There has never been a better encapsulation of the time that I grew up in than this movie. This movie is about Chris, a 13-year-old in 2008. I was 12 years old in 2008 so this basically nails middle school for me. I think anyone born between like 1993 and 1997 will feel this on a deeply personal level.

There are two aspects to this movie that make it one of the most sincere movies of the year. One, like I said, is the incredibly honest and accurate depiction of the time period. The movie details the trials and tribulations of trying to get a girl to like you by texting and messaging on AIM and even the eve of social media. It also demonstrates how difficult it is to maintain relationships in your family at a time when it’s not “cool” to be close to your family. It also dives into how your friend group develops as you grow up and find out what your passions are.

The other aspect of this movie that is so real is that of the immigrant experience. More specifically in this film, what it’s like to be the first generation born in America from an immigrant family. This side of the movie is not what I could directly relate to but it was clearly incredibly honest. It explored dealing with the at times uncomfortable nature of having a parent whose first language is not English and having to balance your family’s culture while wanting to fit in with kids your age who don’t understand that culture.

This movie is incredibly funny. There is a reference to Meatspin, moments with girls that are so uncomfortable you have to laugh, and things that drum up an incredible nostalgia that forces a smile on the face of anyone who lived through this time.

However, this movie also hits incredibly emotional notes at times. The emotional struggles are subtle throughout most of the movie but you get hit with a massive gut punch towards the end of the film. The scene where Chris and his mother finally hash things out is incredibly well-written and well-acted. It perfectly demonstrates the relationship of a mother and son at that time in your life.

Overall, I would recommend this movie to anybody but it’s basically a must-watch if you’re a boy around the same age as me. It is fun, light, nostalgia-filled, and will hit you with every emotional note you could possibly want.