User reviews

A long time ago when he was "the next big thing," John Leguizamo did a 1-man show that picked up rave reviews. The problem with CRITICAL THINKING -- aside from the fact that few filmmakers have the guts these days to tackle a story with so much inherent "color" -- is that, even in its best moments, this film still feels like a 1-man show with every kid in the cast merely playing backup.

The film starts in a promising manner, as the teacher shows much passion and dedication. The latter half of the film is not so interesting for someone who doesn't know chess. I think some narration on what is going on would be useful. Overall, it's still an engaging film.

Based on true history that proves chess is very helpful tools in the schools.

Nice film on the true story of young people from the slums trained in chess, and pushed by their teacher to take competitions.

John Leguizamo directs here his first feature film that smacks of the 90s.

Nice to watch.

I enjoyed this movie, especially because it's based on a true story. The performances were excellent and the writing and directing on point. The 2 hour runtime just felt too long for this type of story. Maybe it needed more tense moments/action and/or less run-time. If you're into The Queen's Gambit, you'll enjoy this for sure. But if you're not a chess player, you may not appreciate this as much as you should.

John Leguizamo is a straight beauty, a directing pioneer, artist, aka a Legend

Chess. As a fan of the game I have watched many a movie that featured it, and have been disappointed several times when it became apparent that the movie makers had no intention of actually portraying the game as it is played. Instead, they usually content themselves with utilizing the game's mythos. We are given the impression that players of the game are very smart, they understand the "deep thinking" part of the game and live in a world far removed from the rest of us heathens, who don't know what the word "checkmate" means.

"Searching for Bobby Fisher" (1993) comes to mind as an example of one of those great movies that somehow disregarded the game entirely. I was horrified that they could make a movie about the game and purposely choose to remain ignorant of it, as if no one watching would notice. Yeah, guess who's gonna watch a movie about a famous chess player? Could it be.. other chess players?? I'm sure no one will notice that the games in the movie aren't real.

This movie is the first movie I've ever seen that uses actual historical games, play by play. It accurately uses the names of the openings, and has the actors playing the game for real as the viewer watches. The teacher talks about real historical chess players that shaped playing styles. That alone warrants 7 stars in my book.

The other two stars come from the quality of the film itself. This is not a movie about the game, it's about the people who played it. A group of "disadvantaged" kids who became winners. It's a great story. The actors did a great job. Character development was somewhat slim, but the viewer is carried along and learns to care about each of them. Their interplay is real, you really see that they are in touch with each other. John Leguizamo played a great part, I enjoyed it greatly.

The only reason I didn't give this a 10 was because I was put off just slightly by the "social justice" revising of history. José Raúl Capablanca didn't get marginalized and erased from history, that's a fabrication. He was world champion for 6 years and had a huge lasting influence on the game. Maybe the reason people don't know about him is because he was champion nearly 100 years ago. And Gabriel Maura from Puerto Rico? He did not "modernize" the game. He literally created a new version of it (called Modern Chess) which is popular in South America. That's why no one knows his name, it has nothing to do with his race. It has to do with the fact that these kids are living in the U.S. and don't play chess in South America. Shame shame people. -1 star.

Great movie, I really enjoyed it and I highly recommend it.

Is a good story, but is not posible that a movie that takes places in school and teachers involved can said so much F words. When I was in school you were not allowed and I don't think that still is. On this movie I think at least, if not more, F words are pronounced.

I've always liked movies about teachers fighting to bring out the best of their students. Most of these movies show very dedicated teachers who not only love their job, but go the extra mile for their students. There are a lot of these movies, Stand and Deliver, Good Will Hunting, Dangerous Minds, The Ron Clark Story, just to mention a few; but in this case it involves a game that many may play but not all fully understand its importance beyond the game.

It's great to see how they actually explained chess with historic facts and that the actors played the game for real. It's also important to mention that these kind of movies make a difference in reminding kids to pursue not only their dreams, but most importantly the opportunities that open up to them.

