Good Boys (2019)

"Good Boys" stands as a quintessential entry on any "Best Gene Stupnitsky Movies" list, serving as a hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt coming-of-age story. Stupnitsky, as a co-writer and director, masterfully captures the awkward, often absurd, world of pre-adolescent boys navigating uncharted social territories. The film's comedic genius lies in its unwavering commitment to the unfiltered, innocent, yet hilariously misguided perspective of its young protagonists. From their ill-fated attempts to understand kissing to their desperate quest to retrieve a drone, Stupnitsky imbues every scene with a genuine sense of childhood adventure and the anxieties that come with it. What truly solidifies "Good Boys" on this esteemed list is its ability to balance outrageous R-rated humor with genuine emotional resonance. Stupnitsky doesn't just rely on shock value; he grounds the outlandish scenarios in relatable friendships and the universal experience of trying to figure out the world. The film’s success is a testament to his skill in eliciting naturalistic and brilliant performances from his young cast, while simultaneously crafting a narrative that is both uproarious and genuinely touching. It's a movie that proves Stupnitsky can blend crude comedy with profound insights into youth, making "Good Boys" an undeniable highlight of his directorial career.