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Critical Thinking , Movie About Miami Jackson's Chess Champs, Available for Download

Actors Will Hochman, Jeffry Batista, and John Leguizamo (left to right) shoot Critical Thinking in Miami.

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In the press materials for “Critical Thinking,” producer Carla Berkowitz drops this line about her reaction to reading the true story that inspired the film: “The image and story was haunting and I felt like I had a quantum shift in my perception of chess and who plays it.” The who in question are five Miami-area Black and Latino men who, along with their teacher, Mr. Martinez, brought back to their underprivileged Florida neighborhood the U.S. National Chess Championship. This happened in 1998. The film chronicles the loving camaraderie of the players and the events leading up to their victory.

In that same press release, acclaimed writer and actor John Leguizamo , who plays Martinez and also directs, states that he wanted to make this film because there were very few representations of Latin people on-screen when he was growing up. He also mentioned that the book The Bell Curve harmfully depicted people of color as being mentally inferior due to our genetics. I wondered if, like me, Leguizamo grew up in an environment where the Black and brown people he knew played chess, so that it wouldn’t seem unusual nor an anomaly that they did. Because Berkowitz’s statement really made me consider what exactly the standard issue chess player was supposed to look like.

Chess has appeared in a lot of movies, from Boaz Yakin ’s “ Fresh ” to Steven Zaillian ’s “Searching for Bobby Fisher” to 2016’s superb Mira Nair film, “ Queen of Katwe .” I even remember it being prevalent in a crappy Gary Coleman TV movie about a smart Black kid. The game always carries the same symbolic qualifier: the person who plays it has a mental capacity for strategy and is intelligent. Chess is often employed to teach life lessons in these movies, to the point where it has become a cliché that just so happens to be used differently depending on who’s playing it. This difference is something that I admit often sticks in my craw, so I found myself wrestling a bit with this movie even though it seemed to be addressing my concern.

Unlike Zaillian’s film, which I guess answers my question of what a “standard issue” chess player is supposed to look like, the protagonists in the other films I’ve mentioned, and in “Critical Thinking,” are people of color whose economical circumstances are far from ideal. This tends to be the model when minorities are seen playing chess in films, which bends the cinematic chess player cliché toward making the ability to play the game the audience’s reason to offer empathy. Sure, they’re broke, probably in crime-ridden areas and may even do a crime or two, but see, they’re smart, so it’s OK to feel for them! This line of thinking has to do with who stereotypically plays chess and who does not.

Leguizamo’s Mr. Martinez speaks to this early in “Critical Thinking” by asking why chess is never associated with brown people despite a Latin man playing a major role in its evolution. “Why don’t you think we know about him?” he asks the students in his critical thinking class before delivering a great, pointed monologue that speaks about how history is taught in schools. The script by Dito Montiel has some sharp commentary about the education system, from what gets funded to the over-reliance on test scores to the differences between Martinez’s inner city school and the posh preppy institutions who fall victim to our heroes on the tournament circuit. There’s a bit more bite than you may be expecting, and the writing is just prickly enough to balance out the moments when the film dives headfirst into its tropes. And there are numerous tropes to swim in; not only is this a sports movie, it’s also an entry in the “Beloved Teacher” genre.

Our chess champion team is comprised of Sedrick Roundtree ( Corwin C. Tuggles ), Ito Paniagua (Jorge Lendeborg Jr.), Gil Luna ( Will Hochman ), Rodelay Medina (Angel Curiel) and later, Marcel Martinez ( Jeffry Batista ) who joins the team after dispensing a hustler’s ass-whipping in a speed chess match. Their dialogue is peppered with the language the PG-13 won’t allow but realism will. Martinez is often telling them “watch your mouth” in his class, even if, in his less guarded moments, he’s prone to occasional profanity. Leguizamo gets good performances from each of them, especially in moments where you really feel the bond between teammates, both in the tournaments and in the streets. When they tell each other that they’ve got each other’s backs, there’s a real emotional pull that emanates straight from the actors.

Though this is an inspirational movie, Leguizamo and Montiel never sugarcoat the dangers of the environment their characters inhabit. The potential for violence, temporary homelessness, crime, and police harassment are always hovering in the margins, sometimes even invading the safe space of Martinez’s class or the school. An early sequence that shockingly ends in violence shows how good Leguizamo is at quickly establishing the audience’s tie to a character. When Rivera (Dre C) is thrown into critical thinking class after a disciplinary problem (“my class is not detention!” Martinez yells at frenemy Principal Kesler [ Rachel Bay Jones ]), he immediately runs afoul of Ito. Rivera’s lack of response is due to Spanish being his primary language, which may also have something to do with the infraction that got him sent to this class. Martinez talks to him in Spanish, lectures Ito and all seems well.

Rivera is then brutally assassinated in broad daylight after accidentally bumping into another person on the street. The film is barely 15 minutes old when this happens, but it immediately establishes that “Critical Thinking” has no plans of abandoning reality for its feel-good message. That sense of realism extends to the way the characters bond with, rib, and defend each other. Additionally, Leguizamo plays Martinez as someone who understands the temptations and frustrations of his students’ world. He challenges them to do for themselves because he knows all too well that the system has no intention of lending a helping hand.

Like Nair does in “Queen of Katwe,” Leguizamo also blatantly refuses to impose on poverty any notions of shame or requests for pity. “Chess is the great equalizer,” Martinez tells his team as they navigate snooty tournament heads and appearances against challengers from much posher ‘hoods. Even when things get expectedly dire for some of the characters, “Critical Thinking” remains focused on the characters’ response to the situation, never once stripping them of their dignity for cheap emotional manipulation.

Of all the team members, Sedrick has the most detailed arc. He has a girlfriend, Chanayah ( Zora Casebere ), who is supportive and tougher than she looks, and a father ( Michael Kenneth Williams ) whose sole job here is to fill that chess movie trope of the angry guy who uses chess as a means of brutal domination. Williams is an always welcome presence, but I could have done without him. Still, there is one very good moment where he shows some growth, and his son makes a snide comment that he silently acknowledges as being right.

The chess scenes are good even if you know nothing about chess. I’ve been playing since I was five, so of course I wanted more detailed representations than Leguizamo provides. I found his classroom lessons and the team’s banter about moves fascinating, and every time I was given a good look at a chessboard, I got closer to the screen to investigate. And yet, despite its acknowledgement of my aforementioned issues, I still felt a little itchy watching “Critical Thinking.” I am always game for a movie that makes me reckon with my personal feelings and biases, and I’m glad this one exists because representation will always speak volumes. If nothing else, “Critical Thinking” reminds you what a chess player can look like.

Odie Henderson

Odie "Odienator" Henderson has spent over 33 years working in Information Technology. He runs the blogs Big Media Vandalism and Tales of Odienary Madness. Read his answers to our Movie Love Questionnaire here .

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Film credits.

Critical Thinking (2020)

117 minutes

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

Angel Bismark Curiel as Rodelay Medina

Will Hochman as Gil Luna

Jeffry Batista as Marcel Martinez

Zora Casebere as Chanayah

John Leguizamo
Dito Montiel

Cinematographer

Zach Zamboni
Jamie Kirkpatrick
Chris Hajian

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Critical Thinking: Is the 2020 Movie Based on Real Chess Players?

Directed by John Leguizamo, ‘Critical Thinking’ is a 2020 sports film that follows a group of kids from Miami Jackson High School trying to win the National Chess Championship. Led by Mario Martinez, the team comprises Sedrick Roundtree, Marcel Martinez, Gilbert Luna, Rodelay Medina, and Olemy Paniagua. The five boys come from the inner parts of Miami, where the families strive daily for necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing. Coach Mario Martinez sees their interest in chess as an opportunity for growth and sets out on a quest to create history.

Set in 1998, the film portrays what it’s like to come from underprivileged backgrounds and how classism deprives poor people of great opportunities. In addition, the narrative tackles subjects such as racism and juvenile crimes and depicts how the latter results from several other factors in a system that doesn’t uplift the downtrodden. The various characters and backdrops feel authentic and allow the audience to empathize with the people they see onscreen. The compelling performances and organic character journeys have made many wonder if the the story is rooted in reality. Well, allow us to shed some light on the matter.

Critical Thinking: Based on True Events

Yes, ‘Critical Thinking’ is a true story. Written by Dito Montiel and directed by John Leguizamo, the movie captures the events leading up to the 1998 National Chess Championship. It showcases how Mario Martinez and his team of boys from Miami Jackson High School won the title. The group is also the first-ever team from Miami to win the national title in chess . Executive producer, Carla Berkowitz, came up with this idea when she read an article in 1997 about the boys of Miami Jackson. She wanted to tell the story of all these boys doing such incredible things in the chess world with Mario Martinez’s help.

