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The New Guy
2002 88 min United States of America PG-13 12+
★5.1
Comedy
Director: Ed Decter
Trailers
Description
Nerdy high school senior Dizzy Harrison has finally gotten lucky -- after purposely getting expelled, he takes lessons in 'badass cool' from a convict and enrolls at a new school. But can he keep up the ruse?
Budget:
$13M
US Gross:
$29.76M
Worldwide:
$31.2M
Starring
DJ Qualls
Actor
Lyle Lovett
Actor
Eliza Dushku
Actor
Awards
1 nomination
Key opinion
The New Guy is a divisive teen comedy that critics largely dismissed, yet it maintains a dedicated following who appreciate its uplifting message and nostalgic appeal. While the plot follows a standard transformation formula, fans argue that the strong soundtrack and charismatic performances elevate it above its peers.
| Score | The film features a vibrant and memorable soundtrack that effectively captures the early 2000s pop-punk and funk aesthetic. | |
| Acting | The lead performances by DJ Qualls, Eddie Griffin, and Eliza Dushku are widely regarded as the film’s strongest assets, providing charm and screen presence. | |
| Originality | The narrative follows a predictable "underdog-to-cool-kid" trope, which some viewers find comforting and fun, while others dismiss it as unoriginal. | |
| Humor | Opinions on the comedy are split: some find the humor refreshingly modest and inventive, while others view it as reliant on cliché or inconsistent gags. |