Many of the kids attending Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix are undocumented immigrants. One of them is Oscar Vazquez (Carlos PenaVega) who is stopped from applying for the Army. Next, he tries to participate in an underwater robotics competition against some of the best schools in the country. Fredi Cameron (George Lopez) reluctantly accepts being the adviser. He's an out-of-work engineer and the new science substitute teacher. Gwen Kolinsky (Marisa Tomei) is the math teacher and Karen Lowry (Jamie Lee Curtis) is the principal. Oscar recruits computer geek Cristian Arcega and Fredi presses mechanic/thief Lorenzo Santillan to join. The four kids in the group are all illegals.
This story is compelling. There may be a little too much melodrama. The family drama and ICE problems are expected. Teacher Cameron's own problems and romantic issues are probably excessive taking away attention from the kids. There is a bit of humor although Lopez is not playing a comedic character. It's a sincere telling of a true story. The competition has some tension although it could be structured better. It's a nice family-friendly story with a timely important issue.
This story is compelling. There may be a little too much melodrama. The family drama and ICE problems are expected. Teacher Cameron's own problems and romantic issues are probably excessive taking away attention from the kids. There is a bit of humor although Lopez is not playing a comedic character. It's a sincere telling of a true story. The competition has some tension although it could be structured better. It's a nice family-friendly story with a timely important issue.