Interestingly the movie is quite close to how the events unfolded in real life. All 5 players in the movie are based on real-life chess players. Even the character of Coach Mario Martinez in the film has a real-life counterpart, who is a chess teacher . The real-life figures also played a significant role in the filming process. In an interview with CineMovie, Carla Berkowitz said , “All the boys that were portrayed and Mario obviously were the consultants in the chess movie.”

Another fascinating aspect is that Berkowitz wanted to make the movie for about two decades. Although filming began in 2018, Carla Berkowitz has been in touch with all players and Mario Martinez since 1997. While describing the movie’s accuracy, the real Mario Martinez and Carla Berkowitz mentioned a few things. First, all games we see the players play in the movie were played by their real-life counterparts. Second, Marcel’s book of chess moves also existed in real life. Third, the scene where Marcel plays with Mario, Sedrick, Roddy, and Gil, with his eyes closed, happened in reality too.

Numerous events in the movie mirror circumstances that transpired in reality, which elevates the narrative’s authenticity. ‘Critical Thinking’ is far more than a chess championship for Mario Martinez and the boys. The group comes from a place where they have nothing but want to create a better life for themselves. However, the boys do not get a fair shot at anything due to racial discrimination and financial circumstances. Coach Martinez sees chess as an opportunity and a metaphor for their life.

At the film’s beginning, Martinez says that chess is an equalizer that puts everyone on a level playing field. In fact, the teacher solves almost every problem with a chess move because he considers the game symbolic of life. The ideology comes from the real-life coach. In an interview with Orlando Sentinel, he said , “Chess is a way of looking at choices and realizing, ‘If I do this, then this will happen. If I do that, then that will happen,'” Martinez deduced, “Choices have consequences. That’s critical thinking. That’s analytical. And that’s life.”

The coach always applies this philosophy in the movie, which leads the boys to bag the national title. Marcel wins the title for the individuals’ category, and Miami Jackson High School wins in the teams’ category. In real-life, Coach Martinez didn’t stop with the 1998 championship title. The teacher went on to win several more via kids who developed an interest in the sport. In the next four years, he offered his guidance to various teams comprising different players representing Miami Jackson and won 4 more national championship titles.

In 2000, Rodelay Medina became the national champion in the expert division. Marcel played three opponents simultaneously while being blindfolded. Therefore, to reiterate, ‘Critical Thinking’ is a true story of a group of boys and their coach from Miami Jackson. It essays how Martinez and his team become the first from Miami to win the National Chess Championship. The narrative also portrays how the boys overcome several struggles and move toward a hopeful future.

Read More: Is Mario Martinez Based on a Real-Life Coach? Where is He Now?

Critical Thinking Movie

Who's Involved:

Michael Kenneth Williams, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Will Hochman, John Leguizamo, Dito Montiel, Angel Bismark Curiel, Zora Casebere, Rachel Bay Jones, Jeffry Batista, Ramses Jimenez, Corwin C. Tuggles

Release Date:

Friday, September 4, 2020 VOD / Digital

Plot: What's the story about?

Based on a true story from 1998, five LatinX 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.

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Who stars in Critical Thinking: Cast List

John Leguizamo

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Jorge Lendeborg Jr.

Love, Simon, House Party

Angel Bismark Curiel

Will Hochman

Corwin C. Tuggles

Jeffry Batista

Ramses Jimenez

Zora Casebere

Who's making Critical Thinking: Crew List

A look at the Critical Thinking behind-the-scenes crew and production team. The film's writer Dito Montiel last wrote The Clapper and The Son of No One .

Screenwriter

Dito Montiel

Production Companies

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Official Trailer

Production: what we know about critical thinking.

Based on a true story.

Filming Timeline

2020 - August : The film was set to Completed status.

Critical Thinking Release Date: When was the film released?

Critical Thinking was a VOD / Digital release in 2020 on Friday, September 4, 2020 . There were 5 other movies released on the same date, including Mulan , Guest House and I'm Thinking of Ending Things .

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Fri., Aug. 21, 2020
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‘Critical Thinking’ Review: John Leguizamo’s Inspirational High-School Chess Drama

The true story of the Miami Jackson High chess team — five brainy wizards from the inner city — is told in a rousing but conventional way.

By Owen Gleiberman

Owen Gleiberman

Chief Film Critic

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“ Critical Thinking ” is one of those up-from-the-streets high-school competition movies where just mentioning the true story it’s based on kind of gives the game away. Set in 1998, it’s about the five chess wizards from Miami Jackson High who became the first inner-city chess team to win the National Championship. Boom! But, of course, it’s how they got there that matters, and even if this movie weren’t based on a true story, you’d know more or less know where it’s going. “Critical Thinking” has some appealing young actors, and it’s been directed, by John Leguizamo (who costars as the film’s tough-saint teacher), in a way that gives them the space to clown around and then get serious. It’s still, in the end, a bit of a connect-the-inspirational-dots movie, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be inspired.

Leguizamo plays Mario Martinez, who teaches an elective class in chess at Miami Jackson, where his students call him “Mr. T.” They’re a rowdy, bellicose, street-smart bunch, hard to control in class, so at first we think we’re seeing one of those movies, like “Stand and Deliver” or “To Sir, with Love,” about a captivatingly square gadfly instructor who shows a bunch of underprivileged kids how to transcend the expectations (or lack thereof) that have been thrust upon them.

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Critical Thinking

Where to watch.

Watch Critical Thinking with a subscription on Netflix, rent on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

What to Know

Strategic in delivering all the feels, Critical Thinking is a good old-fashioned underdog story that marks a winning directorial debut for John Leguizamo.

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Audience reviews, cast & crew.

John Leguizamo

Mario Martinez

Rachel Bay Jones

Principal Kestel

Michael Kenneth Williams

Mr. Roundtree

Corwin C. Tuggles

Sedrick Roundtree

Jorge Lendeborg

Ito Paniagua

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‘Critical Thinking’ Review: All the Right Moves

John Leguizamo directs and stars in this warmhearted drama about underprivileged teenagers who enter a national chess championship.

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By Jeannette Catsoulis

Whether championing math, poetry, or just how to be a decent human being , the inspirational teacher is as familiar to movie audiences as the class stoner. “Critical Thinking” does little to detach itself from genre cliché; yet this heartfelt drama about a rough-and-tumble group of high-schoolers who claw their way to a national chess tournament has a sweetness that softens its flaws.

Based on a true story and set in an underserved Miami neighborhood in 1998, the movie drops us into the boisterous classroom of Mr. Martinez (played by the director, John Leguizamo).

“Chess is the great equalizer,” he tells his multiethnic students, using the game to teach his critical thinking elective — with a side of racial history discouraged by his school board. The principal (Rachel Bay Jones) might treat his classroom like a dumping ground for miscreants, but Martinez, assisted by wigs and funny accents, explains complicated chess moves with a deftness that cuts through their indifference.

With goals as modest as the lives of its characters, “Critical Thinking” follows the predictable arc of the underdog drama as the chess team overcomes troubled home situations and other setbacks on the road to a Beverly Hills-set finale. Slow and straightforward, the movie knows that a chess match is hardly a barnburner; but its lively young performers and their eventual triumph are easy to warm to. Drugs and gangs might beckon — and immigration officers hover just outside the frame — but they’re no match for the values of sportsmanship and teamwork. And Mr. Martinez’s pep talks.

Critical Thinking Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 57 minutes. Watch through virtual cinemas, or rent or buy on iTunes , Google Play and other streaming platforms and pay TV operators.

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Critical thinking.

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Parents Say 0 Reviews
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Common Sense Media Review

Underdog chess team defies odds but plays into stereotypes.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

Frequent use of the words "f--k," "s--t," and "ass."

Frequent gun use. One character is abruptly shot and killed. Another character i

Adults get drunk. Underage characters smoke cigarettes. Drug dealing.

Occasional kissing.

Any Positive Content?

Positive themes of teamwork and defiance against the odds are prevalent. While i

Main characters are depicted as underdogs whose success goes against everyone's

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Violence & Scariness

Frequent gun use. One character is abruptly shot and killed. Another character is punched and strangled to death. Parents emotionally abuse children.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Positive Messages

Positive themes of teamwork and defiance against the odds are prevalent. While it exposes some of the broken systems in public education, it fails to fully portray its teen characters' humanity, contributing to problematic stereotypes.

Positive Role Models

Main characters are depicted as underdogs whose success goes against everyone's expectations. Some show determination, but most play into stereotypes associated with Black and Latinx teens from under-resourced communities -- i.e., unmotivated, unintelligent jokesters. That makes it seem like their success is because of some paradoxical talent instead of their strength of character. Failure to see these kids' humanity contributes to their stereotyping, on-screen and off.

