This movie about, which is about a boy who moves to a new town and is good at chess, is pretty fun and amusing. The storyline and characters are well done and they are all likable. There is also some sentimentality to it, which I found to be a good factor instead of the same old cliché that a lot of movies like this have. The comedy part of it is also well done. Its not LOL material, but its still funny and quirky. Even the romance is not bad. Its different from some of the main teen comedies. And lastly, I am glad this wasn't the usual sex comedy. It is a pretty clean, and for the most part a family (sort of). I rate it 7/10. (my rating) PG-13 for language including sex and drug references, and for some sexual content

I often see teen movies and they usually provide a chuckle. Some are so awful, that they are instant eject button. Sometimes they just force me to keep my finger on the fast forward button. Hatley High was an absolutely GREAT movie. There were many depths and subtleties underneath a movie that kept my undivided interest every step along the way and provided many laughs as well. The chemistry between all the characters is great and there are several interesting relationships that develop. I would recommend this movie to anyone who is young at heart wants to see a good movie with some chuckles along the way. I am so glad that I stumbled upon it.

I liked this movie, as most Canadian movies tend to be less commercial and aesthetically cleaner as a consequence. It somehow manages to make dorks look cool, if only life were like that... The movie had a lot of potential, and it could have been a lot better. It starts off good then it falls into "head of the class"/ sitcom clichés with the chess plot the focus of the film, and it loses all its smarts. A shame because the kids seem smart and the lead is cute. I liked the soundtrack, it sounds like some gawky teenager in an arts highschool put it together on his synth alone in his garage, with mac and cheese in his braces and dressed in black (visualize bad skin), you can't tell if its crap or cool, but I really like it, it sounds a bit techno in an eighties depeche mode-esque. Does anyone know who is on the soundtrack?

I saw this at The San Diego Film Festival, and i think it was the best movie there. Everything about it was just brilliant. The acting was all top notch from everybody. I considered the movie an ensemble piece because everybody was just equally as good as the next person. The screen writing was also awesome. It was extremely Rushmore-esqu. But for me thats a good thing. After i saw the movie i met the director, and he's one of the nicest guys anyone could ever meet. I really hope this gets a U.S. release. I actually think if marketed right, this could become the next Napolian Dynamite (only this movie is much better). Now i just have to wait for their next movie(Prom Wars).