Kids In America Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
High school will never be the same.
Get Schooled Not Fooled.
In this comedy drama is based on the true story, a group of teenager students stand up for their rights against the Principal Weller (Julie Bowien), who is an ambitious but hard-headed leader of Booker High school. She is going to run for the superintendent's chair, so she needs to project the image of a no-nonsense leader. She begins to turn the screws on: prohibits a girl to recognize National Safe Sex Day distributing condoms, and turns out two boys who are caught kissing in the hallway between classes. Students have an ally teacher helping them to struggle despotism, who soon gets fired for questioning Weller's authority. Together the students organize the student body to take on Weller and make real change at their high-school.
| 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 |
| Genevieve Cortese | Ashley Harris |
| George Wendt | Coach Thompson |
| Adam Arkin | Ed Mumsford |
| Jeff Chase | Asst. Coach Fasso |
| Josh Stolberg |
5.60 out of 10 (865 votes)
Visitor Reviews
A great film with a good message
posted on 03 Jul 2009After watching this I would have to say it was great! When I picked it up I expected a teen comedy. Sure, it is but it is also so much more! It is not a lame "trying to teach a moral" movie. If you walk away from it thinking about it's message, then good for you but if you go and see it just for a laugh you wont be disappointed.The acting was good, and the script was well written although the characters weren't introduced well enough I didn't think.Over all I could not fault this movie, but it really is personnel preference. If you liked the girl next door, then you should enjoy this. That said don't expect it to be like any other teen comedy! Watch with an open mind and no prejudice, and enjoy!
bad would be an understatement
posted on 10 Apr 2009if "Nickelodeon" and "Fight Club" had a child this would be it. except with all of the terrible features of Nick dominating over the goodness of fight club. as fun as watching a bunch of products of Hollywood try and present to understand the flaws in the United States public education system wasn't. this movie seemed to take 1 step forward and 5 steps backward every time it received the chance. the film makes sure to look down on homophobia but makes sure to promote women using their hetero sexual sex apeal to manipulate men. kids are concerned about the world but hey "lets wear corprate logos for product placement so we can be sure to make the most of child labor in southeast Asia" all in all I say this is a terrible movie and would strongly encourage you all to not watch it. this kind of garbage belongs in blogs on myspace and not in movies.
Fun quirky movie with a great message
posted on 19 Mar 2009So I guess this movie has a low rating because of all fundamentalists? How can they care so much about what other people do is beyond me, didn't Jesus say judge not and thou shall not be judged? Treat others as you want to be treated? I am perfectly happy with freedom of religion but as the world is today it should be more of freedom from religion, I pity the 75% who didn't vote for Bush and his Neo-conservatory-Christians and are forced to live under his rule. Why do they have to stuff it down our throats? If there is such a thing as a God then why did he create us with the possibility of having sex, if we weren't to enjoy it? The moralists probably just need a good blow job or licking and they will get what we other sensible people are talking about! These people are so stupid it is ridiculous teenage pregnancies and STD are far worse problems then people having sex before they are married. We all know that teenagers will have sex then please educate them in safe sex and teach them that it is a wonderful thing who should be thoroughly enjoyed! If you feel not ready to have sex make it your own choice not to have it, their are plenty of ways to enjoy others without intercourse by all means. If boys and girls are educated more we remove some of the taboos about sex and the other gender. Tell me a thing that feels so good, doesn't cost a thing and is healthy for you? That religion should dictate life the year 2006 and after all the marvelous things we have discovered since Jesus got killed for telling people to be a little bit more nice to each other is shocking.All in all this was a funny movie with a great message both about sexual education and civil rights movement. The actors are good enough without being great, yeah they are stereotypes but what I remember from high school in Sweden is that we had all those people. And yes Nicole Ritchie is in it and IMO she doesn't s*ck. People may say that politic and comedy doesn't mix together and allot other movies proves this wrong including this one. Another think I liked about it was that the actors didn't look too old.