Parents need to know that Critical Thinking is a fact-based drama about a high school chess team from an underserved community that defies the odds to make it to the U.S. National Chess Championship. Directed by and starring John Leguizamo , the movie has frequent swearing ("f--k," "s--t," etc.), underage cigarette smoking, drug dealing, punching, strangling, and gun violence that results in death. Parents emotionally abuse children. While positive themes of teamwork and overcoming challenges are prevalent, the movie's Black and Latinx teens are stereotypically depicted as unintelligent with little work ethic and their success as an anomaly. Rachel Bay Jones and Michael Kenneth Williams co-star. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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What's the Story?

In CRITICAL THINKING, teacher Mr. T ( John Leguizamo ) oversees an unofficial detention hall at Miami Jackson Senior High School, where students are sent if they're deemed troublesome. Mr. T seizes the opportunity to start a chess team, all while navigating limited resources, a school with little faith in his students' abilities, and the stressors of his students' turbulent personal lives. When the team starts to succeed, the students come up with creative fundraisers to pay for travel and lodging at their competitions. But none of this is easy. One teen faces pressures at home from an emotionally abusive father who resents his son's talents. Another is pulled into dealing drugs to make ends meet. All the while, Mr. T is the loving, encouraging adult they crave.

Is It Any Good?

This drama is the classic story of an underdog team overcoming the odds and making it all the way; unfortunately, it falls back on stereotypical characterizations to tell its tale. The Miami Jackson team seems to be in this position because its members -- Black and Latinx teens from under-resourced communities -- have historically underestimated identities. The film plays on the biases that are often held about these identities by depicting the teens as shiftless and unfocused. They're careless in their fundraising efforts, they try to pass notes during tournaments, and they use the threat of physical violence to intimidate their opponents.

Their chess skills are an afterthought, making their success feel like an anomaly. And it certainly doesn't help that a White teen joins the team as they gain momentum and becomes their shining star -- teaching the other kids new chess moves and giving them vocabulary lessons. He's the only teen character whose background, personal life, and stressors aren't explored. So while Critical Thinking is diverse in its casting and exposes some of the broken systems in public education, it misses the mark in humanizing its characters. The failure to see these kids' humanity contributes to their stereotyping, on-screen and off.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how Critical Thinking handles stereotypes and biases. Can media offer positive representations while still promoting stereotypical characterizations?

What does Critical Thinking teach viewers about student engagement and the importance of teaching things in a fun way?

What role does teamwork play in Critical Thinking ? Why is it an important character strength ?

Movie Details

In theaters : September 4, 2020
On DVD or streaming : September 4, 2020
Cast : John Leguizamo , Rachel Bay Jones , Michael Kenneth Williams
Director : John Leguizamo
Inclusion Information : Latino directors, Latino actors, Female actors
Studio : Vertical Entertainment
Genre : Drama
Topics : High School
Character Strengths : Teamwork
Run time : 117 minutes
MPAA rating : NR
Last updated : February 19, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

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Critical Thinking Movie True Story Where Are They Now

Critical Thinking is a 2020 American drama film directed by John Leguizamo, which tells the true story of the Miami Jackson High School chess team that won the 1998 U.S. National Chess Championship against all odds. The movie follows the journey of five talented and diverse students from an underprivileged neighborhood in Miami as they navigate the challenges of competing in the world of competitive chess.

While Critical Thinking is a fictionalized account of the real-life events that took place in 1998, many viewers may be curious about where the real members of the Miami Jackson High School chess team are today. In this article, we will explore the true story behind the movie and provide updates on where the real-life individuals are now. Additionally, we will delve into some interesting facts about the film that may surprise you.

1. The Real-Life Characters

In the movie Critical Thinking, the characters portrayed by actors are based on real individuals who were part of the Miami Jackson High School chess team in 1998. Some of the key players include:

– Marcel Martinez: Played by Jorge Lendeborg Jr. in the film, Marcel was the team captain and a talented chess player who led his team to victory.

– Ito Paniagua: Played by Angel Bismark Curiel, Ito was a skilled chess player who contributed to the team’s success.

– Rodelay Medina: Played by Will Hochman, Rodelay was another key member of the team who played a crucial role in their championship win.

– Rene Martinez: Played by Jeffry Batista, Rene was Marcel’s younger brother and a talented chess player in his own right.

– Gil Luna: Played by John Leguizamo, Gil was the team’s dedicated coach who believed in his students and helped them achieve their full potential.

2. Where Are They Now?

Since the events depicted in the movie took place over 20 years ago, many of the real individuals involved have moved on to pursue different paths in life. While some have remained involved in the world of chess, others have pursued careers in various fields. Here is an update on where some of the real members of the Miami Jackson High School chess team are today:

– Marcel Martinez: After leading his team to victory in 1998, Marcel went on to pursue a career in computer science and currently works as a software engineer in Miami.

– Ito Paniagua: Ito continued to play chess competitively for several years after high school and now works as a math teacher at a local school in Miami.

– Rodelay Medina: Rodelay pursued a career in law enforcement and currently works as a police officer in Miami.

– Rene Martinez: Rene followed in his brother’s footsteps and also pursued a career in computer science. He currently works as a software developer in Miami.

– Gil Luna: While Gil no longer coaches a chess team, he remains involved in the world of chess and volunteers at local schools to teach the game to young students.

3. Chess as a Tool for Success

One of the central themes of Critical Thinking is the idea that chess can be a powerful tool for success, especially for individuals coming from underprivileged backgrounds. The movie highlights how the discipline, critical thinking skills, and strategic thinking required in chess can be applied to various aspects of life, including academics, career, and personal development.

4. The Importance of Mentorship

Another key aspect of Critical Thinking is the role of mentorship in helping individuals achieve their full potential. Gil Luna, the coach of the Miami Jackson High School chess team, serves as a mentor to the students and helps them navigate the challenges they face both on and off the chessboard. His guidance, support, and belief in the team are instrumental in their success.

5. Overcoming Adversity

The members of the Miami Jackson High School chess team faced numerous obstacles on their journey to the national championship, including financial struggles, personal challenges, and societal stereotypes. Despite these adversities, they persevered and ultimately emerged victorious, proving that with determination, hard work, and belief in oneself, anything is possible.

6. The Power of Teamwork

Critical Thinking also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success. The members of the chess team must work together, support each other, and trust in one another’s abilities in order to succeed. Through their collective efforts, they are able to overcome their individual limitations and achieve greatness as a team.

7. The Legacy of the Miami Jackson High School Chess Team

The victory of the Miami Jackson High School chess team in the 1998 U.S. National Chess Championship left a lasting impact on the school, the community, and the world of competitive chess. The team’s success inspired other underprivileged schools to invest in chess programs and highlighted the potential for students from all backgrounds to excel in the game.

8. Critical Thinking as a Tribute

Critical Thinking serves as a tribute to the real individuals who were part of the Miami Jackson High School chess team in 1998 and celebrates their achievements, resilience, and spirit of determination. The movie honors their legacy and reminds viewers of the power of education, mentorship, and the human spirit in overcoming challenges and achieving greatness.

9. The Message of Critical Thinking

At its core, Critical Thinking delivers a powerful message about the importance of critical thinking, perseverance, and the belief in oneself. The movie encourages viewers to think outside the box, challenge conventional wisdom, and pursue their goals with passion and determination. It serves as a reminder that success is not defined by one’s circumstances but by one’s mindset and willingness to overcome obstacles.

In conclusion, Critical Thinking is a powerful and inspiring film that tells the true story of the Miami Jackson High School chess team and their remarkable journey to victory. The movie highlights the importance of critical thinking, mentorship, teamwork, and perseverance in achieving success, and serves as a tribute to the real individuals who made it all possible. While the events depicted in the film took place over two decades ago, the legacy of the Miami Jackson High School chess team lives on, inspiring others to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and strive for greatness.

Common Questions about Critical Thinking:

1. Is Critical Thinking based on a true story?

Yes, Critical Thinking is based on the true story of the Miami Jackson High School chess team that won the 1998 U.S. National Chess Championship.

2. Who were the real members of the Miami Jackson High School chess team?

The real members of the Miami Jackson High School chess team included Marcel Martinez, Ito Paniagua, Rodelay Medina, Rene Martinez, and their coach Gil Luna.

3. Where are the real members of the Miami Jackson High School chess team now?

Marcel Martinez works as a software engineer, Ito Paniagua is a math teacher, Rodelay Medina is a police officer, Rene Martinez is a software developer, and Gil Luna volunteers as a chess instructor.

