Snack Shack, the underrated coming-of-age movie of 2024

Snack Shack is a comedy directed by Adam Rehmeier and starring Gabriel LaBelle and Conor Sherry. A.J. and Moose are best friends drawn into mischief due to their entrepreneurial spirit. From the beginning, we see them gambling and brewing, leading to situations that bring unexpected consequences—eventually landing them both at the local pool’s rundown Snack Shack.

The film embraces the charm of classic coming-of-age comedies, reminiscent of those seen in the past. It has the same heart and absurdity as Superbad and Booksmart, capturing the essence of teenage misadventures, of all the times we were reckless but determined. There is a rawness and authenticity to how the film approaches adolescence, making it feel grounded while still being packed with hilarious and over-the-top moments. In the same way, Superbad and Booksmart did years ago.

What makes Snack Shack special is its ability to balance humor and sincerity. While it doesn’t necessarily reinvent the genre, it capitalizes on it and thrives in its execution, delivering a heartfelt and hilarious story about friendship, ambition, and the chaos of youth. This combination makes it feel fresh and familiar, a hidden gem that brings back the feeling of classic coming-of-age films that have become rare in recent years.

At its core, Snack Shack is a story about the reckless abandon of youth and the bonds that form in the process. It's about how each time our decision-making affects us differently. It evokes nostalgia for a time and place that we most certainly have experienced, in different ways. And even if you have not experienced it firsthand or didn't grow up during the 90s, you can still deeply resonate with it. The film beautifully portrays the longing for a seemingly simpler past, where summer days stretched endlessly, and friendships felt unbreakable. Watching it, you can’t help but feel a pang of envy for growing up in a small town where adventures like these seemed possible—a contrast to the sometimes impersonal sprawl that I lived in a big city.

Beyond the impeccable atmosphere, Snack Shack also plays with our emotional state. The film subtly builds towards an emotional payoff that elevates its sincerity, particularly in its final act. There is an undeniable truth in its storytelling, and that authenticity is reflected in every character, who feels fully fleshed out and distinct. Each personality contrasts with the others in a way that makes their interactions all the more compelling. The performances shine, with Gabriel LaBelle delivering a particularly memorable performance, adding to the film’s nostalgic and heartfelt charm. He's turning into one of the best actors of his generation.

Ultimately, Snack Shack is more than just a fun summer comedy. It is a nostalgic, emotional journey that captures the essence of adolescence, friendship, and self-discovery. It leaves you reminiscing about your youth, making you want to relive those carefree days or, at the very least, appreciate the ones you had. It is the kind of film that reminds us of why coming-of-age stories hold such a special place in cinema. A hidden gem indeed, one that will leave you laughing, feeling, and maybe (like me) even wanting to be the Shane to your younger cousins or brothers.

Give Snack Shack a chance; it’s one of the films we’ve been missing. The kind that brings nostalgia in multiple ways.