KOA 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.
38 Reviews
I like this movie!
melinalives6 March 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I went to an early screening of this movie and I really liked it! Although the film could do with a little editing- it was an early cut I believe- the first time director got some great performances from his talented mostly no name cast. It's one of those films that has some low budget problems but the film's heart is so in the right place you easily over look them... the two leads were very good as well as a stand out performance from Julie Bowen as a mean ambitious principal... overall a really great first effort by all. The story, based on real life incidents, takes place at high school where the aforementioned Julie Bowen resides as principal. She is running for state school superintendent and has begun a crack down on her students- her policy- much like a high school version of the Patriot Act- inspires a number of students to rise up and protest in very creative ways. This film hopefully will be an inspiration to many. Wait till the very end credits to see some very interesting documentary interviews with the real students the film was based on. Really hope this one gets a distributer. Certainly seems like an easy fit for an MTV youth type audience.
Kids In America Review
council2427 October 2005
I just saw the film, and thought I'd post my review. I'm a little surprised by some of the comments, both the over-the-top enthusiastic reviews and the reviews blasting the film. I didn't think the film was hilarious or terrible. I thought the film was okay. I'd give it 2 1/2 stars out of 4, a marginal recommendation (6 out 10 on the IMDb scale). This is a story about a group of teenagers, lead by Holden (Gregory Smith), that lead a small rebellion against their vicious Principal (Julie Bowen), who has a penchant for suspending students and is running for Superintendent of Schools. I thought the story was pretty good and the acting was good. I did like the "movie love scenes" montage, but didn't think it had much of a point. One thing I didn't like were the student films and 2 talent shows, which looked like they were conceived and assembled by 3rd graders, not high schools kids, (or film writers). If these had been sharp and funny, they would've been entertaining, and would've fit the rest of the film. I'm not going to bother with any political angles, because films don't alter my political views. This is a simple story that could've been sharper, but is a nice, mild diversion.
Incredible
Ooh_Mr_Todd16 March 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I 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.
Kids In Hollywood
SpaceComics30 October 2005
It'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.
Yello ? Not you typical movie ? Are you kidding ?
Derrickku16 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Well it's not a stupid teen movie that's true. But come on, people are saying this is a good movie, there's a few steps between good and bad.
When you're telling a story (even for teens) and there's a higher message, you don't have to explain every single part of it, stick with what you want to tell not what you mean. People can figure out the topics by themselves.
Another important point about a good movie (with a "higher message") is the following: either you're telling something that most people won't agree with and through the characters they'll change their minds or the topics are really common and there's the context which makes it interesting. Here the topics are really common (even if their important: teen pregnancy, authority, conformity, education,...) and the context is high school, not really something exciting or uncommon.
I think in this case mixing social drama and comedy kind of under minds the real story, don't get me wrong some of the jokes are funny but don't always fit in...
When you're telling a story (even for teens) and there's a higher message, you don't have to explain every single part of it, stick with what you want to tell not what you mean. People can figure out the topics by themselves.
Another important point about a good movie (with a "higher message") is the following: either you're telling something that most people won't agree with and through the characters they'll change their minds or the topics are really common and there's the context which makes it interesting. Here the topics are really common (even if their important: teen pregnancy, authority, conformity, education,...) and the context is high school, not really something exciting or uncommon.
I think in this case mixing social drama and comedy kind of under minds the real story, don't get me wrong some of the jokes are funny but don't always fit in...
needs both sides
cmk152329 April 2006
good 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?
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?
Awfully boring
eXtreme2316 March 2006
Based on real events, Kids In America is a teen comedy about a group of high school kids who band together to peacefully do something to kick their principal out of the school. It basically starts off when a student walks around promoting safe sex. The principal doesn't allow that, so she suspends that student. Then more students are into something that get the principal irritated, so she suspends all of them. Gregory Smith plays Holden. He finds himself expelled for criticizing school policy, and this how everything gets started when the group of students get involved. Nicole Ritchie is also in this film, but for like 10 minutes. She's on the poster and she's the second name you see on the poster. I wouldn't say this is her movie, and who cares about her.