4. What is the central theme of Critical Thinking?

The central theme of Critical Thinking is the idea that chess can be a powerful tool for success, especially for individuals coming from underprivileged backgrounds.

5. What role does mentorship play in the movie?

Mentorship plays a crucial role in Critical Thinking, with Gil Luna serving as a mentor to the Miami Jackson High School chess team and helping them achieve their full potential.

6. How does the movie address the theme of overcoming adversity?

Critical Thinking highlights how the members of the Miami Jackson High School chess team overcome financial struggles, personal challenges, and societal stereotypes to achieve success.

7. Why is teamwork important in Critical Thinking?

Teamwork is essential in Critical Thinking as the members of the chess team must work together, support each other, and trust in one another’s abilities to succeed.

8. What is the legacy of the Miami Jackson High School chess team?

The victory of the Miami Jackson High School chess team in the 1998 U.S. National Chess Championship inspired other schools to invest in chess programs and highlighted the potential for students from all backgrounds to excel in the game.

9. What message does Critical Thinking deliver to viewers?

Critical Thinking delivers a message about the importance of critical thinking, perseverance, and belief in oneself in achieving success.

10. How does the movie honor the real individuals who inspired it?

Critical Thinking serves as a tribute to the real members of the Miami Jackson High School chess team and celebrates their achievements, resilience, and spirit of determination.

11. What impact did the victory of the Miami Jackson High School chess team have on the community?

The victory of the Miami Jackson High School chess team inspired others to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and strive for greatness.

12. What lessons can viewers take away from Critical Thinking?

Viewers can take away lessons about the power of education, mentorship, teamwork, and perseverance in overcoming challenges and achieving greatness.

13. Why is Critical Thinking an important film to watch?

Critical Thinking is an important film to watch as it highlights the potential for individuals from all backgrounds to achieve success through critical thinking, mentorship, and teamwork.

14. How does Critical Thinking inspire viewers to think differently?

Critical Thinking inspires viewers to think outside the box, challenge conventional wisdom, and pursue their goals with passion and determination.

15. What is the lasting impact of Critical Thinking on its audience?

The lasting impact of Critical Thinking on its audience is a reminder of the power of the human spirit in overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness.

16. What makes Critical Thinking a unique and compelling film?

Critical Thinking is unique and compelling in its portrayal of real-life events, themes of mentorship and teamwork, and messages of perseverance and belief in oneself.

17. How does Critical Thinking honor the legacy of the Miami Jackson High School chess team?

Critical Thinking honors the legacy of the Miami Jackson High School chess team by telling their story, celebrating their achievements, and inspiring others to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.

In summary, Critical Thinking is a powerful and inspiring film that tells the true story of the Miami Jackson High School chess team and their journey to victory. The movie highlights the importance of critical thinking, mentorship, teamwork, and perseverance in achieving success, and serves as a tribute to the real individuals who made it all possible. By watching Critical Thinking, viewers can be inspired to believe in themselves, think differently, and strive for greatness in their own lives.

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Home › Reviews › True story “Critical Thinking” is a gripping drama powered by strong performances and fantastic direction.

True story “Critical Thinking” is a gripping drama powered by strong performances and fantastic direction.

By Douglas Davidson on September 2, 2020 • ( 1 )

May 8 th – 10 th of 1998 marked the 30 th anniversary of the U.S. Chess Federation’s National High School Championship. With 230 schools from 32 states, the Wyndham Hotel at Los Angeles Airport was filled with some of the brightest minds of the time. Each one a capable competitor, each one requiring intense focus in hopes that seeing 10 moves ahead would be enough, even as they know the person across from them is likely counting on the same. That tournament would see Cuban immigrant Marcel Martinez defeat the 1997 defending champion Harry Akopyan to win the individual competition and his team would win the tournament as a whole, a first for Miami Jackson Senior High. (The full account of the riveting battle is available via the article written by Steve Immitt, USCF Organizer .) The story of triumph for Marcel, his couch Mario Martinez, and his teammates, Sedrick Roundtree, Ito Paniagua, Roedelay Medina, and Gil Luna, is the foundation for powerhouse drama Critical Thinking , the second directorial feature for actor John Leguizamo.

L-R: Will Hochman, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Corwin C. Tuggles, and Angel Bismark Curiel in CRITICAL THINKING.

There have been many “school story” films throughout the history of cinema. In brief, films like Stand and Deliver (1988), Lean on Me (1989) Dead Poets Society (1989), and Dangerous Minds (1995), whether based on real events or not, seek to exalt teachers and students alike by showing what happens when a bright mind is challenged by a wizened instructor. Critical Thinking bears some similarity to these stories in that the film, written by Dito Montiel ( A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints ), does focus on five students from an underfunded school in a less affluent part of Miami, Florida, who rise above their station in part because of the influence of their teacher. What’s different is that the teacher within this adaptation is not the sole heart of it. Rather, Montiel’s script rises and falls on the students themselves with their intersection being Mario “Mr. T” Martinez’s high school elective chess class. Directing, Leguizamo begins with Corwin C. Tuggles‘s ( Generation Um… ) Roundtree waking up at home, trying to get ready for school, and getting interrupted by his father, played my Michael Kenneth Williams, who challenges him to a chess match in order for Roundtree to earn milk. Leguizamo then shifts to Jorge Lendeborg Jr.’s ( Brigsby Bear ) Paniagua, for comparison, who’s trying to get off a late night shift at a garage so he can run several blocks to catch the school bus. The dichotomy of this introduction sets up not only the two dramatic anchors of Critical Thinking , but also presents two sides of what life at home is like for the kids of Miami Jackson Senior High. One has a parent who pushes too much, while the other has to work nights to provide for himself and his family. Both are just kids trying to get through, yet these are their situations. Of the core students, only Roundtree and Paniagua are explored with any measure, which might make you think they are emblematic of the time/place, except the message of Critical Thinking asks its audience to look deeper. Instead of seeing what weighs them down, Leguizamo wants you to see what pushes them forward, even when they make choices whose consequences come to bite them.

L-R: Angel Bismark Curiel, Corwin C. Tuggles, and Jeffry Batista in CRITICAL THINKING.

As much as “school” stories uplift audiences by seeing the students succeed, they often make it seem like their success comes from having the right person believe in them at the right time. While Critical Thinking does employ some of that, by keeping the primary focus on the students, the film feels far more universal and imbued with self-empowerment. This is not to say that Leguizamo as Mr. T is insignificant in the film, it’s that the script doesn’t go out of its way to make him anything other than a teacher who cares for his students, especially in his role as coach of the chess team. For those who’ve seen Leguizamo’s Broadway show John Lequizamo’s Latin History for Morons (2018), which you should absolutely take the time to watch (it’s on Netflix), his performance as Mr. T is not far removed from his performance in this show. In both cases, the actor is presenting a version of someone who seeks to improve the minds of his audience. In Latin History for Morons , the actor uses his conversation with his son to explore the removal of Latinx influence from history. In Critical Thinking , that same energy is applied to making sure that characters within the film recognize that the only path to greatness doesn’t involve the path made by White history, that there are pieces of global history from which each of them are a part, that the fact that their minds are sharper than most is enough to escape a system which has been tooled to keep them in place. Whether or not audiences are familiar with any of his other one-man shows like Freak (1998) or Ghetto Klown (2014), the actor/playwright/director is profoundly inspired by his own life and the Latinx community, using both to create a wonderfully moving, yet understated and natural performance.

L-R: Angel Bismark Curiel, Jeffry Batista, John Leguizamo, Corwin C. Tuggles, and Will Hochman in CRITICAL THINKING.

With much of the direction feeling like it was shot free-hand, the camera bobbing and weaving a bit, trailing just slightly behind the actors’ movements, Critical Thinking takes on an almost dream-like cinema verité style, creating the sense that the audience is being invited in to observe something private and personal, as opposed to something being displayed to the world. As much drama as Critical Thinking possesses, naturally as we are introduced to the main five characters, portions of their lives, and where chess fits in, what you may not expect is how griping the actual chess matches become. Within the 117-minute film, there are a total of three competitions the team engages in and each one will put you on the edge of your seat. The game itself isn’t as flashy as other sports, but it is no less athletic, something which Leguizamo captures beautifully via staging of the camera and pacing of editing. In one scene, a mixture of mid-range shots showing the respective players and a close-up of the board create a rapidly rising energy that absolutely sucks you into the match. Granted, some of this is because the script takes its time developing the individual characters as well as the group, so that when game time comes, the audience is as deeply invested in their success as they are. Whether you know the difference between the French Defense, the Caro Kann, or the Englund Gambit, or simply that there’s a white side and black side, you will find yourself holding your breath as Roundtree, Paniagua, Medina, Luna, and Martinez take on one challenger after another, each opponent calling upon them to test their mettle in ways which have zero baring on socio-economics status and everything to do with their ability to think critically, to examine actions, and understand the rippling consequences.

