California Schemin'

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1:48

California Schemin'

R

Oct 2026

1h 47m

Comedy

Drama

Music

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Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

76 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Two Scottish lads from Dundee conned the music industry by pretending to be an established Californian rap duo, bagging a record deal and appearing on MTV until their scam unraveled.

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Critics Consensus

California Schemin' transcends its predictability with its tonal evolution from playful comedy to poignant drama and central performances that make its underdog journey hard to resist.

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Glenn Kenny

New York Times

Oct 15, 2026

While the narrative tends to the predictable, the performers are appealing, and McAvoy’s sardonic depiction of his home turf is tinged with exasperated affection.

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Cortlyn Kelly

RogerEbert.com

Oct 12, 2026

2.5/4

The camera’s distance keeps everyone apart, which detracts from the bond the audience is meant to feel. In the end, the movie’s mixed tonality and technical and narrative dissonance muddy all that sincerity.

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Kayleigh Donaldson

AV Club

Oct 6, 2026

B

The overall message of “just be yourself” might be pat, but for the kids of California Schemin’, it’s a well-earned theme.

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Sarah Vincent

Sarah G Vincent Views

Oct 25, 2026

James McAvoy’s directorial debut is a visual success, but cowriters Elaine Gracie and Archie Thomson’s feature debut is uneven and takes around half of the movie to find its footing

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Katie Hogan

She Likes Movies

Oct 25, 2026

As a feature directorial debut from James McAvoy, the film is entertaining, hitting all the emotional and tense moments as a story about lies, deception and music can be.

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Daniel Allen

In Review Online

Oct 24, 2026

California Schemin’ settles into a place of pat predictability, never as buoyant or rip-roaring as a tale like this should be.

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Roy J

Oct 12, 2026

Fun premise even if cliche screenplay

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Luke P

@LPolo233 6 days ago

Big fan of movies dealing with the consequences of fame and ambition. James McAvoy made a wonderful first film .

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B P

@Bradster69 Oct 23, 2026

Worth a Watch

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Sarah K

@RT85457572 Oct 17, 2026

I went into California Schemin' with zero expectations and was blown away. Surprised at how authentically emotional it was and how well it depicted the pain of putting yourself out there. The lead actors beautifully portrayed the innocence and terrible judgment of the main characters. I hope to see more and more movies with James McAvoy directing.

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Ciaran D

@RT34760744 Oct 16, 2026

Interesting story that was entertaining but I wanted more.

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Alfredo B

@alfredojbello Oct 13, 2026

¿Puede James McAvoy conquistar también detrás de las cámaras? California Schemin’ es su ópera prima como director y una película que me transportó directamente a la escena musical de los años 2000. Las actuaciones de Séamus McLean Ross y Samuel Bottomley destacan por la química, la pasión y la complicidad de este dúo de amigos y soñadores. La iluminación de clubes, camerinos y estudios de grabación, junto con el material de archivo, recrea con credibilidad aquella época. Además, McAvoy demuestra autoridad detrás de la cámara y sorprende con un papel secundario intimidante. ¿Su punto débil? No escapa por completo a las fórmulas tradicionales de las biopics musicales y algunas escenas podrían arriesgar mucho más visualmente.

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James McAvoy

Director

James McAvoy

Anthony Reid

Seamus McLean Ross

Gavin Bain

Samuel Bottomley

Billy Boyd

James Corden

Music Executive

Lucy Halliday

Mary Boyd

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California Schemin': Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Two Scottish lads from Dundee conned the music industry by pretending to be an established Californian rap duo, bagging a record deal and appearing on MTV until their scam unraveled.

Director: James McAvoy
Producer: Danny Page, Paul Aniello, Simon Kay, Michael Mendelsohn
Screenwriter: Elaine Gracie, Archie Thomson
Distributor: Magenta Light Studios
Production Co: Patriot Pictures, Homefront Productions
Rating: R (Language|Some Drug Use|Sexual References)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 9, 2026, Limited
Runtime: 1h 47m

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