North Hollywood

The result is a lived-in movie that knows its characters by heart and remains ineffably true to them during their most candid moments, but can't muster the momentum it needs to push them towards places they aren't ready to go.

An engaging look at the confusions and conflicts of adolescence.

While the film does have its flaws, you cannot help be somewhat won over by its enthusiasm.

The comedy in the first film is spontaneous and engaging. Laughlin, scores on his charm rather than boyband looks and rock-hard abs. Eventually, though, the film stalls into a dreary expose of what it takes to succeed.