We begin with Rafael 'Rafe' Khatchadorian, portrayed by Griffin Gluck, sketching fervently in his sketchbook. In his imagination, his drawings spring to life, even managing to jolt his alarm clock awake. His mother, Jules, played by Lauren Graham, enters and mentions that Rafe has been up all night drawing, a claim he quickly denies. Their conversation revolves around the difficulties of transitioning to a new school mid-semester, and Jules expresses her concern, revealing this is the last school that will accept him. She hands Rafe an unconventional lunch, urging him to think outside the box. Rafe's younger sister, Georgia (Alexa Nisenson), unexpectedly drives the family minivan around the corner, much to their mother’s dismay. As they arrive at school, Jules embraces Rafe and Georgia, informing them that she’ll be working a double shift as a sous chef while Carl (Rob Riggle) will be picking them up. The kids complain, despite Jules’ insistence that Carl has been supportive during tough times.
Upon entering the school, Rafe encounters Principal Dwight (Andy Daly), who reprimands him for multiple infractions despite his newcomer status. Dwight singles out Rafe’s shirt design and headphones as violations and hands him a school handbook to memorize. The school environment appears bleak and strict, filled with students walking in straight lines without any hint of creativity. Rafe finds his best friend, Leo (Thomas Barbusca), and they exchange thoughts on the oppressive atmosphere, lamenting that this is yet another school that won't keep them long.
As the day proceeds, Rafe meets Mr. Teller (Adam Pally), a relaxed teacher who introduces fun learning methods. However, Rafe's problems escalate when he faces off against the school bully, Miller (Jacob Hopkins), who antagonizes him in class. Later, during a Student Council assembly, a candidate named Jeanne (Isabela Moner) speaks about the need for change in the school, but she is cut off by Dwight. Rafe stands alone in his applause, indicating his support for change.
Drawn to Jeanne, Rafe begins channeling his frustration into comic ideas, envisioning Principal Dwight as a cartoon zombie. When a fellow student takes Rafe's sketchbook, it is confiscated by Vice Principal Stricker (Retta), leading Rafe to be sent to Dwight’s office. Faced with punishment, Rafe watches as his creation is destroyed in a bucket of acid, deepening his despair. After school, Leo attempts to uplift Rafe by reminding him of his creative spirit and introduces him to a new sketchbook, igniting a spark of rebellion within Rafe. With a newfound partnership, they devise increasingly elaborate pranks targeting the stuffy administration, escalating to amusingly outrageous levels.
As their antics intensify, Rafe grows closer to Jeanne, who admires his rebellious approach. However, he wrestles with the memory of his deceased brother, revealing deeper emotional struggles. Rafe’s journey takes a sudden turn when his mother announces her plan to send him to military school after he lands in hot water for his pranks. This revelation leads to heartfelt discussions about loss and the bond they share over their late family member.
Amid these personal challenges, Rafe decides to stand against the tyrannical Dwight, rallying his classmates to fight back by uncovering the principal's corrupt motives. With teamwork, creativity, and a a bustling montage of humorous mischief, Rafe and his friends expose Dwight’s shady practices, culminating in a dramatic showdown where Rafe bravely confronts him and reclaims his artistic voice.
In a touching emotional conclusion, Rafe makes peace with his brotherly bond, indicating growth as he finds solace in friendship and acceptance. Rafe and Jeanne connect in a heartfelt kiss, marking a new beginning as animated aliens reminiscent of Rafe’s imagination join in the festivities, signaling the joyful resolution of their struggles and the crucial importance of creativity and individual expression in overcoming adversity.