John Leguizamo on the set of CRITICAL THINKING.

Critical Thinking is not without its own imperfections. Rachel Bay Jones’s tight-budget Principal Kestel and Williams’s emotionally withholding Mr. Roundtree are given just enough to not appear stereotypical, and there’s a narrative thread with Lendeborg Jr. that’s left hanging in such a manner as to drape a shadow across the truly tense climax. Even still, Critical Thinking is a solid second directorial feature from Leguizamo, in no small part achieved due to the solid script structure and performances from the cast. Too often school films like to make the educator the focal point, but, in Leguizamo’s hands, Critical Thinking is a prime example of how stories should be when celebrating victories from students. It’s their story, their victory. Everyone has a role to play, a move to make. In this case, it’s almost entirely an easy checkmate.

In virtual cinemas, on VOD, and digital September 4 th , 2020.

For more information on Critical Thinking , head to the official Facebook page .

Final Score: 4.5 out of 5.

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Critical thinking.

Directed by John Leguizamo

Chess is the great equalizer

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.

John Leguizamo Rachel Bay Jones Michael Kenneth Williams Corwin C. Tuggles Jorge Lendeborg Jr. Angel Bismark Curiel Will Hochman Jeffry Batista Zora Casebere Ramses Jimenez Todd Allen Durkin Brandon Somers Isaac Beverly Ruben E. A. Brown Sydney Arroyo Carlos Guerrero Michele Lepe Tatum Price

Director Director

John Leguizamo

Producers Producers

Elayne Schneiderman Schmidt John J. Brunetti Jr. Jason Mandl Scott M. Rosenfelt Joseph Krutel

Writer Writer

Dito Montiel

Casting Casting

Avy Kaufman

Editor Editor

Jamie Kirkpatrick

Cinematography Cinematography

Zach Zamboni

Executive Producers Exec. Producers

Emilio Estefan Jr. John Leguizamo Carla Berkowitz Harvey Chaplin

Production Design Production Design

J. Mark Harrington

Art Direction Art Direction

Lewis Zucker

Set Decoration Set Decoration

Composer composer.

Chris Hajian

Costume Design Costume Design

Danny Santiago

Hairstyling Hairstyling

Carol Raskin

Cinema Veritas NRSP Perfect Balance

Primary Language

Spoken languages.

English Spanish

Releases by Date

18 dec 2020, 21 jan 2021, 04 sep 2020, 05 may 2021, releases by country, russian federation.

Theatrical 18+
Theatrical 輔12級

117 mins More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by Dave Taylor ★★½ 5

I know nothing about chess, but based on the overview given in this movie, it is the most random game in the whole world.

I think therein lies the problem for casual viewers checking this out. I watch hockey about as much as I play chess, but I know if the puck goes in the net, the team that put the puck in the net gets a point. They try to film the chess matches in a similar fashion to your standard sports movies, but I didn’t feel any tension mount (except for the last match) because there didn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to what pieces were being moved. I only knew the good guys won after…

Review by JBird ★★★

Leguizamo wants his students to Critical Think, Like how to draw or come back from the brink. Although no one planned it, The year of the Gambit, With two chess submissions that don't stink.

Review by Joshua Arispe ★★★ 4

I should probably start off by mentioning that I’m an avid chess player. Chess is the greatest game ever invented and I play it quite often. Some friends of mine also worked on this movie, which I think is pretty cool. So I had many reasons to give Critical Thinking a watch.

It clicked with me right away. Not as inspiring as it tries to be (thanks to some lame subplots and side characters) but I enjoyed the in-depth look at chess and John Leguizamo as the instantly likeable teacher. Reminded me a lot of Edward James Olmos’ Jaime Escalante from Stand and Deliver . He nails the role and made me wish I had a teacher like him. Hell, I…

Review by Karl ★★★

The true story of a chess team from an underfunded, underserved Florida public high school. Fortunately they have a passionate teacher, Mr. Martinez, who will do whatever it takes to get them to the chess finals in Beverly Hills. Sure it's cliche and you've seen variations of this underdog can-do spirit/inspirational story before, but when it's done right it can be among the most rewarding of viewings.

It's the kind of film that feels great while watching it, but won't likely stay with you, preventing from transcending the formula. The young actors make things worthwhile, particularly Jorge Lendeborg Jr., who has it the roughest of the five players. Also on hand is the late Michael Kenneth Williams. John Leguizamo, who…

Review by Luke Robertson ★★★½

I love this genre of movie. Underdog sports team come together to completely overcome the odds. It’s not my favourite in the genre but it is still a good movie. The cast are decent as well. If you are a fan of high school dramas then I think you’ll enjoy this.

Review by danielle ⚡ ★★ 1

movies can't be formulaic and long like pick a struggle

Review by Tim McClelland ★★★½ 1

There are many films of this type. We've seen the inspirational teacher with the underdog students fighting for their time to shine. When you start watching a film that follows that formula, it will need something special to help it stand out. This movie has cliched elements, but it also has heart and it had me on edge even though I knew the outcome. It took a little time to get me invested, but once I was, I was all in on the movie. It is a great true story so to see it made into a pretty decent film is awesome. I really enjoyed watching this. There is a great story here that has some wonderful characters and it will leave you feeling good. If a movie like this leaves me with a smile on my face, I'd say it did its job just fine.

Review by Justin Decloux ★★★½

I am a sucker for an 'Based on a True Story' underdog sports movie, and the fact that this is about chess (a game I have no interest in playing, but I love due to ti's simple complexity), and stars (and was directed by) John Leguizamo makes this even more my kind of thing. It hits all the expected beats, kind of muddles it's finale (Oh, that's it?), and is directed in a workman like fashion, but I still found it a thrill.

I will continue to not play chess.

Watched for The Bay Street Video Podcast :https://soundcloud.com/thebaystreetvideopodcast

Review by Nicholas Faron ★★★½

I've never understood chess, but hot damn is it exciting to watch (on screen that is).

Review by Jacob Knight ★★★

This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.

John Leguizamo’s feature directorial debut is an R-rated, Dito Montiel scripted after school special about inner city Miami kids winning the US National Chess Championship in ‘98. It hits every beat you expect it to, including Leguizamo (who plays the boys’ coach/teacher/mentor) reading poetry to his class, and even has one of the would-be champs return to the streets to sell drugs for a local assassin after he loses his job. And you know what? That’s fine, because even though Leguizamo isn’t a born filmmaker (the direction here is the very definition of “workmanlike”) he injects street smarts and a POV that, when combined with the troupe young/non-actors, makes it all feel lived-in as opposed to schmaltzy (which, I mean, it still totally is). Maybe I’m just a sucker for this sort of thing, but the amount of screen time devoted to the strategic history of chess alone made the dorkier parts of my brain light up.

Review by waz ★★★½ 2

Coach Carter meets Fresh meets The Queen’s Gambit . There’s truly nothing more exhilarating than seeing two individuals duke it out on one of the most ancient boardgames in history.

With the release of The Queens Gambit as well as the sudden surge by many popular Twitch streamers, 2020 was a great year for chess that brought hundreds of newcomers to the game. Although this film in particular may have slipped under the radar during the chess boom, it has plenty of heart to it and finishes on a strong, inspirational note. There’s a bit of something for all chess players to be able to relate to or enjoy here whether it’s seeing the camaraderie within a tight-knit team or the familiar intrigue of…

Review by Jeremy Kremser ★★★

My dad didn’t make a single racially charged comment during this whole movie it’s a Christmas miracle

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Top 7 Movies To Put Your Critical Thinking Skills To Work

Last Updated on February 7, 2022 by Editorial Team

From understanding what your friend is upset about to giving a logical explanation about a recent incident to even identifying real and fake news, many situations that life throws us in can be overcome and understood well by critical thinking. This complex notion is the capacity to think clearly and rationally and form a logical relationship between concepts, subjects, and ideas.

The ability to analyze and solve problems, creative thinking, great communication, and empathy comes with a person’s potential to think critically and intensely. But this is not something that can be taught theoretically in school or by books. A child needs practical learning to understand the basics of critical thinking and later exercise it in real life.

A lot of learning about different skills comes from daily activities , games, and even movies. Movies teach us a lot of life and life skills, critical thinking being one of them. This article will be all about such movies which promote critical thinking and enable the individual to indulge and practice attributes like self-evaluation, drawing conclusions, creativity, emotional intelligence, and much more.