Everybody has a chance to shine in life no matter where you come from or your ethnicity, it's all about wanting it.

If you enjoyed Akeelah and the Bee, I recommend you give this one a shot.

Good parts: The acting is incredible, from the side roles all the way to the main characters. The cinematography is similarly excellent. The music is serviceable, though nothing to write home about. The plot has all the developments we've come to expect from "Based on a true story" movies.

If you don't like politics in movies (especially identity politics), there are several moments in here. If you can't take those in stride, give this movie a wide berth.

The script: gosh, I wish that somebody in Hollywood would spend a season in the actual low-income areas of the United States. The one-liners and dialogue are painful. What's worse: the real-life chess players upon which this movie is based sound nothing like the caricatures presented in this film. The actors do their best to salvage what they can, but it's difficult to save a poor script.

I got this movie at the dollar store. I think it's worth my money, though not much more. I hope this review allows you to make a proper determination.

Movies like this remind you not to let your background determine your future. Life gives you disadvantages, but you can choose to move forward in spite of them or let them overcome you. Learning to channel your energies into something productive versus unproductive is important. Acting and scenarios are realistic. Nothing seemed forced or exaggerated.

I enjoy good Chess Movies, and Critical Thinking is worth a watch. It started off really well but fell short in the "end game".....

I have nothing against people who enjoy chess. But this movie was extremely boring, I watched it in the cinema and fell asleep literally and was awoken by my husband when we had to leave, he enjoyed it a very little more than I did. Corny and boring.

As a former educator and chess coach, who is an avid player and aficionado of the game, this movie resonates deeply. Chess players the world over will love this movie as it not only features the game, but is also accurate in its portrayal.

Admittedly, there could have been more in the way of character development (Sed's dad and Ito's backstory, for instance) and the minor plot (involving Ito and Andre) trails off a bit leaving the audience with more than a few questions. John Leguizamo inhabits his role as the teacher/coach as per usual and delivers an outstanding performance both as an actor and director. Also, Corwin C. Tuggles' portrayal of Sed was on point and, in my opinion, demonstrates his abilities as a serious dramatic actor and one to watch for the future.

All in all, whether you are a grandmaster or never played chess in your life, there is a lot to love about this heartwarming tale of resilience and overcoming adversity.

John Leguizamo is already a legendary character actor too many times type cast in Latinx shady criminal roles, but he has shown so much more over the years. In this film in which he stars, produces and directs he shows the depth of his talent.

This is a real feel good film. It shows a true life story of triumph over adversity in a non-saccharin manner. The story telling avoids cliché and sentimentality. It does not dwell on the darkness of these young people's lives apart from when needed.

A truly remarkable film.

This is definitely one of the best movies I've watched in quite some time. John Leguizamo played a great role as the school teacher and chess coach. I'm so used to seeing him in side roles in dark and shadowy films but his acting as a teacher and chess coach was really good. It's a different role for him and overall this is just a different type of movie that really isn't similar to anything I've ever watch; specifically regarding chess.

Another thing about this movie I like is the vibe - it's one of those movies where the teacher plays a big role in getting the students on the right path while keeping them inspired to stick together as a chess team. One of those "inspired by a sport/game" kind of movies.

I love based on true stories movies and this one of them .

You can expect everything for sure from the beginning but the journey matters too and the teacher who cares about his community and students playing fatherhood role is something that I really miss and admire.

It is a very nice movie. I like that it is based on a true story. I am a chess fan, it is more than a game, it teaches you critical thinking, problem solving, perseverance, self confidence and resilience. Something which we all need during these times.

Absolutely fantastic, superbly adapted from real life events. Some suspense thrown in with excellent timing. Best film I've watched in a while, I highly recommend. Great casting and what an Amazing directorial debut from John Leguizmo who also stars in the film 👌 Yes I recommend it. James Welch Henderson Arkansas 4/7/2021.

Love to watch movies where people persevere past their challenges. Always inspiring!

I like the movie alot, lots of young talent, John Leguizamo as always is stellar.