dead poet society gone berserk
posted on 17 Feb 2009I went to the premiere of this kick-ass movie. Not only did I nearly wet myself during the screening; but also can I not stop talking about it, and little scenes just seem to come popping back in my head all the time and without warning (yeah, I am getting help for that, don't worry.) This film is very well made. For a newbie director, I was surprised to see a stellar cast like this entrusted to him, but now I know why -- Josh Stolberg rocks! Oh, when I wrote about the incredible cast, I was clearly not speaking about Nicole Richie, whom I hate, although in this movie, she could have been worse --more credit to Josh. Stick around for the credits too, the girls that inspired the writer and director are worth listening to. In short, this is a timely, inspiring, hysterical movie that will leave you with much to talk and ruminate about. Go see it. (and no, I am not affiliated with it)
use condoms, have safe sex
posted on 13 Dec 2008that was probably the entire way this movie is depicted. have safe sex. supposedly high schools in America don't allow sex education, so kids are getting laid, girls getting pregnant. that is why a group of school kids take it their responsibility to undo the wrongs. they protest against their principal regarding the abuse of the school funds to scrap sex education to build their football field. i most definitely didn't want to see an educational movie when i watched this one. i was hoping something along the likes of American pie. but it turned out to some sort of a funny documentary actually. pretty dumb too, no real laugh, that you will recall. so a real waste if u ask me. at the end credits, the scene showing Gregory smith and Stephanie sherrin symbolizing KIA topping American charts, well dunno i didn't see that in IMDb. really people don't go by the poster. it doesn't suggest anything regarding the movie. its a total waste of cash. and with all the chicks in the movie, there wasn't any fun at all.. its just too bad too too bad.
An outstanding, realistic portrayal of what high school is, and what it should be.
posted on 02 Oct 2008An outstanding film which I recommend to any open-minded, person who values their Constitutional rights, and is in the mood for a good movie.This film is based on real events, and is wonderful in every aspect. The acting is outstanding, the writing is extraordinary, and it is undoubtedly one of the BEST films that I have ever seen and will ever see.This masterpiece is about a REALISTIC high school, where the students have about as many rights as they do in any real high school, which aren't too many. They're forbidden to express any negativity towards the school policies, and are expelled for following their own path in life.The main character Holden Donovan (Gregory Smith) plays a student who was expelled from school due to an artistic monologue which questioned the principal's finesse in handling such delicate issues as sex ed., and poetry with a negative view towards the school.Holden brings together his group of friends in an attempt to revolt against the principal's overbearing policies. He is encouraged by his AV teacher Will Drucker (Malik Yoba) who feels that the students have a right to defend their beliefs.This film is NOT a film with a liberal agenda in the least. It encourages teens to stand up for what's right, and I feel that referring to this film as anti-Bush is an insult to the Republican party. Last time I checked my history book BOTH th Republicans and the Democrats agreed on free speech. This film shows how teens have few, if any rights in the real world, and shows that they should not sit for it.This film steps out of the normal mold of teen comedies, in which naked women run around having sex for no apparent reason. It is unique in the aspect that this film is inspirational, and EXTREMELY enjoyable. I think that Josh Stolberg, Andrew Shaifer, and everyone involved in this film did an Unbelievable job. I would give this movie a 10/10.
needs both sides
posted on 21 Aug 2008good movie. text below should not be considered for the film rating.the movie one sided in the fact that it definitely inspires thought and creativity...however it doesn't actually solve problems we face today. sure it incites change (aka protest) which is something to be heard. however, we all do things for a reason, not just personal gain. i think what our schools/governments actually do may be for personal gain at certain times (9/10 people probably do things for personal gain), but everyone should consider they may actually be trying to keep us safe. how about a movie that actually solves the problem today with security/safety vs. rights?
Everything Annoying About High School Kids
posted on 20 Jul 2008The unbelievably gorgeous Catlin Wachs is the only reason this got a 2.If you like self-righteous know-it-all high school kids, then this is your show.It seemed as if it was made by teenagers.News flash: Nicole Richie can't act.Stereotypes galore.Caitlin Wachs is so gorgeous, it hurts."Holden" is the most arrogant, annoying, little punk.Oh yeah...the principal is always wrong and the kids are always right. They know everything and they could solve all of the world's problems if we just give them a chance.
This film did very little for me.
posted on 04 Jul 2008Although this film did have a few laughs, I feel that most of these moments were forced. The film as a whole, although a novel attempt to show the dwindling freedom of speech rights and hypocrisy in American High Schools, felt extremely watered down and cliché filled. If you enjoy seeing a movie that challenges your way of thinking, makes you smile, and is rich in substance and thought, than this is NOT your movie.Filled with editing work that rivals only the work of middle schoolers, and a watered down cliché storyline the only GOOD thing about this film is that Stephanie Sherrin is VERY pleasing to the eye. I could look at her all day...