I thought this would be a pretty decent teenage comedy. I was very wrong. The film stays where it's at and doesn't movie. It is awfully boring and most people won't be happy. I kept looking at the clock and time didn't movie. It felt like this movie was taking forever to end. It's also such a fake movie. Students running their school brainless. I didn't like this movie and I felt that it didn't have a good story. There are other high school comedies are decent and far better. Kids In America isn't one of them. 4/10
I thought this would be a pretty decent teenage comedy. I was very wrong. The film stays where it's at and doesn't movie. It is awfully boring and most people won't be happy. I kept looking at the clock and time didn't movie. It felt like this movie was taking forever to end. It's also such a fake movie. Students running their school brainless. I didn't like this movie and I felt that it didn't have a good story. There are other high school comedies are decent and far better. Kids In America isn't one of them. 4/10
I like this movie too
rufus-181 October 2005
I 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.
use condoms, have safe sex
Sparrowmaniac12 June 2006
that 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.
Everything Annoying About High School Kids
edward_the_longshanks29 March 2007
The 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.
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.
See this film; it isn't your typical teen film
stephosaurusrex12 June 2006
When I rented "Kids in America" with the ever-social socialite Nicole Richie, I didn't expect this film to be anything more than a gross teen comedy (i.e.: American Pie, American Wedding, etc...) worthy of a few laughs. I was wrong. Gregory Smith's Holden (perhaps named after the famous Holden Caulfield, from the GREATEST BOOK EVER, The Catcher in the Rye???) is great in this film. He is likable, clever, and the film's dominant hero. Holden and his crush Charlotte (played by the very beautiful Stephanie Sherrin) along with 5 other main--but equally different--characters form a band of rebels. This is basically the plot: The group of kids plot to destroy their principal's reputation and stop all chances of her being the Superintendent. There are pranks, jokes, and of course, teenage romance (Holden & Charlotte re-enact well-known make out scenes from famous movies, while answering the question "How many different ways can two people mack on each other?")However, the thing about Kids in America that sets it apart from other films is that it focuses more on reaching the audience and encouraging them to make a change. Entertainment is key, yes, but this film got me thinking for a good 15 minutes. If a film can do this, why, I must applaud it. Also, Julie Bowen is great as the controlling, tyrannical Principal, while Rosanna Arquette plays Charlotte's hippie Super Mom. I recommend seeing this film. It really knows what it's saying to its audience and no, it's not just a dumb teen comedy. It's a smart film with a good mantra: Change The World.
How I Feel
frodojoyce19 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I Saw this movie today and thought what a great teenage movie. it is something you just don't see everyday. We haven't had a good teenage movie like this since Mean Girls (classic). The Story line is that: In a typical high school in amercia get a new principal and it all starts when a teenage girl gets suspended for promoting safe sex. then a small group of very different teenagers start to rebel against the school and of course their Principal. Of course it ends in the students winning but what interests me more then the whole movie itself was the real stories in the credits! if you do get this movie to watch watch the real stories in the credits! thank you
Austin Movie Show review...
leilapostgrad23 October 2005
I never thought I'd ever see a movie worse than Johnson Family Vacation. But I now have. Congratulations to the cast and crew of Kids In America, you have officially surpassed all others and are now officially the WORST MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN!!! This is bad on an entirely new level never before achieved in the history of cinema.
It's more than just bad actors reciting pathetic dialog in the worst script ever written. It's the entire package. Every character is a completely distasteful and bad stereotype of a high school student. The gay guy is a George-Michael-worshiping buffoon, the Black girl wears an afro-wig and talks about "sista Maya" and "brother Malcolm," the Asian girl asks a cop if he wants a spring roll or some "sucky-sucky." And those are just the supporting cast! The main girl is the stereotypical socially conscious child-of-a-hippy, and the main boy, who's name is Holden, is supposed to be the brooding, brilliant, rebellious Holden Caulfield stereotype. All these characters are so surface, plastic, and formulaic that I question how not one person told the writer that this was a worthless piece of crap. And Nicole Ritchie as a cheerleader?!?! Come on! She's a worse actress than me! The biggest mystery is how they actually cast some of the adult characters. Not only did Elizabeth Perkins jeopardize her career by showing her face in this movie, but so did George Wendt who played Norm in Cheers. He ever kisses another man in what is easily the worst scene ever shot in a movie.
