Snack Shack

Set in Nebraska City in the summer of 1991, Snack Shack follows two teenage best friends, A.J. and Moose, as they land a coveted job running the local pool's snack stand. What starts as a way to make some money quickly turns into a defining summer of mischief, friendship, awkward romance, and growing up too fast. The film leans into its nostalgic early-'90s setting, using the heat, boredom, and freedom of summer break to fuel a coming-of-age story that mixes humor with sincere emotional stakes. Starring Conor Sherry and Gabriel LaBelle, it centers on the boys' evolving bond as they navigate first crushes, bad decisions, and the thrill of feeling invincible for one season.

Snack Shack has generally been received as a warm, easygoing coming-of-age comedy with strong nostalgia appeal. Its reception is solid rather than rave-level: Rotten Tomatoes lists it at 82%, while IMDb shows a 7.0/10 and Metacritic sits at 64/100, pointing to a mostly favorable but somewhat mixed critical consensus. Critics commonly praise its period detail, lived-in small-town atmosphere, and the chemistry between Conor Sherry and Gabriel LaBelle, with many noting that the film feels heartfelt and observant even when it leans on familiar teen-movie beats. The reviews suggest a movie that wins through charm, character work, and a well-drawn summer mood rather than huge surprises. Audience reaction appears to align with that goodwill, especially for viewers who like nostalgic, character-driven comedies. Overall, Snack Shack comes across as an appealing, slightly modest crowd-pleaser: funny, affectionate, and emotionally sincere, if not especially groundbreaking.