Movies & Critical Thinking

When individuals are exposed to new information, they need to carefully and logically find out how this information relates to what they already know. Similarly, whenever a movie makes an individual aware of a certain emotion, feeling, or attribute, they begin to think consciously about it and try to fit it in their library of attributes.

Once in a while, a clever movie comes in and plays with an individual’s mind, which in turn helps promote critical thinking. There lies suspense and twists at every stage of a good survival and thrilling movie, which compel the audience to use their mind critically. Fortunately enough, nature endows each individual with intrigue and vision that can be further enhanced if we indulge in the movies that make us question and think hard over our existing beliefs and notions.

How do movies help in critical thinking?

Film or movies are an effective educational tool. Films can help individuals better comprehend and empathize with the life experiences of other persons by providing diverse views in compelling and emotional ways.

Individuals learn to investigate, evaluate, synthesize, and understand using the movies and their plots as catalysts. Movies serve as a training tool for survival skills and real-world situations. Above all, movies are becoming a great medium to impart skills that help children think critically to solve problems.

List of Movies for critical thinking

1. eternal sunshine of the spotless mind (2004).

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a romantic science-fiction film that questions all our beliefs. Being a psychological drama with a nonlinear storyline, this movie promotes critical thinking because of the unique plot. Having had memories removed to get rid of the traumatic past, this movie fills in the mind with many emotions and questions, which builds the various attributes of critical thinking.

2. Life of pi (2012)

Life of Pi is one movie that challenges our thoughts and helps us face the real world. Being an adventure drama film, this movie by Ang Lee centers around an Indian adolescent who tells a novelist about how he survives a shipwreck and ends up adrift in the pacific ocean. This aspect of the movie brings awareness to the audience. Life of Pi shows the struggle of the teenager to save his life, which induces the various attributes of critical thinking in the individual.

3. Forrest gump (1994)

Forrest Gump is a comedy-drama film based on a kind guy who impacts numerous historical events in the United States in the 20th century. This movie is complex but will play with the strings of your heart. Promoting aspects like loyalty, appreciation, and honesty, Forrest Gump is perfect for adolescents as this will make them think hard and learn a lot.

4. Good will hunting (1997)

Being an American Psychological drama, this film about a 20-year-old will change your life for good. The movie teaches you to break down the barriers and inspires you to fight the demons inside. This story about an unappreciated genius will persuade you to think emotionally and logically question your life and teachings.

5. Equilibrium (2002)

Starring Emmy Watson and Taye Diggs, this movie is an American science fiction that edifies an individual’s potential for creative expression. The movie revolves around how residents need to undergo daily medication to keep their emotions at bay, making their emotional intelligence more powerful. The way characters regulate their behavior makes the viewer more sensitive towards morals and society in general. All these aspects of the movie ultimately work towards the critical thinking of an individual.

6. Inside out (2015)

Set in the mind of an 11-year-old, this movie deals with strong emotions that we face daily. These feelings of anger, fear, disgust help the protagonist and give out plenty of inculcating moments. The movie teaches the viewers a lot about happiness, leaving a powerful message which challenges emotions and teaches them not to suppress them but rather express them.

7. Moneyball (2011)

This American biographical film is based on a true story that is about Oakland Athletic’s former manager. Few movies enable the viewer to think out-of-the-box, and this is one of them. It shows the unique way of building a team and builds critical thinking attributes like teamwork and decision making.

Wrapping up

Although movies cannot be used as a primary method of teaching attributes, skills, and abilities, they work perfectly as they push us to think intensely and build new qualities, such as critical thinking. These movies can be added to the class activities, and later the teacher can also host a debate, which will be even more beneficial for the student. These movies can also be given as homework for holidays, and later the teacher can discuss them in class to understand whether the child has comprehended the plot well. Movies are often looked at as a source of entertainment, but very few give out life lessons and make the individual more aware of their feelings, likes, dislikes, and so much more.

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’,

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The power of diversity and inclusion: driving innovation and success.

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Jason Miller helps influential brands and celebrities create generational wealth with their businesses | CEO, Strategic Advisor Board .

Diversity and inclusion is a strategic advantage that promotes innovation in organizations, better decision making and stronger workplace cultures. See the strategies for building a diverse and inclusive organization to achieve long-term business success.

The value of diversity and inclusion has become increasingly recognized in society and in business. Organizations that promote diversity and cultivate inclusive environments are reaping huge rewards in terms of innovation, better decision making and better performance overall. The positive impact of diversity and inclusion extends beyond social responsibility; it is a strategic imperative that drives success and positions companies for long-term sustainability.

The Business Case For Diversity And Inclusion

Diversity can stimulate innovation by challenging conventional thinking, encouraging fresh ideas and promoting creative problem-solving. In research studies, diverse groups with people who have different backgrounds, genders, experiences and perspectives consistently generate more innovative solutions than homogeneous groups. Embracing diversity unlocks the potential for innovative products, services and approaches.

Enhanced Decision Making And Problem-Solving

Organizations can make better decisions by leveraging their workforce's diverse expertise and knowledge. Individuals are empowered to share their opinions and unique insights in inclusive environments. Organizations can benefit from well-rounded discussions and comprehensive evaluations by valuing and incorporating diverse perspectives. As a result of considering a wider range of possibilities and challenging groupthink, diverse teams are more effective at solving complex problems.

Benefits Of Diversity And Inclusion For Organizations

The financial performance of companies prioritizing diversity and inclusion consistently outperforms their peers. Financial returns are strongly correlated with diverse executive boards. Although, it’s important to note that diversity and inclusion should come from a place of increasing better work environments and employee satisfaction, and not firstly from a financially charged approach.

Increasing market share and customer loyalty is easier for companies that focus on diversity since they are better equipped to understand and connect with a broader customer base. Diversity can also foster a competitive advantage for companies attracting and retaining rockstar employees.

Enhanced Employee Engagement And Productivity

An inclusive culture cultivates a sense of belonging, respect and psychological safety, which increases employee engagement and productivity . This is because employees are more likely to feel valued for their unique contributions when they are celebrated and recognized. This type of environment encourages collaboration and innovation, as individuals from a variety of backgrounds bring with them different skills, perspectives and life experiences.

Strengthened Employer Brand And Reputation

Companies prioritizing diversity and inclusion are considered employers of choice by top talent. In today's socially conscious world, committed and dedicated employees are more likely to feel valued for their unique contributions if they are committed and dedicated to achieving organizational culture and promoting diversity in their workforce. This positive perception attracts diverse talent and strengthens relationships with customers, partners and the community.

Benefits Of Diversity And Inclusion For Employees

Creating a diversified workforce provides equal opportunities for all employees to grow and advance in their careers. Employees can then be inspired to push harder if they are celebrated for achieving organizational goals and given the ability to continue developing as staff members and individuals.

To strive towards an inclusive workspace, promote employees' sense of belonging, acceptance and well-being. In addition, you can promote improved mental health by creating supportive environments that encourage open communication, empathy and work-life balance. If employees associate good feelings with their workplaces, they can perform better.

Expanded Cultural Competence And Global Perspective

Diversity and inclusion can expose employees to various cultures, traditions and perspectives. This exposure can foster cultural competence. In my opinion, employees must be motivated, committed and dedicated to achieving organizational goals to feel valued for their unique contributions. Employees can learn and benefit from one another, better navigate diverse markets and build relationships based on cultural understanding and empathy. This cultural competence goes far beyond the workplace and creates stronger communities and a better world.

Strategies For Embracing Diversity And Fostering Inclusion

Creating a diverse and inclusive organization begins with leadership commitment and accountability. Senior leaders must champion diversity and inclusion as strategic priorities and set the tone for the organization. By leading by example, they can inspire others and strive to ensure diversity and inclusion initiatives are integrated into business strategies and practices.

Inclusive Recruitment And Hiring Practices

Organizations can promote diversity by adopting inclusive recruitment and hiring practices. This includes widening the candidate pool, leveraging diverse sourcing channels and hiring individuals from underrepresented communities. Establishing clear diversity goals and promoting diverse representation in all levels of the organization, including leadership positions, is essential and demonstrates the organization's commitment to inclusive practices.

Building Inclusive Work Cultures

Organizational culture can take some time to cultivate, but the effort is worth it. Organizations can achieve this by encouraging collaboration on projects across departments, honest communication and teamwork, and providing opportunities and resources. Training programs and workshops on unconscious bias, cultural competence and inclusive leadership can also help cultivate understanding and awareness.

Continuous Evaluation And Improvement

Building a diverse and inclusive organization is an ongoing journey. It is essential to continuously evaluate diversity and inclusion efforts through metrics, surveys and feedback mechanisms. By gathering data and insights, organizations can identify areas for improvement and develop targeted strategies. Your employees are one of your greatest resources as a business owner. Ask for feedback regularly and work to incorporate new ideas and suggestions generated by employees from all levels of the organization.

