Synopsis
Frustrated by the hypocrisy they see in their parents, teachers, and the entire school board, an unlikely trio set out to find a common truth and make their voices heard as they revive a defunct school club and take on the world.
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Cast
- Liam JamesSolomon
- Sarah SteeleDiwata
- Austin P. McKenzieHowie
- Janeane GarofaloMarie
- Kal PennJames
- Roger BartPrincipal Bellingham
- Wendi McLendon-CoveyJoan
- Kimberly Williams-PaisleySusan
- Skylar AstinWalter Healy
- Sarah BakerMiss Riggi
Recommendations
- 70
Los Angeles Times
Although the story, which feels a tad past its expiration date, never digs too deeply into its central issues (hypocrisy, loneliness, censorship, finding one’s voice), Dan Harris’ peppy direction and nimble turns by the film’s young leads prevail. - 50
The New York Times
Over all, the movie, directed by Dan Harris and featuring name actors like Kal Penn and Janeane Garofalo in small roles, has a focus problem that leaves its humorous moments obscured and its intentions hazy. - 50
Variety
Though energetically shot and blessed with some appealing performances (including winningly strange cameos for theater darlings Lin-Manuel Miranda and Darren Criss), Speech & Debate never manages to make a convincing case for itself. - 40
Village Voice
Director Dan Harris (Imaginary Heroes) structures Speech & Debate like a musical comedy that's building up to a cathartic final number, but scene after scene just falls flat. - 40
The Hollywood Reporter
The film’s stage origins, and a cameo appearance by Lin-Manuel Miranda, may be of interest to theater buffs, but everyone else will be left wondering what all the fuss was about.
