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Popular Theory

  • 2023
  • PG
  • 1h 28m
IMDb RATING
5.9/10
363
YOUR RATING
Cheryl Hines, Aidan Guthrie, Christian Hall, Errol Sadler, Ali Scher, Camilo Diaz Caro, Chloe East, Georgia Vaughan, Kat Conner Sterling, Lincoln Lambert, Sophia Reid-Gantzert, Selena Turner, and Varak Baronian in Popular Theory (2023)
Trailer 1
Play trailer2:25
2 Videos
25 Photos
AdventureComedyFamily

Erwin, a girl genius, is the youngest student in high school. Unfortunately she struggles with social isolation. When she meets fellow science guru, Winston, they team up to invent a chemica... Read allErwin, a girl genius, is the youngest student in high school. Unfortunately she struggles with social isolation. When she meets fellow science guru, Winston, they team up to invent a chemical that changes the high school hierarchy forever.Erwin, a girl genius, is the youngest student in high school. Unfortunately she struggles with social isolation. When she meets fellow science guru, Winston, they team up to invent a chemical that changes the high school hierarchy forever.

  • Director
    • Ali Scher
  • Writers
    • Ali Scher
    • Joe Swanson
  • Stars
    • Sophia Reid-Gantzert
    • Lincoln Lambert
    • Cheryl Hines
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.9/10
    363
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Ali Scher
    • Writers
      • Ali Scher
      • Joe Swanson
    • Stars
      • Sophia Reid-Gantzert
      • Lincoln Lambert
      • Cheryl Hines
    • 8User reviews
    • 9Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins total

    Videos2

    Popular Theory
    Trailer 2:25
    Popular Theory
    POPULAR THEORY - Theatrical Trailer
    Trailer 2:25
    POPULAR THEORY - Theatrical Trailer
    POPULAR THEORY - Theatrical Trailer
    Trailer 2:25
    POPULAR THEORY - Theatrical Trailer

    Photos25

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    + 21
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    Top cast40

    Edit
    Sophia Reid-Gantzert
    Sophia Reid-Gantzert
    • Erwin Page
    • (as Sophia Reid-Ganzert)
    Lincoln Lambert
    Lincoln Lambert
    • Winston Wilkinson
    Cheryl Hines
    Cheryl Hines
    • Aunt Tammy
    Marc Evan Jackson
    Marc Evan Jackson
    • Arthur Page
    Chloe East
    Chloe East
    • Ari Page
    Melissa Ponzio
    Melissa Ponzio
    • Mrs. Idle
    Eugenie Bondurant
    Eugenie Bondurant
    • Mrs. Cornbee
    Kat Conner Sterling
    Kat Conner Sterling
    • Casey
    Lisa Shatterly Boyd
    Lisa Shatterly Boyd
    • Mrs. Madle
    Artemis
    Artemis
    • Kimber
    Alina Brace
    Alina Brace
    • Young Erwin Page
    Mason Mecartea
    Mason Mecartea
    • Tim
    Varak Baronian
    Varak Baronian
    • Alan
    Hunter Romanillos
    Hunter Romanillos
    • Charlie
    Selena Turner
    Selena Turner
    • Mandi
    Sparrow Nicole
    Sparrow Nicole
    • Amanda
    Wil Deusner
    Wil Deusner
    • Carl
    Georgia Vaughan
    Georgia Vaughan
    • Sandi
    • (as Georgia Simmons)
    • Director
      • Ali Scher
    • Writers
      • Ali Scher
      • Joe Swanson
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews8

    5.9363
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    Featured reviews

    8cassandranc

    A feel-good film for the smart kid in your life

    A heartwarming film with a unique style and a plot I guarantee you've never seen. Original and smart, this film covers all the pressures that children face to fit in, fear of being seen as the different or 'smart' one, and what true friendship and support actually looks like. I was also thrilled to be legitimately surprised by the ending, something that rarely, if ever happens with children's films.

    This is a great film to watch with the 'different' kid in your life, whether they are othered by their intelligence, their disability, their appearance, or anything else. A lovely supportive story that everyone can learn from.
    10buenor7

    Super interesting

    I really liked the film, the whole film is very good to watch, due to the story it has and the format of how it is done, the filming angles are super interesting with the divisions of the screen showing more than one action at the same time, this leaves the coolest film, as it shows two things that may be different, but at the same time are connected to each other.

    The film's script is very good, I didn't realize at any point that it was a tiring or boring script, I thought it fit well into the whole story, where it presents parts of drama, comedy and life lessons in the right proportion, including the part about when she talks to her father, it's a very deep type of conversation when they are on the stairs, I also noticed that it doesn't just focus on one subject, the whole film has a very interesting scenario where it is very characteristic of each character what they really are

    I really liked the actors and their entire performance and Alina Brace, who was really very good in her performance, transmitting a lot of depth and seriousness in each moment, the entire cast is also very natural and makes each scene very good.
    10sprgsh

    Heartwarming and visually beautiful

    A beautifully done fun and heartwarming film about friendship and being who you are. Director Ali Scher did such an incredible job using color to tell a story.

    This is a great story about two wickedly smart pre-teens (and some other "unpopulars") who struggle to fit in at school, and even at home. They find solace in science and develop a chemical for the school science fair that makes you popular. Erwin struggles to maintain objectivity as the desire to have friends and be popular weighs on her. In the end the story is about loving yourself and being kind to others. Do they win the science fair? You'll have to watch to find out!
    8edrddz

    Frienship and chemistry

    It's one of those movies aimed at children that I used to watch a lot when I was a kid during the afternoon TV slots. The script, while quite predictable, somehow manages to draw you in. There's a compelling element that keeps you engaged, perhaps the charm of simplicity combined with a touch of humor and innocence.

    The movie does an excellent job of conveying its message, skillfully portraying life lessons in a manner that's easy for children to understand. It even succeeds in making the audience understand the main antagonist in a convencing way. The editing is well done, especially for a low budget film.

    Speaking of performances, the child actors are really good and have chemistry. The film is not just fun but also sprinkles plenty of laughs throughout, making it a delightful watch for both children and adults who appreciate a light-hearted, feel-good family movie.
    10yxfkdt

    Surprise feel-good movie! Must see!

    I literally came into this movie with little to no expectations and no idea what it was about. I was completely blown away at the genius of the writing and execution of the script. I laughed (a lot) and teared up (a bit). Definitely recommend if you 1) have kids 2) want a cute feel-good movie or 3) want to connect with your nerdy inner child.

    As a young girl with a strong inner nerd who desperately wanted to be popular, I really related to the theme of this film. I loved it so much. Go see this movie if you need a little pick me up or just want to see some great acting and witness some great writing.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      A photo of Sophia Reid-Gantzert's real mother is used in the movie.
    • Crazy credits
      The first few credits start playing over the last part of the final scene before it fades to black and the rest of the credits play as normal.

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    FAQ18

    • How long is Popular Theory?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • February 9, 2024 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official Site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Mi Teoría de la Popularidad
    • Production company
      • Two Independent Eyes Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $38,781
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $22,859
      • Feb 11, 2024
    • Gross worldwide
      • $122,114
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 28 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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    Cheryl Hines, Aidan Guthrie, Christian Hall, Errol Sadler, Ali Scher, Camilo Diaz Caro, Chloe East, Georgia Vaughan, Kat Conner Sterling, Lincoln Lambert, Sophia Reid-Gantzert, Selena Turner, and Varak Baronian in Popular Theory (2023)
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