Oh it's bad, really, really, really bad. The only slightly creative aspect of Kids In America is during the end credits when we see quick interviews with actual high school kids who were expelled or suspended from school because of their clothes or poetry or sexuality. That was quasi-interesting.
It's more than just bad actors reciting pathetic dialog in the worst script ever written. It's the entire package. Every character is a completely distasteful and bad stereotype of a high school student. The gay guy is a George-Michael-worshiping buffoon, the Black girl wears an afro-wig and talks about "sista Maya" and "brother Malcolm," the Asian girl asks a cop if he wants a spring roll or some "sucky-sucky." And those are just the supporting cast! The main girl is the stereotypical socially conscious child-of-a-hippy, and the main boy, who's name is Holden, is supposed to be the brooding, brilliant, rebellious Holden Caulfield stereotype. All these characters are so surface, plastic, and formulaic that I question how not one person told the writer that this was a worthless piece of crap. And Nicole Ritchie as a cheerleader?!?! Come on! She's a worse actress than me! The biggest mystery is how they actually cast some of the adult characters. Not only did Elizabeth Perkins jeopardize her career by showing her face in this movie, but so did George Wendt who played Norm in Cheers. He ever kisses another man in what is easily the worst scene ever shot in a movie.
Oh it's bad, really, really, really bad. The only slightly creative aspect of Kids In America is during the end credits when we see quick interviews with actual high school kids who were expelled or suspended from school because of their clothes or poetry or sexuality. That was quasi-interesting.
This movie is...wow
calicutie6024 June 2006
This movie is one of the most amazing I have seen in a long time. As a teenager myself I found this film to be very inspiring. The hot young cast depicts the public school journey through life perfectly and provides for hours of entertainment. Although somewhat predictable, the plot advances nicely and obtains a wonderful balance between realism, exaggeration, and plain old fun. The story is based on true events that happened to various teenagers in the US. When their principal starts over-reacting towards everything and giving explosions to things that could be solved with Saturday detentions, the kids decide to crack down. Without violence they "stick it to the man" and truly come together as a united front. I recommend this film to anyone who: has ever been a political activist, wants to relive their teenage years, is trying to find a new perspective, and/or just wants to watch a really great movie.
The Ultimate Movie Review! - http://tss5078.blogspot.com - @tss5078
Tss50787 February 2022
Kids In America is more than just another teen movie, it's has a message to spread and came together in a very unique way. Principal Weller (Julie Bowen) is running for state superintendent and she wants her school to be perfect. All the troublemakers have been expelled and every little infraction means a long suspension. No one is happy about it, particularly the students, so they do the only thing they can, fight back! This film is based on a culmination of news stories from around the county, that feature students who were suspended for doing nothing more than expressing their first amendment rights. These stories are incorporated into the film and make up the basis for Weller's suspensions. As for the students, their ring leader is Holden Donovan (Gregory Smith), an honor student, and the last person you'd expect to be leading a student rebellion. I've long been a fan of Gregory Smith and this role was a detour from his normal routine. Smith always plays the sweet, lovable characters like Efram in Everwood or Dove in Rookie Blue, he's not known for comedy or for being the rebel. It was an interesting diversion that he pulls off quite well. The film is further supported by Julie Bowen and Nicole Ritchie, who are also playing roles that are out of their comfort zone. Kids In America is unique in that it's a comedy for teens that actually has a positive message. It also features a cast that is playing characters that they don't usually play, making for an even more enjoyable watch. Don't get me wrong I love comedies like Super Bad and 21 & Over, but it was a nice change of pace to see these kids acting out and getting into trouble for a cause, especially one that's near and dear to my heart.
Daddy can't buy you talent Nicole Richie!
ifuseekkody25 April 2010
AWFUL!!! If ever there was a case for barring someone from the film industry, this piece of trash is it. Money DOES NOT equate talent (or common sense in the case of Nicole Richie).