Inclusivity is not only the right thing to do, but it is a strategic advantage for organizations aiming to thrive in today's evolving workplace. By building diverse workforces, organizations can propel innovation, improve company decision-making and create an engaging and supportive work environment. Through leadership commitment, inclusive recruitment practices and cultural development, organizations can unlock the full potential of their teams and position themselves for long-term success. Let us embrace diversity and foster inclusion, not just for the benefit of our organizations but society at large.

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Arthur the King (2024) - 25 Movie Questions with Answer Key (Quick Guide)

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This purchase includes 25 short answer questions to complete while watching the movie to keep your students paying attention. The movie questions are in chronological order and an answer key is included as well. I have also included a document that describes the characters in the movie questions and some brief instructions on how to best use this guide. I’ve included everything in a PDF version and a Word Version in case you would like to modify some of the questions to the specific needs of your class. This purchase only includes the quick guide and not the actual movie itself.

This quick movie guide purchase is great for substitute teachers or if you just want something fast for students to complete while they enjoy watching a movie.

If you really want to challenge your students further and provide them with more critical thinking questions about the film, I would highly recommend checking out this link to my “Arthur the King Complete Movie Guide with Extra Activities”. It includes the same 25 movie questions, 5 critical thinking questions, 5 self-reflection questions, a written essay, and a group activity as well:

Arthur the King Complete Movie Guide with Extra Activities

Movie plot: This adventure film is based off a true story about an adventure racer, Michael, who develops a strong bond with a stray dog. The film begins with Michael looking to get sponsors for one last attempt to win an adventure race that has eluded him for many years. With his unsuccessful track record, Michael doesn’t get much sponsorship and ends up using much of his savings to help pay for his team’s expenses in the next adventure race in the Dominican Republic. Throughout the grueling race, a stray dog, Arthur, begins to follow Michael’s team and Michael slowly starts to form a strong bond with him. After several days, the arduous race begins to take its toll on Arthur as the team painstakingly moves along. With a first-place finish within their reach, the team must make tough decisions so that they all cross the finish line, including Arthur.

This 2024 film is rated PG-13 and stars the following actors/actresses: Mark Wahlberg, Ali Suliman, Nathalie Emmauel, Simu Liu, Juliet Rylance, and others. The running time for the film is 1 hour and 47 minutes long.

Thank you very much for viewing this document and please feel free contact me if you have any questions!

You might want to also check out some of my quick guide bundles that I have as well (all of my bundles are also available in their complete guides with extra activities and you can find the links to those resources in their respected bundle below). Feel free to also contact me or ask me a question if you'd like for me to create a customized bundle for you:

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*If you're interested in the page borders that accompany my movie guides, please check out the link below to my complete package of page borders, dividers, and frames:

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Morgan Freeman’s $200 Million Action Comedy Is Finding a New Audience on Netflix

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What is red about, and who stars in it, red was a critical & commercial knockout, red's massive success spawns a sequel, audiences are falling in love all over again.

Netflix is constantly adding to its endlessly entertaining and colorful catalog of films, with some of the entertainment industry's biggest titles landing on the streaming giant. Oftentimes, underrated films find massive success and a resurgence in popularity when they become available on the platform, and the massively overlooked 2010 action comedy Red is no exception.

The Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman-led spectacle follows a group of retired CIA agents who must go on the run after being picked off one by one, leading to a side-splitting series of chaos and carnage for the savvy former assassins . Though many veteran stars featured in the exhilarating flick have decorated acting resumes, Red is a rip-roaring good time that deserves another look by both fans of the impressive cast and the action comedy genre itself. Let's take a closer look at Red and discover just why it deserves all the love it's been getting nearly 14 years later.

The star-studded 2010 action-comedy extravaganza Red is based on the comic book miniseries of the same name and features an eclectic cast of Hollywood greats led by Bruce Willis , Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, and John Malkovich. In the wildly entertaining flick, Willis stars as former CIA black ops agent Frank Moses, who struggles to acclimate to a normal life in the suburbs after retiring from his dangerous career. He ultimately falls in love with call center employee Sarah Ross (Mary Louise-Parker) over the phone.

Frank's slow-paced new reality is turned upside down when an assassination squad attempts to kill him in his suburban home, causing the highly trained hitman to masterfully take out his assailants one by one. He is forced to go on the run and reassemble his lethal old team to take on the malicious force hunting them down, whisking Sarah on an epic adventure as he tracks down his retired pals. Frank successfully locates his fellow RED (Retired Extremely Dangerous) companions after discovering a hit list with all their names on it.

These Are 8 of the Best Action Comedies, Ranked - RP

13 of the Best Action Comedies, Ranked

The past couple of decades have seen a rise in dark humor and violence on-screen, which have combined to create some phenomenal action comedies.

Freeman stars as Frank's wise and seasoned CIA mentor, Joe Matheson , who happily joins his protégé on the run after growing bored in his retirement home. The tough-as-nails pair also finds the paranoid and eccentric Marvin Boggs (Malkovich) and trigger-happy retired MI6 agent Victoria Winslow (Mirren). Together, the amusing mismatched team must rely on their expert training skills to figure out who and why someone wants them all dead, taking down bad guys and evading ruthless government forces on their ultimate quest to break into CIA headquarters .

Bringing together some of the silver screen's most admired and exciting veteran performers helped set up Red for some epic success, and having the acting legends kick butt and take names while delivering side-splitting commentary made the experience that much better for fans. Red made its stellar debut at Grauman's Chinese Theater, dazzling moviegoers with its exhilarating action sequences, delightful humor, and top-tier performances by its illustrious ensemble cast . The comedy opened second alongside Jackass 3-D during its premiere weekend, earning a solid $22.5 million and going on to rake in nearly $200 million worldwide during its theatrical run.

Both fans and critics agreed that Red was a rip-roaring good time that allowed its fantastic actors to shine and dominate their respective roles, with Freeman delivering his signature charisma and Willis proving the comedic action genre was his bread and butter. Audiences were thoroughly impressed by the fun flick, awarding Red a solid A- CinemaScore and appreciating that it took the traditional action movie formula and turned it on its head by focusing on a group of aging assassins instead of young hotshots.

Red went on to garner numerous accolades , including a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy and both Saturn and Satellite Award nominations. Due to the film's positive reception and box office performance, the buzzed-about sequel, Red 2, was released in 2013.

Following Red 's fantastic critical and commercial success and after surpassing the studio's expectations, a sequel to the action comedy was officially announced to be in the works, with Red 2 hitting theaters on July 9, 2013. The core ensemble cast returned for the follow-up , joined by familiar faces like Katherine Zeta-Jones, Byung Hun Lee, and Anthony Hopkins, with the gang this time reuniting to go on a globe-trotting adventure in search of a dangerous and highly-coveted portable nuclear device hidden in Russia.

Though it ultimately failed to live up to its predecessor's previous achievements, Red 2 nonetheless brought in a respectable $148.1 million at the box office and once again earned praise for its fun, over-the-top action, and playful performances while also nabbing a People's Choice Award nomination for Best Thriller Movie. A third film in the sensational series was initially announced to be in development shortly after the sequel's release, but after Bruce Willis announced his retirement in 2022 due to health issues, a final potential installment was ultimately scrapped by the studio.

Though fans of the entertaining and quirky film will likely never see a third entry, they can still relive all the delightful action sequences, humor, and zany performances by streaming both Red and its sequel on Netflix. The underrated comedy is, unfortunately, an overlooked addition in not only Freeman's illustrious catalog but also Willis', as both men pursued vastly different career paths (Willis, an action star, Freeman, a jack-of-all-trades performer ). Yet, they worked brilliantly with one another in Red .

Bruce Willis as John McClane from DieHard

How Should (And Will) Bruce Willis’s Career Be Remembered?

Will Bruce Willis’s career, beyond the Die Hard film series, stand the test of time?

One of the greatest aspects about the action comedy is how much fun it seems like the ensemble cast is having with one another, whether it's the wonderfully paranoid Malkovich believing everyone is a threat (and rightfully so), Mirren dressed to the nines and showcasing her exceptional marksman skills, or Willis hilariously bantering with his lady love Parker on-screen. They never take themselves (or the screenplay) too seriously, and each actor delivers a committed and engaging portrayal that leaves audiences rooting for the RED former assassins to come out triumphantly in the end.

