🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the movie “Class Rank,” viewers are taken on a delightful journey following two high school outcasts who band together to challenge the local school board. Set against the backdrop of a modern-day high school, the film exudes a charming mix of Wes Anderson’s quirky style and the nostalgic John Hughes vibe of the 80s, albeit with a PG-13 twist.
The story centers around Bernard and Veronica, two unconventional teenagers who embark on a mission to shake up the established order of their school system. Bernard, portrayed by Olivia Holt, is a lovable oddball who relies on sending audiotapes through mail to communicate with his girlfriend in China. Veronica, played by a talented newcomer, complements Bernard’s eccentricity with her own brand of rebellious spirit.
As the duo navigates the treacherous waters of high school politics, guided by their families and fueled by a desire for change, they find themselves on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected romance. The film cleverly weaves in themes of love, friendship, and the power of youth to effect social change, resonating with audiences of all ages.
Despite drawing inevitable comparisons to the acclaimed film “Election,” “Class Rank” manages to carve out its own niche with a heartwarming narrative that is both endearing and relevant. The characters eschew modern technologies in favor of old-school methods like campaigning with homemade posters and relying on bicycles for transportation, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that harkens back to a simpler time.
Amidst the backdrop of a school environment where romance blossoms in every corner and political ambitions run high, Bernard and Veronica’s unconventional journey serves as a reminder to young audiences about the enduring power of friendship and the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Olivia Holt, Skyler Gisondo, Kristin Chenoweth, Bruce Dern, Nick Krause, Kathleen Chalfant, Peter Maloney, Rod McLachlan, Hawn Tran, Danni Wang
Actor | Role |
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Skyler Gisondo | Bernard Flannigan |
Olivia Holt | Veronica Krauss |
Kristin Chenoweth | Janet Krauss |
Bruce Dern | Oswald Flannigan |
Kathleen Chalfant | Barbara |
Nick Krause | The Bagger |
Peter Maloney | Mr. Del Tufo |
Rod McLachlan | Principal Greely |
Daryl J. Johnson | Postal Worker Wesley |
Danni Wang | Tai Yu |
Ian Patrick | The Brilliant Young Nerd |
Eric Stoltz | The Brilliant Young Nerd’s Father (Cameo appearance) |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Hey there, movie buffs! Ready to dive into the quirky world of high school politics and romance with “Class Rank”? This film is like a mixtape of “Election” and a coming-of-age comedy, sprinkled with a dash of whimsy and a pinch of political intrigue. Let’s break it down!
Imagine a world where high school misfits decide to shake things up by taking on the local school board. That’s the premise of “Class Rank,” where two unlikely allies, guided by their families, venture into the perilous world of politics. With likable characters and some drinking thrown in for good measure, this coming-of-age comedy is a rollercoaster ride of laughs and life lessons.
- Plot: The central storyline revolves around two outsiders teaming up to challenge the status quo. While reminiscent of “Election,” “Class Rank” carves its own path with quirky characters and unexpected twists. The narrative keeps you engaged as you root for the underdogs in their quest for change.
- Themes: The movie delves into themes of friendship, standing up for what you believe in, and finding your voice in a world that often tries to silence individuality. It strikes a balance between humor and heart, making it relatable to both teens and adults.
- Acting and Characters: Skyler Gisondo and Olivia Holt shine as the young leads, bringing charm and depth to their roles. Bruce Dern’s portrayal adds a touch of eccentricity to the mix, while Kristin Chenoweth lights up the screen with her presence.
- Direction: The director infuses the film with a whimsical style that sets it apart from typical teen comedies. The pacing keeps you hooked, transitioning seamlessly between light-hearted moments and poignant reflections.
- Cinematography: The cinematography captures the essence of small-town politics intertwined with teenage angst. The visuals enhance the storytelling, creating a vibrant backdrop for the characters’ journey.
Binge-watching Tips: Keep an eye out for subtle references to classic teen movies hidden throughout “Class Rank.” It adds an extra layer of fun to unravel these Easter eggs!
In conclusion, “Class Rank” may not hit every mark perfectly, but its quirky charm and endearing characters make it an enjoyable watch. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and immerse yourself in this delightful blend of high school drama and youthful rebellion.