This movie has little plot and Richie's zombie-like "acting" puts the deep freeze on anything you might want to get out of the film. There's a reason the rest of the cast is made up of unknowns and little known bit players in Hollywood.
There have been some pretty dense actors through the years, but Nicole Richie is by far the runaway winner of all time. She even believes her award from Harvard is something good! Some people learn they don't have the skills to be in the business after the first flop, or at least after the second bomb. Nicole, however is obviously too blinded by her bedazzled sunglasses and purse to be able to recognize she has been in FOUR of the worst movies of all time, been to jail many times, does daily drugs, makes sex tapes, and spends her dads credit card. So the next time someone wants to cast Nicole Richie nevermind. Said enough. Stay far away from this movie!
This movie has little plot and Richie's zombie-like "acting" puts the deep freeze on anything you might want to get out of the film. There's a reason the rest of the cast is made up of unknowns and little known bit players in Hollywood.
There have been some pretty dense actors through the years, but Nicole Richie is by far the runaway winner of all time. She even believes her award from Harvard is something good! Some people learn they don't have the skills to be in the business after the first flop, or at least after the second bomb. Nicole, however is obviously too blinded by her bedazzled sunglasses and purse to be able to recognize she has been in FOUR of the worst movies of all time, been to jail many times, does daily drugs, makes sex tapes, and spends her dads credit card. So the next time someone wants to cast Nicole Richie nevermind. Said enough. Stay far away from this movie!
So much better than I was expecting!
dlittle-958042 February 2021
I don't even know how I stumbled across this movie - but I'm glad I did! I agree with many of the other reviews that it was nothing like the typically cheesy teen comedy I was expecting to shut off half way through. It was low budget, sure... but it was a great story that I ended up happy to have found.
Ugh!
kkern7321 October 2005
I thought this movie was really bad. Sure, the message is a good one. It's just so obnoxious! I paid nine bucks to hear stereotypical teens blab on and on about their rights for over an hour. The acting was poor, and the whole movie was unrealistic. For example, a gym full of teenagers is not going to start having a same-sex make-out session in the middle of the school day, especially not the guys! Even if they would participate, they wouldn't be MAKING OUT!
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?
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?
Extraordinarly Original...Would be an Understatement
betheldude9210 March 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Okay 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!!!
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!!!
Biggest Waste of Time for Everybody
kate120922 October 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I 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 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.
Plain simple, a super good feel-good movie!
godi-63 March 2006
Just 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!
This film did very little for me.
SolidFireEnterprises23 October 2005
Although 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...
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...
Poorly Marketed Film
apaulson29 August 2006
Unfortunately, in today's society, much of what is or isn't seen is based upon marketing. First, what can be marketed is shown, and secondly, the marketing we attach ourselves to, we view. I had the great fortune of watching a film who's marketing did not appeal to me. Because of the vast number of films that exist that I have yet to see, this is not always the easiest exception to make. Needless to say I was stunned, this film was neither how it was marketed or what I expected. You must walk into this film knowing that this is a message-oriented independent film with the goal being to incite, yes incite, social change and a cultural shift from the apathetic malaise affecting today's youth. This message is wrapped within a rather bland romantic story and makes the mistake of trying to balance a few too many genres. The many homages to past films are interesting and at least let you know that Josh knows not only what has occurred, but how to build on it. The film's message is not one that you haven't heard, but one which is periodically important to remind yourself of, lest you fall into the malaise which so frequently plagues our society. The film pays its respects to students who have spoken out and fought for their rights, who have fought for their own forms of what is just. The main item I was able to take away from this film was promise. The film shows a filmmaker with great ability. Much like watching a film like Duel, Hard Eight, or Bottle Rocket. Your not seeing a filmmaker hitting on all cylinders. But you are seeing the birth of a filmmaker, who when he reaches that point, it'll be something special. This film is not extraordinary. But it's good. It's worth your time, and inspires great confidence in the potential of Josh Stolberg and I'm excited to see where he goes and what he says, because it's a message that's worth listening to. -Andrew
Much better then I thought it would be!
causeiwantto200111 August 2007
I 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!
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