It's about time!
posted on 16 Jun 2008It's really nice to finally see a movie about teens that show them as thoughtful and passionate about things other than keg parties. This is NOT a perfect movie. The lower budget is pretty easy to see. I mean, just the fact that I didn't even know the film existed until I saw the poster in the movie theater says a lot. But I was able to overlook some of the problems. Half the stuff that Hollywood puts out and wraps in pretty packages for teenagers to consume are worthless. And the characters are worthless. I liked these "kids". I respected them. And I feel that they it had a lot to say. As did the film.It's not for everyone, but it certainly is great to see a movie that not only tries to make a difference, but tries to be different.
Much better then I thought it would be!
posted on 23 Feb 2008I started watching this film out of pure boredom, and got what I expected in the first 30 minutes or so. (a typical high school flick) However it turned into a real funny, and moving film after that. I liked the political message, and the way they brought up the fact that the Untied States have given up many civil liberty's due to the Patriot Act signed into law after 9/11. The film also had some really funny parts to it as well. Nicole Ritchie wasn't really in the film, so her acting abilities are still unknown, but she managed to play her part well. The only real complaint I have was the acting of the films villain, the principal. In any good student vs school movie, the principal is played by a memorable person. (Ferris Bullers day off etc) This womens parts were very annoying, and her angry bitchy behavior was just plain annoying, and should have been done much better. Although a good film, the principal part made this a one alittle less then it could have been. Still worth having a look!
I like this movie too
posted on 26 Jan 2008I went to see an early screening of Kids in America also (probably the same one as "melinalives"). I agree with most of what she had to say. It was really enjoyable. It's pretty funny (especially one scene with same sex kissing where I couldn't hear a couple of lines because people around me were laughing so hard). It's definitely a comedy, but it also tackles some serious issues, which for me was the reason I enjoyed it. Yes, there are a couple of times you can see the cracks show because it's not a big budget movie, but the lower budget doesn't stand in it's way (and for me, it was refreshing to see a teen movie that was smart). There is an homage to old 80s movies like "Sixteen Candles" that's really cool. I think melinalives said it right when she commented that "it's heart is in the right place". The performances are really good (I don't know who the lead boy is, but he's charming). If I were to find one fault with the film, the first ten minutes or so are a little bumpy but then it finds it's groove and I really got into it. And the last kiss was awesome... I'll be looking for it in the Guiness Book of World Records.
Light comedy, weighty subject, a moving feast of a film.
posted on 16 Oct 2007The film offers viewers an all too brief journey into politics and playfulness in a public school with an overbearing principal running for political office. She expels the male lead and Mr. D, voted teacher of the year for 5 years running and the one teacher who challenges his students to think, is fired and as expected the students rebel. A somewhat predictable story of teenage angst and a 2005-view of sexual orientation. A public school ruthless in its policing duties, the protagonist-principal has no desire or purpose other than maintaining the free range of her own narcotic narcissism, spewing exclusivity and dominance over the intellect, conscience, human potential of the students and teachers at her every turn. Unreceptive to interrogation, she cannot form or tolerate new ideas, try as she might to shape the thoughts of others, or tolerate independent thought. Yet there it is - a diamond glitters: Emily playing an ABC (American-born Chinese, third generation) and a scene stealer of the first order, predatory, yet sentimental and sexy. We recommend you see Emily, oops!, the film.
Worth a look
posted on 13 Aug 2007KOA is worth a look by adults and mature teens, and it has a PG-13 rating for a reason. A rebellious young student gets expelled by his high school principal, and with his equally rebellious crew of misfit friends (which includes a drop-dead gorgeous cheerleader!) decides to seek revenge. The only problem is the pranks they pull grow increasingly dangerous, until ... well, you will have to see it yourself. I would say show KOA to high school juniors and seniors, at the very least. It is an independent film, based on several real high school stories, with a cast of unknowns who do a decent, if not spectacular, job. We get to see the real students and hear abbreviated versions of their stories during the end credits. The outtakes are worth a look as well, but they incredibly raunchy, so beware if you have a young one in the house.
catching movie
posted on 26 Jul 2007Really good movie, and most of the people didn't get it.It's not a teen comedy full of obscenity like American Pie or so on. It has a deeper meaning, with some funny part here and there.And to bad that many people can't understand it.Just for an example,someone wrote: "Stereotypes: Sassy black chick, Flaming gay kid, Food-obsessed fat kid, Blonde cheerleader, Fat Goth, Dark and brooding kid And we're supposed to take them seriously?" Yes,you should take them seriously. Wtf, you can't take someone seriously because she or he is fat? Or that he is gay? You just laugh at them? That's what you do? You should be ashamed of yourself. No really you should have a bigger belly, and everyone should laugh at you and than we could talk. You could tell me how did you feel...But hey that's just me, a 16 year old boy, that in you're eyes my opinion doesn't count...
