The New Guy

The New Guy

Year: 2002

Runtime: 88 min

Language: English

Director: Ed Decter

Comedy

A shy high school senior, Dizzy Harrison, transfers to a new school and decides to reinvent himself as the popular Gil Harris. He enlists the help of a quirky mentor, Luther, to navigate the unfamiliar social landscape. Dizzy’s plan involves disrupting the established hierarchy and pursuing the affections of Danielle. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about identity and the importance of embracing who you truly are.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The New Guy (2002)

Trace every key event in The New Guy (2002) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Introduction of Dizzy Gillespie Harrison

The film opens with Dizzy Gillespie Harrison, an awkward high school senior in Austin, Texas, providing candid commentary from behind bars. Surrounded by his close-knit group of friends—Nora, Kirk, and Glen—it's clear he feels a strong connection with them despite the chaos that lies ahead.

Present Day Austin, Texas
2

Formation of Suburban Funk

Dizzy and his friends band together to form a funk rock band called 'Suburban Funk,' showcasing their passion for music and video games. This collective serves as a backdrop to their everyday high school struggles and aspirations.

3

The Penile Fracture Incident

A series of bizarre events culminates in an unfortunate encounter with the school librarian that leaves Dizzy with a penile fracture. This shocking incident sets off a chain reaction in his life that leads him down an unexpected path.

School Library
4

Dizzy's Stint in Juvenile Detention

Following the incident, Dizzy finds himself spending time in juvenile detention, where he encounters an inmate named Luther. Luther's influence sparks a journey of self-discovery for Dizzy, helping him reflect on his life's direction.

Juvenile Detention Center
5

Expulsion from Rocky Creek High

Upon his release, Dizzy resolves to reinvent himself by getting expelled from Rocky Creek High School. After several attempts, he finally achieves this goal, granting him the chance for a fresh start at East Highland High.

Rocky Creek High School
6

Arrival at East Highland High

At East Highland High, Dizzy quickly catches the attention of the head cheerleader, Danielle. Her warm welcome marks the beginning of a new chapter in Dizzy's life, filled with newfound opportunities and challenges.

East Highland High School
7

The Misunderstanding at Courtney's Party

Dizzy's attempt to gain popularity leads to a misinterpreted invitation to a party thrown by Courtney, which nearly jeopardizes his new standing at school. With his friends’ support and quick thinking, he manages to navigate through this social mishap.

Courtney's House
8

Move to the Trailer

After returning home, Dizzy discovers that his father has sold their house to keep watch over him, prompting their move to a trailer. This sudden change in living situation adds to the pressures Dizzy faces as he tries to fit into his new environment.

Trailer Home
9

Rallying Support for the Football Team

With encouragement from Danielle, Dizzy rallies support for the struggling school football team. His passionate speech, filled with historical references, inspires the team to achieve their first victory in years, solidifying his place within the school.

East Highland High Football Field
10

Dizzy's Popularity Grows

Dizzy's growing popularity leads him to be involved in planning the school's homecoming dance, drastically shifting his reputation from a 'bad boy' to a respected student. As he climbs the social ladder, challenges arise in his friendships.

East Highland High School
11

Love Triangle with Danielle and Conner

Amid his rising fame, Dizzy becomes embroiled in a love triangle involving Danielle and Conner. This emotional turmoil tests his friendships and complicates his quest for acceptance and personal identity.

12

State Championship Football Game

The football team faces Rocky Creek High in the state championship, where Dizzy's antics inadvertently contribute to his former school's defeat. This moment serves to highlight the complexities of loyalty and belonging in his dual identity.

State Championship Field
13

Confrontation with Barclay

Upon returning to school, a celebratory atmosphere is interrupted when Barclay confronts Dizzy for revenge. However, the student body comes together in defense of Dizzy, showcasing the newfound unity at East Highland High.

East Highland High School
14

Homecoming Dance Disruption

The homecoming dance, originally a celebration for Dizzy's band, gets disrupted by Rocky Creek students seeking revenge. This leads to Barclay and Conner revealing the embarrassing video of the librarian incident, escalating the tension.

Homecoming Dance
15

Resolution and New Beginnings

As chaos unfolds, Luther arrives with his friends from the correctional facility to restore order. The film concludes with a hopeful embrace of unity as characters reconcile their pasts and a poignant moment between Dizzy and Danielle signals new beginnings.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 18:13

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The New Guy Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The New Guy

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