Vikes (2017)

Vikes has the kind of scrappy, good-natured charm that sneaks up on you: a teen rom-com that finds real sweetness in an oddly specific crusade, then lets the laughs and feelings grow naturally from there. Its humor is light on its feet and pleasantly witty, poking at school culture and identity politics without turning into a lecture, all while keeping the vibe breezy and warm. The romance comes in like a soft melody under the comedy, and the cast—yes, including an early Sydney Sweeney—brings an easy likability that makes the small-scale stakes feel surprisingly engaging. If you’re looking for something profound or razor-edged, this may be too gentle, but if you want an entertaining, feel-good watch with a quirky hook, it’s an easy yes.

Vikes (2017) is clearly trying to be a quirky, small-town rom-com with a sweet message about identity and sensitivity, using Thorvald’s campaign to rename his school teams as the backdrop for a love story. The problem is it often feels more like a thin idea stretched to feature length: the pacing is sluggish, the plot drifts, and scenes don’t build into a satisfying narrative. Performances and dialogue can be uneven, which makes it harder to stay invested even when the premise has charm. If you like low-key indie comedies with a loose, meandering vibe you might find it mildly endearing, but if you need momentum, sharper jokes, or a clearly developed romance, this probably isn’t for you.