Rewarding Rating: 8/10
Remember folks, sometimes it takes two high school misfits to shake things up!
Pros | Cons |
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Sweet high school romance | Comparisons to ‘Election’ |
Engaging storyline | Misses mark in humor |
Likable characters | Glib attitude |
Quirky and whimsical | Self-satisfied characters |
Interesting theme of politics | Some drinking scenes |
Feedback
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Class Rank (film) - Wikipedia
Class Rankis a 2017 American romantic comedy film directed by Eric Stoltz and written by Benjamin August. The film stars Skyler Gisondo, Olivia Holt, Kristin Chenoweth, Kathleen Chalfant, Nick Krause, and Peter Maloney.
Class Rank Directed by Eric Stoltz Written by Benjamin August Produced by Starring Cinematography Gavin Fisher Edited by Andreas Fehrle Music by Brian Byrne Productioncompanies
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Class Rank (2017) - IMDb
The film follows two high school students in the small town of Livingston, New Jersey who are both seeking changes in their school system for their own personal benefits. Bernard (Skyler Gisondo) has a unique, progressive view on life and wishes to change all the ways of his small town. On the other end, Veronica (Olivia Holt) wishes to change their school’s class ranking requirements so she can be moved up from her second place ranking to number one to better her chances of getting into Yale. Veronica pursues and convinces Bernard to try and run for a seat in the town’s school board (as there are no age restrictions) to challenge the system. However, she just can’t help but begin taking a more-than-friendly interest in Bernard, no matter how dorky he is.
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Class Rank | Rotten Tomatoes
Class RankWhere to WatchClass Rank
Watch Class Rank with a subscription on Prime Video, rent on Fandango at Home, Apple TV, or buy on Fandango at Home, Apple TV.
Critics ReviewsAudience ReviewsMy RatingCast & Crew
Eric StoltzDirectorSkyler GisondoBernard FlanniganOlivia HoltVeronica KraussKristin ChenowethJanet KraussBruce DernOswald FlanniganKathleen ChalfantEditor in Chief
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the movie “Class Rank,” directed by Eric Stoltz and written by Benjamin August, we follow the story of two high school outsiders, Bernard Flannigan and Veronica Krauss, who team up to challenge the local school board. Bernard, a young but incredibly smart candidate, aims to make a difference by running for the Livingston School Board. His friend and love interest, Veronica, who is ranked second in their class, joins him in this unconventional political journey.
The plot takes us through their humorous and heartwarming attempt to navigate the complexities of school politics, guided by their families. As they delve into the world of local governance, they not only aim to make a change but also discover valuable lessons about friendship, determination, and even love along the way.
The stellar cast includes Skyler Gisondo as Bernard Flannigan, Olivia Holt as Veronica Krauss, Kristin Chenoweth as Janet Krauss (Veronica’s mother), Bruce Dern as Oswald Flannigan (Bernard’s grandfather), and Kathleen Chalfant as Barbara (the local newspaper’s editor-in-chief). The ensemble cast brings depth and charm to the characters, making the narrative engaging and relatable.
Throughout the film, we witness the dynamics between the characters, the challenges they face, and the growth they experience as they strive to shake up the status quo. From Bernard’s determination to Veronica’s unwavering support, each character contributes uniquely to the storyline, creating a blend of comedy, drama, and romance.
As the story unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey filled with wit, heart, and unexpected twists, culminating in a poignant exploration of the power of youth, friendship, and standing up for what you believe in. “Class Rank” offers a refreshing take on the traditional teen comedy genre, infusing it with elements of political intrigue and personal growth.
The film’s reception has been positive, with an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, showcasing the audience’s appreciation for its charm, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. “Class Rank” resonates with viewers by capturing the essence of teenage ambition, the complexities of high school life, and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst challenges.
Overall, “Class Rank” is a delightful romantic comedy that blends humor, romance, and coming-of-age themes in a unique and engaging narrative. Through its endearing characters and relatable storyline, the movie delivers a heartwarming message about the power of friendship, love, and the courage to challenge the norm.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-MA
Age Rating:
Class Rank Movie is suitable for viewers of all ages.
