New kid seeks acceptance
by Nick Nance, reporter

    We are all concerned with our popularity and what other people think of us. However, high school is when one’s popularity is the most important.

   The New Guy tells the tale of a high school senior struggling with his lack of popularity.

   Dizzy Harrison (DJ Qualls) is considered a loser and not part of the social loop of his high school.

   While at his first high school, his dad, Bear Harrison (Lyle Lovett), becomes extremely concerned about his welfare.

   In a weird situation, Dizzy gets arrested and is befriended by inmate Luther (Eddie Griffin) as well as other inmates and staff of the local jail. Luther helps Dizzy become popular and fit in like he never has before.

   Dizzy then learns what he needs to do to change his life and become popular. The first thing he must do is change schools.

   He then transfers to East Highland High School, where his plan begins perfectly. Dizzy is now known as Gill Harris at his new school.

   His dad then sells their house, quits his job and buys a mobile home to ensure he can be with his troubled son anytime he needs to be. The relationship between them is strangely humorous.

   Dizzy Gill then must find the bully of the school and beat him up with everyone watching. Things don’t go so well, and he struggles just to get noticed.

   That soon changes, and everyone wants to know more about the new guy at school.

   He is mysterious, charming and attractive to females. His sudden popularity puts a strain on his old friendships.

   Dizzy Gill makes the sacrifice to ditch his friends and take advantage of being with the prettiest girl in school, Danielle (Eliza Dushku). He soon realizes he is going to break the rules of the social structure in high school and keep his friends.

   His flare for developing friendships spreads through his new school, and everyone befriends him and each other. He still has a secret from everyone about his past.

   His flare for people spreads through his new school, and spreads on to the football team. He then inspires them to beat his old school for the championship.

   His old rival and football player Barclay (Ameer Harris) recognizes him. Barclay then blames Dizzy Gill for their loss of the championship and begins steps to make him pay.

   The confrontation will be the school’s dance. What takes place at the party changes Dizzy Gill’s and his old friends’ lives forever.

   Despite the tendency toward being a teen movie, the film tastefully blends humor with sexuality.

   If you’re in the mood for a few laughs, The New Guy is a feel-good movie that is worth consideration to rent when hanging out with friends.