Armageddon

Paul Graff is caught drawing a humorous sketch of his teacher at school, leading to a scolding. His classmate Johnny Davis also gets in trouble for joking during attendance. Both boys are kept inside as punishment, setting the tone for their early friendship.

Paul shows his drawing to his grandfather Aaron Rabinowitz, who encourages his artistic talents and dreams of becoming an artist. Aaron gifts Paul a rocket-making kit, inspiring him to pursue his passion for space and art. They plan to build the rocket together in the park.

Paul has dinner with his Jewish-American family, discussing his mother’s immigration story and his parents' concerns about school choices. Esther announces her run for school board, and family prejudices about public school are hinted at. Paul accidently insults Ruth’s Holocaust story, causing tension.

On a school field trip, Paul dreams of becoming a famous painter and visiting the Guggenheim Museum. Afterwards, they visit an arcade and experience racial teasing on the subway, highlighting racial tensions and dreams.

Aaron’s birthday is celebrated with a movie outing, where Aaron experiences leg pain but downplays it. Paul expresses his desire to be an artist, facing family skepticism about artistic careers and pressure to choose a lucrative one.

Paul and Johnny get in trouble for smoking marijuana in the bathroom and are caught, resulting in a meeting with the principal. Esther criticizes Johnny’s influence, revealing racial prejudices, and Paul is disciplined by his parents with Irving physically punishing him.

Paul begins attending a prestigious private school with a strict dress code and new classmates like Topper. He briefly meets Fred Trump and listens to his daughter Maryanne’s speech about her success, highlighting social class differences.

Paul learns that Aaron has had surgery for bone cancer. Despite efforts, Aaron passes away, deeply affecting Paul and his family. They attend his funeral, and Paul reflects on his grandfather’s influence and sacrifices.

Johnny comes to visit Paul in distress, fearing foster care. They plan to run away together to Florida, dreaming of working at EPCOT. Their attempt to steal a computer from school leads to their arrest, illustrating their desperation.

Irving visits Paul at the police station and discusses the harsh realities of life, emphasizing the importance of making the most of one’s circumstances. He advises Paul to avoid looking backward and to focus on survival and growth.

A newscast announces Ronald Reagan’s victory, leading to family disappointment. Paul immerses himself in homework, fantasizing about Aaron’s encouragement to persevere despite adversities.

Paul wears a uniform to his new private school and meets classmates and teachers, including a character resembling Fred Trump. He is encouraged to succeed but faces racial and social challenges, especially from classmates making racist remarks about Johnny.

Irving wakes Paul to tell him that Aaron’s cancer treatment has taken a turn for the worse. Paul visits Aaron at the hospital, where he soon passes away, marking a profound moment of loss for the family.

Johnny, with visible cuts on his feet, insists he is fine as he and Paul say goodbye, reflecting the emotional toll of their struggles. Johnny’s tears reveal the pain of leaving his grandmother and uncertain future.

Paul and Johnny steal a school computer in an attempt to escape to Florida and work at EPCOT. They are caught and arrested, highlighting their youthful desperation and the harsh consequences of their actions.

Irving reflects on the unfairness of life and advises Paul to focus on their future. The family watches a news report on Reagan’s election defeat, feeling disillusioned. Paul isolates himself, contemplating resilience.

At the Thanksgiving dance, Fred Trump addresses students about potential future success and leadership, symbolizing societal privilege. Feeling disconnected, Paul walks out, signifying his inner conflict with his social environment.