thanks to a committed cast, strong writing, and confident work behind the camera by Leguizamo, "Critical Thinking" has the advantage of knowing where all the pieces will land, and executing the plan quite well
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
John Leguizamo's directorial debut is overall a successful one. The story alone is intense and inspiring, and his cast stands alongside his own fabulous performance the whole way through
inspiring; Leguizamo may be guiding this tale, but the actors that follow behind each deserve their due credit for making the world of Critical Thinking feel not only earnest and thrilling, but also as a bona fide love letter to the melting pot of Miami
by Amanda M. Sink [The Hollywood Outsider ]