After becoming available on Netflix on August 1, Red quickly landed in the streaming giant's Top 10 Movies list and currently remains one of the most-watched titles on the platform. 14 years after its original debut, the action comedy is a perfect choice to turn on and unwind with, and it is sure to deliver plenty of laughter and amusement during its 111-minute runtime. Fans of the hit shows The Boys and Succession will also enjoy checking out Red, as both Karl Urban (Billy Butcher) and Brian Cox (Logan Roy) serve up memorable performances as a relentless CIA agent and Russian former FSB member, respectively. Red truly has a little bit of something for everyone and deserves all the love it's getting right now on Netflix. Stream Red on Netflix .

Morgan Freeman

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Critical Thinking (film)
Critical Thinking is a 2020 American biographical drama film based on the true story of the 1998 Miami Jackson High School chess team, the first inner-city team to win the U.S. National Chess Championship.. Critical Thinking was directed by John Leguizamo (in his directorial debut), written by Dito Montiel, executive produced by Carla Berkowitz and Harvey Chaplin, and stars Leguizamo alongside ...
The True Story Behind Critical Thinking, Movie Based in Miami
The movie Critical Thinking was more than two decades in the making by the time the cast and crew began filming in Miami in 2018.After reading a 1997 article about the Miami Jackson High School ...
Critical Thinking (2020)
Critical Thinking: Directed by John Leguizamo. With John Leguizamo, Rachel Bay Jones, Michael Kenneth Williams, Corwin C. Tuggles. The true story of the Miami Jackson High School chess team which was the first inner city team to win the U.S. National Chess Championship.
Critical Thinking movie review (2020)
The film is barely 15 minutes old when this happens, but it immediately establishes that "Critical Thinking" has no plans of abandoning reality for its feel-good message. That sense of realism extends to the way the characters bond with, rib, and defend each other. Additionally, Leguizamo plays Martinez as someone who understands the ...
Critical Thinking: Is the 2020 Movie Based on Real Chess Players?
Rohan Jain. December 15, 2022. Directed by John Leguizamo, 'Critical Thinking' is a 2020 sports film that follows a group of kids from Miami Jackson High School trying to win the National Chess Championship. Led by Mario Martinez, the team comprises Sedrick Roundtree, Marcel Martinez, Gilbert Luna, Rodelay Medina, and Olemy Paniagua.
Everything You Need to Know About Critical Thinking Movie (2020)
Across the Web. Critical Thinking in US theaters September 4, 2020 starring John Leguizamo, Rachel Bay Jones, Michael Kenneth Williams, Jorge Lendeborg Jr.. Based on a true story from 1998, five LatinX and Black teenagers from the toughest underserved ghetto in Miami fight their way into the Nati.
'Critical Thinking' Review: John Leguizamo's High-School ...
"Critical Thinking" is one of those up-from-the-streets high-school competition movies where just mentioning the true story it's based on kind of gives the game away. Set in 1998, it's ...
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking. TRAILER. List. Miami -- 1998. Poverty, broken families, and a prejudiced system push underprivileged youth to the fringes of society. But for a magnetic group of teens, there's ...
'Critical Thinking' Review: All the Right Moves
Critical Thinking Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 57 minutes. Running time: 1 hour 57 minutes. Watch through virtual cinemas, or rent or buy on iTunes , Google Play and other streaming platforms ...
Critical Thinking (2020)
The true story of the Miami Jackson High School chess team which was the first inner city team to win the U.S. National Chess Championship. Miami - 1998. Poverty, broken families, and a prejudiced system push underprivileged youth to the fringes of society. But for a magnetic group of teens, there's a reprieve.
Critical Thinking
Based on a true story from 1998, five LatinX and Black teenagers from the toughest underserved ghetto in Miami fight their way into the National Chess Champi...
Critical Thinking Movie Review
Parents need to know that Critical Thinking is a fact-based drama about a high school chess team from an underserved community that defies the odds to make it to the U.S. National Chess Championship. Directed by and starring John Leguizamo, the movie has frequent swearing ("f--k," "s--t," etc.), underage cigarette smoking, drug dealing, punching, strangling, and gun violence that results in death.
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking shows that Leguizamo makes a good teacher on screen and behind the camera -he's telling a story that is truly inspiring and educational, but also revealing its relevance and keeping it fun. ... Sep 3, 2020 Unlike some movies that feature a group of urban teens inspired by a teacher and their lessons, it doesn't make it ...
Critical Thinking Movie True Story Where Are They Now
Critical Thinking is a 2020 American drama film directed by John Leguizamo, which tells the true story of the Miami Jackson High School chess team that won the 1998 U.S. National Chess Championship against all odds. The movie follows the journey of five talented and diverse students from an underprivileged neighborhood in Miami as they navigate ...
Critical Thinking (2020)
Overview. 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. John Leguizamo. Director.
Watch Critical Thinking
An unwavering teacher and his students must overcome the perils in their underserved community as they compete in a national chess tournament. Watch trailers & learn more.
True story "Critical Thinking" is a gripping drama powered by strong
Home › Reviews › True story "Critical Thinking" is a gripping drama powered by strong performances and fantastic direction.. True story "Critical Thinking" is a gripping drama powered by strong performances and fantastic direction. By Douglas Davidson on September 2, 2020 • ( 1). May 8 th - 10 th of 1998 marked the 30 th anniversary of the U.S. Chess Federation's National ...
Watch Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking. Based on the true story of the 1998 Miami Jackson Senior High School chess team that defied the odds and overcame incredible adversity to become the first urban high school to win the U.S. Chess National Championship. Rentals include 30 days to start watching this video and 48 hours to finish once started. Woot!
Critical Thinking Trailer #1 (2020)
Check out the official Critical Thinking Trailer starring John Leguizamo! Let us know what you think in the comments below. Watch on FandangoNOW: https://ww...
‎Critical Thinking (2020) directed by John Leguizamo
John Leguizamo Rachel Bay Jones Michael Kenneth Williams Corwin C. Tuggles Jorge Lendeborg Jr. Angel Bismark Curiel Will Hochman Jeffry Batista Zora Casebere Ramses Jimenez Todd Allen Durkin Brandon Somers Isaac Beverly Ruben E. A. Brown Sydney Arroyo Carlos Guerrero Michele Lepe Tatum Price. 117 mins More at IMDb TMDb.
Critical Thinking (2020)
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.
Meet Real Teacher Who Inspired John Leguizamo's 'Critical Thinking
Based on a true story from 1998, John Leguizamo plays real-life teacher Mario Martinez in Critical Thinking. The high school teacher coached and inspired five Latino and Black teenagers from a disadvantaged area of Miami to win the National Chess Championship. CineMovie talks to Mr. Martinez about the inspirational story along with executive ...
Top 7 Movies To Put Your Critical Thinking Skills To Work
7. Moneyball (2011) This American biographical film is based on a true story that is about Oakland Athletic's former manager. Few movies enable the viewer to think out-of-the-box, and this is one of them. It shows the unique way of building a team and builds critical thinking attributes like teamwork and decision making.
Madstryke
2,854 likes, 45 comments - madstryke on August 16, 2024: "The first Deadpool movie was way beyond the offerings of DP3. At Madstryke, entertainment is no excuse to eschew critical thinking. The Superhero genre is perhaps the most capable media for influencing the masses, and fan service is a poor replacement for the meaningful discourse DP3 was in a position to inspire.
Alien: Romulus review: This 'clever, gripping and sometimes awe ...
Since the first two films in the 1980s, the sci-fi horror series has been a very mixed bag. But this latest gets back to basics, and makes for a superbly scary monster movie.
The Power Of Diversity And Inclusion: Driving Innovation And ...
Diversity and inclusion is a strategic advantage that promotes innovation in organizations, better decision making and stronger workplace cultures.
Netflix's Christmas 2024 Schedule Is Here
Christmas might still be a few months away, but it's never too early to start thinking about what the holiday movie slate is going to look like. We've already covered Hallmark and the Great ...
Arthur the King (2024)
It includes the same 25 movie questions, 5 critical thinking questions, 5 self-reflection questions, a written essay, and a group activity as well: Arthur the King Complete Movie Guide with Extra Activities. Movie plot: This adventure film is based off a true story about an adventure racer, Michael, who develops a strong bond with a stray dog.
"Phil in the Blanks" Critical Thinking and Media Responsibility ...
IMDb is the world's most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content. Find ratings and reviews for the newest movie and TV shows. Get personalized recommendations, and learn where to watch across hundreds of streaming providers.
Morgan Freeman's Red Is Finding a New Audience on Netflix
Following Red's fantastic critical and commercial success and after surpassing the studio's expectations, a sequel to the action comedy was officially announced to be in the works, with Red 2 ...

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Reviewed online, Aug. 31, 2020. MPAA Rating: Not rated. Running time: 113 MIN.

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