Class Rank

Class Rank is a charming and refreshingly unique 2017 American comedy-drama film directed by Eric Stoltz. The compelling characters are brought to life by the stellar performances of young, talented actors Skyler Gisondo and Olivia Holt, while the incomparable Kristin Chenoweth lends her mature and dynamic presence to the film, providing a captivating mix of humor and intensity.

The film revolves around two high school outsiders, Bernard Flannigan (Skyler Gisondo) and Veronica Krauss (Olivia Holt). Bernard is a quirky teenager who prefers watching public access television to partying and hanging out with friends. He's scholarly, politically inclined, and carries the charm of an old soul trapped in a teenager’s body. On the other hand, Veronica is an overachieving, academically focused, and ambitious young woman who dreams of getting into Yale University and won't let anything stand in her way - not even her high school's outdated ranking system.

When Veronica's planned path to Yale is jeopardized by her class rank position, she convinces Bernard to contest for the local school board aimed at abolishing the ranking system: a proposition which Vernoica believes will help her secure her admission into Yale. Even though Bernard doesn't really care about class rank, he surprisingly agrees to run for the school board.

Each ingeniously using the strengths of the other in this cunning collaborative venture, these unlikely partners create a spectacle that throws them into the whirlwind of local politics. In navigating through this eccentric endeavor, they explore the trials and tribulations of not just surviving high school, but making a difference in their small town. All this whilst dealing with the complex feelings that begin to form between them.

Class Rank gains depth from its depiction of the flawed adults in Bernard's and Veronica's lives. Kristin Chenoweth portrays Janet Krauss, Veronica's single mother. She adds a delightful blend of vulnerability and strength to her character who is making a concerted but dramatic effort to get back into the dating world.

Add Bernard's widower grandfather and his eccentric next-door neighbor into the mix, and you get a medley of diverse characters that not only add flavor to Bernard's life but also influence his mindset. Each character represents a different perspective, contributing to the spectrum of social, political and personal issues that the movie ingeniously addresses.

What makes Class Rank so endearing is its take on young idealism and the hopeful transformation it can bring to the world. Even though these young characters are thrown into an adult playing field, they demonstrate wisdom and maturity. Director Eric Stoltz pays exquisite attention to the subtleties of their characters, giving them room to grow and evolve while maintaining their innate teenage awkwardness and uniqueness.

Simultaneously, the film does not shy away from injecting humor into the seemingly mundane aspects of life. Whether it’s participating in a community event or running a political campaign, each moment is imbued with light-heartedness that makes this movie a genuinely fun and uplifting watch.

The beautifully crafted screenplay by Benjamin August enables the leading duo to shine, their performances hitting the right balance between youthful ambition and mature understanding. The film's pacing is consistently smooth, skillfully juggling dramatic, comedic, and heartwarming scenes. The photography and production design also mirror the story’s mood, with the pastel, soft coloring imparting a warmth and an olde-worlde feel to the small-town setting.

Overall, Class Rank turns the typical high school story on its head, showcasing sincere and deeply relatable characters navigating an unusual situation. The film's thoughtful narrative dares to remind us that age is not a limit for change – that young minds too can make a difference in their own small, yet significant way. This heartwarming, offbeat comedy poses thought-provoking questions about ambition, the politics of academic achievement, and the enduring spirit of youth, ensuring that viewers leave the theater with a smile and a new perspective on the powers of youthful determination.