Charlie Watson discovers and repairs an old Volkswagen Beetle as a way to remember her father and stake her independence from a stepfather she abhors, with only the music of The Smiths and the unrequited crush of the boy-next-door for friends. When she discovers the VW Bug is actually an alien robot on a reconnaissance mission for the rest of his race, the two form a bond which eventually has her putting her life on the line against evil alien robots,...

Based on a true story from 1998, five Latina and Black teenagers from the toughest underserved ghetto in Miami fight their way into the National Chess Championship under the guidance of their unconventional but inspirational teacher.