The American Society of Magical Negroes

While promoting empathy, compassion, and basic human decency regardless of skin color, The American Society of Magical Negroes identifies barriers that keep such harmony from being as simple as it sounds.

Despite some scattered big laughs, this muddled satire grasps that it’s navigating tricky thematic territory but struggles to supplement its surface gimmicks with much underlying conviction.

The directorial debut of actor and comedian Kobi Libii (“Doubt”) is an ambitious attempt to poke fun at stereotypes and preconceptions amid a contemporary climate of hypersensitivity and self-congratulatory white guilt. However, the result isn’t as edgy or provocative as intended.

The story follows Aren (Justice Smith), a struggling artist who escapes a potentially perilous late-night confrontation thanks to Roger (David Alan Grier), a recruiter for the titular underground group with the singular goal of minimizing the discomfort of white people.

“Officially it’s a client services firm, but unofficially, we’re saving the damn world,” Roger explains while whisking a reluctant Aren to a lavish orientation that sells him on the mission.

His first assignment involves working for a social-media startup and specifically boosting the confidence of Drew (Jason Tarver), a developer trying to make a breakthrough.

Along the way, Aren develops feelings for co-worker Lizzie (An-Li Bogan). She also catches Drew’s eye, which makes her off-limits for Aren, per Society rules. At any rate, Aren’s efforts might have worked a bit too well when Drew’s ego takes over.

Amid the company’s scandal-ridden culture, Aren realizes his worst fears about cashing in his dignity and self-esteem. How does that play into his future?

Playfulness keeps Libii’s screenplay from turning too heavy-handed, even as it funnels its high-minded ideas and self-help chestnuts into a rather conventional low-stakes romantic triangle. The characters feel more functional than fully realized, which inhibits a deeper emotional impact.

The versatile Smith (Sharper) brings depth and complexity to the circumspect Aren, who is our window into this exaggerated world of assimilation and appropriation.

You can appreciate that the comedy is born from frustration and even fury over ubiquitous hidden prejudices, micro-aggressions, and subconscious biases. Ethnicity should be a source of pride, and not a reason to apologize.

The film is not subtle, which is part of the point. Yet by straddling a satirical fence, it might start a conversation without having the last word.

Rated PG-13, 104 minutes.