Extraordinarly Original...Would be an Understatement
posted on 10 Jun 2007Okay I would Just like to start off by saying that I do not write comments for movies very often but this movie just blew me away so I had to...Kids in America: The story of a group of high school students who believe that their principal is taking away their rights, such as free speech and others, and how they change that all by getting the whole school involved...A main reason I liked this movie is because it was about a group of high school students who "bridge the gap" of being the regular typical student, they are very outspoken, different, rebellious kids and their actions in the movie such as just getting up out of class to have a protest against their principal in the schoolyard, burning a symbol in the school football field that is extremely negative towards the principal, and just really standing up & fighting against the completely unfair educators they have! Also why I liked this movie is because of the very original and flat out hilarious humor in the movie...Anyways the message of the movie in my opinion is just simply "Stand up to the higher power!" Because I think that if most kids had the points of view such as the teens in this movie they would be better & happier high school students! In all possibly one of the greatest movies I've ever seen...Deserves WAY more than the 5.1 it has rite now! 10/10!!!
Plain simple, a super good feel-good movie!
posted on 19 May 2007Just about everything in this film was just great, and by great, I mean about 10 times better then anything i'v used to. The acting was great, (specially the main woman actor, not much roles, but Damn she can do it). The plot was just great, not anything like usually is in comedy films... This movie is definitely a Feel a Good Movie... The film just made me feel SO good... I was in a really bad mood when I started watching it, but now the only sad thing I feel is the fact that this move wasn't six hours long! This is my pick for the comedy of the year! If anything, this movie is worth a few bucks in theaters, Id say it is also worth buying the DVD. GO SEE IT!
Biggest Waste of Time for Everybody
posted on 15 Apr 2007I saw this movie the day it came out with my boyfriend, and needless to say, it was pretty horrible. I can't believe anybody funded this movie, and put time and effort into making it. The acting was alright, but only because the characters were so cliché.Kids in America was advertised, in my point of view, as a comedy. For perhaps the first ten minutes it was a comedy...but then it just got pointless, and redundant. It started with a girl being suspended for pinning condoms to her outfit to promote safety.It stopped being a comedy, and it was all about sex appeal. It was funny at first, but then it got ridiculous. The movie was trying to convey a message about speaking up for what you believe in, but this point was trashed by the amount of sexual references, partial nudity, and random make-out sessions. It was very obvious that Kids in America did not need the majority of this, but it was just thrown in to 'spice it up.' Well it certainly spiced it up- the kind of overabundance of spice that makes you want to cry because it's so horrible.
Kids In Hollywood
posted on 09 Apr 2007It's an interesting and entertaining film about high school kids rebelling against their principal. But unfortunately all their causes are filtered through the liberal Hollywood writer's viewpoint without much respect for any alternative views. The kids gripe about the hypocrisy of authority without ever addressing their own. A mass same sex kissing scene involving dozens of teens will offend many - maybe most - viewers. The film might have been very effective without that, but as it is, it turns away anyone who doesn't agree with the agenda without a chance to win them over. In spite of good acting by Gregory Smith and others, the comedy and other good qualities of the film don't overcome that. At least, if you're not homophobic or offended by condoms, you can enjoy it as a light comedy.
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Incredible
posted on 15 Jul 2009I walked in to this movie, asked what it was about, and immediately rolled my eyes when my friend told me that it was a high-school based comedy. A list of possible plots tumbled through my brain. Prom? Popular vs. Geek? New kid in a different environment? Or the totally overused Girls One and Two fight over Hot Guy? Never in my wildest dreams did I expect a teen based comedy with an actual plot line, message, and thought! The acting was incredible, the characters well developed, and the subtle humor funny enough to lighten up the heavy subject material. I respected these kids, and I couldn't stop thinking about its message long after the credits finished rolling. This movie is bound to offend some people (contains a mass same-sex make-out scene, students pinning condoms to their clothing, disrespect towards authority, and scathing editorials about the school system.) Still, it's worth watching, and I would gladly pay to see it again.