Kids in America (2005)

User Rating:

5.6/10   

Director:

Josh Stolberg

Writers (WGA):

Andrew Shaifer (written by) &
Josh Stolberg (written by)

Genre:

Drama | Comedy

Tagline:

High school will never be the same.

Plot:

A diverse group of high school students band together to peacefully stick it to their overbearing principal. |

Plot Keywords:

Principal | Hippie | Goth Girl | Graffiti | Talent Show

Cast

Gregory Smith	...	Holden Donovan
Stephanie Sherrin	...	Charlotte Pratt
Chris Morris	...	Chuck McGinn
Caitlin Wachs	...	Katie Carmichael
Emy Coligado	...	Emily Chua
Crystal Celeste Grant	...	Walanda Jenkins
Alex Anfanger	...	Lawrence Reitzer
Julie Bowen	...	Principal Weller
Malik Yoba	...	Will Drucker
Andrew Shaifer	...	Kip Stratton
Nicole Richie	...	Kelly Stepford (as Nicole Camille Richie)
Genevieve Cortese	...	Ashley Harris
George Wendt	...	Coach Thompson
Adam Arkin	...	Ed Mumsford
Jeff Chase	...	Asst. Coach Fasso

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for sexual content, mature thematic elements and language.

Runtime:

91 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:PG-13 (certificate #42047) | Australia:M | South Korea:15

Filming Locations:

College of the Canyons - 26455 Rockwell Canyon Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California, USA

Company:

Kids in America LLC

Trivia:

This movie holds the world record for the longest on screen kiss with a kiss between Smith and Sherrin lasting just over six minutes during the end credits.

Quotes:

Sondra Carmichael: [from trailer] It's improper
[whisper]

Movie Connections:

References Moulin Rouge! (2001)

surprise in not another teen movie

I was sitting down to watch what I thought would be yet another brainless teen movie when to my surprise - there was a message! And not one of the obvious "don't do drugs" "don't have sex" messages that you would expect. Nor was it the message of "every teenager is just like the rest - below the surface." The unexpected twist is not in the plot but in the fact that this story is based on the actual experiences of teens in America. Though playing on the extremes of the inflated powers of the administration, the cast still maintain a realistic bond of rebellion without seeming cliché.

I am reminded of the angst portrayed in The Breakfast Club, although this motley crew have not been forced into bond of rebellion. They are united by events that were beyond their control, to create action within their control. They didn't just endure a day of detention and go away learning a great lesson about each other; they know how unique they are and how unfair and unjust system is for their fellow students.

I was impressed by the actors as well as by the story and I look forward to watching this again with friends. It's the kind of movie that no teen should ever have to relate to, but without being so heavy that you can't enjoy the laughs.