directing, acting, music, and set design. It's a more wholesome "Mean Girls" with a smart, quirky heroine and had moments that reminded me of movies like "Matilda," "Juno," and some Wes Anderson films and shows like "Just Add Magic" and "The Babysitters Club." I've been recommending it to all my friends-those with kids and those without-who want to watch a smart, refreshing film with a lot of heart.

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!

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!

I literally came into this movie with little to no expectations and no idea what it was about. I was completely blown away at the genius of the writing and execution of the script. I laughed (a lot) and teared up (a bit). Definitely recommend if you 1) have kids 2) want a cute feel-good movie or 3) want to connect with your nerdy inner child.

As a young girl with a strong inner nerd who desperately wanted to be popular, I really related to the theme of this film. I loved it so much. Go see this movie if you need a little pick me up or just want to see some great acting and witness some great writing.