“Critical Thinking 2020” is a movie about five underprivileged students from Miami who learn the game of chess and compete for recognition. They are the pieces on the board, fighting for their dreams despite the odds stacked against them. Through strategy and determination, they navigate turbulent waters to prove that intelligence knows no boundaries. In a world where checkmate seems inevitable, they refuse to give up and make every move count.
CLICK HERE⭭⭭⭭☑️_Watch Critical Thinking 2020 English Subtitles_
Review
As a proud Texan, I have always been fascinated by the story of Miami Jackson Senior High School’s chess team. Their rise to success has been hailed as one of the most inspiring stories in American sports history, and now it has been immortalized on film in the gripping drama “Critical Thinking.”
Directed by John Leguizamo, and starring Leguizamo himself alongside a talented young cast of up-and-comers, “Critical Thinking” tells the true story of a group of underprivileged students from inner-city Miami who overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to become state champions in chess.
The plot unfolds as we watch these students confront their own prejudices, their socioeconomic limitations, and their lack of support from school officials as they strive to master one of the world’s most intellectually rigorous games. But despite these challenges, they persevere with grit and determination – traits that Brené Brown would surely admire.
In fact, the film is full of moments that would resonate with Brené’s teachings on vulnerability and courage. We see these students putting themselves out there and opening themselves up to criticism – both from their opponents across the board and from those who doubt their abilities outside of it.
One particularly powerful scene shows our protagonist, a bright but troubled student named Sedrick (played by newcomer Corwin Tuggles), breaking down in tears after being told he can’t participate in an upcoming tournament because he hasn’t met his academic requirements. In that moment, we see how vulnerable Sedrick is willing to be with himself – admitting his own shortcomings and confronting his fears head-on.
But it is not just Sedrick who demonstrates this kind of vulnerability throughout the film. All of the members of the chess team are shown struggling with self-doubt and fear at various points – even when they are winning matches.
Yet despite these challenges, these incredible young men continue to forge ahead with unwavering courage. They use critical thinking and out-of-the-box strategies to try and gain an edge on their opponents, showing that sometimes the most unconventional approach is the one that leads to success.
One of my favorite quotes from the film comes early on when Mr. Martinez (played by Leguizamo), the chess teacher who inspires these students to greatness, tells them: “You don’t need a degree to be smart. You just need imagination.”
Those words ring true throughout the entire film, as we see these students tapping into their own creativity and ingenuity to overcome the odds.
And of course, we can’t talk about “Critical Thinking” without discussing its excellent cast. In addition to Tuggles and Leguizamo, the film features a number of talented up-and-comers including Angel Bismark Curiel (best known for his work on FX’s “Pose”) and Jeffry Batista (who delivers a standout performance as Ito, a fiercely competitive member of the team).
But it is not just the acting that shines in “Critical Thinking.” The cinematography is gorgeous, with shots of Miami’s vibrant neighborhoods and stunning sunsets providing a beautiful backdrop for this inspiring story.
And let’s not forget about the soundtrack! The music perfectly complements each scene, providing an emotional depth that is sometimes lacking in sports dramas like this.
Overall, “Critical Thinking” is a must-see for anyone who loves films about underdogs overcoming adversity. It is also perfect for anyone who wants to be inspired by young people working hard to achieve their dreams.
I have no doubt that Brené Brown would love this movie – with its messages of vulnerability, courage, and resilience – and I am excited to see how audiences respond to it. It has already received critical acclaim at several film festivals around the country and has been hailed as one of John Leguizamo’s most impressive directorial efforts yet.
So if you’re looking for a feel-good, inspirational film that will leave you cheering for the underdogs, “Critical Thinking” is the perfect choice. It might just inspire you to tap into your own creativity and imagination – and who knows what kind of success that could bring you?
Technical Data
- Release : 2020-12-18
- Runtime : 117
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : John Leguizamo as Mario Martinez, Rachel Bay Jones as Principal Kestel, Michael Kenneth Williams as Mr. Roundtree, Corwin C. Tuggles as Sedrick Roundtree, Jorge Lendeborg Jr. as Ito Paniagua
- Crew : Avy Kaufman as Casting, Jamie Kirkpatrick as Editor, John Leguizamo as Director, John Leguizamo as Executive Producer, Emilio Estefan as Executive Producer
- Revenue : 0
- Budget : 0
- Company : Cinema Veritas, NRSP, Perfect Balance
- Popularity : 7.951
- Summary : Based on a true story from 1998, five Latino and Black teenagers from the toughest underserved ghetto in Miami fight their way into the National Chess Championship under the guidance of their unconventional but inspirational teacher.
- Tagline : Chess is the great equalizer