Parental Guide:
Class Rank is a heartwarming coming-of-age romantic comedy that is safe for family viewing. Here is a detailed parental guide to help you determine if this movie is appropriate for your child:
- Sex & Nudity: The movie contains no sexual content or nudity.
- Violence & Gore: There are no scenes of graphic violence or gore in the film. The overall tone is light-hearted and comedic.
- Profanity: One instance of a bad word spoken in anger is present in the movie. However, profanity is minimal and not a significant part of the dialogue.
- Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking: There are no depictions of alcohol, drugs, or smoking in the movie.
- Frightening/Intense Scenes: The film is free from any frightening or intense scenes that could be disturbing for children.
Overall, Class Rank is a wholesome and feel-good film that promotes positive messages about friendship, ambition, and the power of young voices. It is a family-friendly movie that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
streaming service | extra information |
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Amazon Prime Video | Class Rank is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video. Amazon Prime Video is an online streaming service that features a plethora of movies, TV series and reality shows. |
fuboTV | Class Rank is available to watch on fuboTV. |
Peacock | Class Rank is available to watch on Peacock. |
VUDU Free | Class Rank can be watched for free with ads on VUDU Free. |
Tubi TV | Class Rank can be watched for free with ads on Tubi TV. |
Redbox | Class Rank can be watched for free with ads on Redbox. |
Pluto TV | Class Rank can be watched for free with ads on Pluto TV. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
Two high school outsiders join forces in an attempt to overtake the local school board.
Guided by their families, they enter the perilous word of politics and, in the process, learn a thing or two about love.
Class Rank is an off-the-wall and unique movie about a quirky young man named Bernard Flannigan (Skyler Gisondo) who runs for the school board as a teenager!
Gisondo plays the part well, and joining his campaign is Veronica Krauss (Olivia Holt), who wants to learn from Bernard, or 'Bernie' as he becomes known, so she can land in both Harvard and Yale!
Kristin Chenoweth also provides an amusing turn as Veronica's supportive mother, an actress who frequently quotes lines from Law and Order to make her points.
🤖Class Rank Reddit Talks
- Class Rank (2018) is an underrated movie with a good story, great character in Bernard Flannigan, subtle humor, and a proper ending. Olivia Holt does more than just look pretty in this film.
- The movie follows Veronica Krauss, a high school student who is ranked #2 in her class and is set to attend Yale. However, she enlists the help of the driven Bernard Flannigan to help her achieve her dream of becoming valedictorian.
- Some people believe that class rank is easily manipulated and is not a fair way to measure a student’s academic achievement. Others believe that class rank is important and can help students get into the college of their choice.
- There is no consensus on the best way to rank films. Some people base their rankings on story, writing, acting, directing, cinematography, and enjoyment. Others may give more weight to certain factors, such as personal preference.
- Class rank is an important factor for some students, especially those who are hoping to get into a competitive college. However, it is important to remember that class rank is not the only factor that colleges consider when making admissions decisions.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/underratedmovies/comments/105og1y/class_rank/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/NetflixBestOf/comments/9ienuy/us_class_rank_2018_after_earning_a_class_rank_of/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/APStudents/comments/zwxlwq/whats_your_class_rank/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/17rk1ku/eliminating_class_rank_from_schools/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Letterboxd/comments/1bm6dhz/i_took_a_film_class_and_ranked_every_film_i_saw/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Class Rank movie about?
The Class Rank movie follows two high school misfits who team up to try to take over the local school board. Guided by their families, they enter the world of politics and learn about love along the way.
Where was Class Rank filmed?
Class Rank was filmed in Alexandria, Louisiana, with Kroger and Bolton High School being two of the locations used for filming.
Is being in the top 50 class rank good?
A top 50 class rank is a good baseline goal to aim for, especially for college admissions, as it shows that you are an above-average student at your school and can increase your chances of acceptance.
How is class rank determined?
Class rank is determined by ordering students from highest to lowest based on their GPAs. The higher your GPA, the higher your class rank, which can be a crucial factor for college admissions, scholarships, and academic recognition.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
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- Tall Girl 2 (2022): The sequel to Tall Girl follows the protagonist navigating new challenges in high school.
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