Hill instantly establishes the plucky character’s resilience in the immersive opening minutes, as Stevie survives a brutal beating from his brother only to sneak into his room after hours, taking notes on the ephemera of posters and albums in an attempt to absorb some measure of coolness from the world at his disposal. It doesn’t always feel that way for Stevie, though: Growing up with a single young mother (Katherine Waterston) and moody, introverted older brother Ian (Lucas Hedges) who pushes him around at every opportunity, he can’t catch a break.

With a period-specific soundtrack that ranges from the Pixies to Wu-Tang Clan, “Mid90s” depicts the last decade of the 20th century with a warm hug. Hill’s story suggests equal parts “Freaks and Geeks,” “Kids,” and the adolescent-focused narratives of British director Shane Meadows, but Hill cribs from these precedents with a confidence that injects this lively snapshot of skateboarding reprobates with fresh confidence. However, the first feature from writer-director Jonah Hill shows some of the best qualities of veteran actors who step behind the camera, with nuanced performances so real the characters practically fall off the screen. 13-year-old Stevie (Sunny Suljit) coming of age in the eponymous era follows all the familiar beats of this well-trod genre. “ Mid90s” is the kind of movie so familiar it’s practically over before it begins.

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