Austin High

Hilarious movie, true to Austin and all the "Keep Austin Weird" motto! Saw it at Austin Film Festival and laughed so hard I literally teared up. Acting was great and natural and you actually wondered if these folks knew each other well in real life. This is *not* like a "Dazed and Confused" wanna-be type movie and more in step with today's Austinite antics ;). The writing and dialog is naturally portrayed. I found the story plot-line quite eccentric (like Austin's characters aren't??). Also, the subject matter is hilariously politically incorrect (come'on, you know you laugh at non-pc comedy!), and will leave you laughing at every take. A lot of the humor is over the top, crazy and squirm-in-your-chair-uncomfortable-funny - but if you like Tosh.0 then this is right up your alley.

Fabulous modern take on a Dazed and Confused type of local film. A must watch for any Austinite, new or old, stoner or anyone looking for a laugh. Well cast, acted and great local scenes throughout. Kept us laughing through our entire bucket of beers at the Alamo. It was fast paced, where many indie films get lost in useless plot, and the comedy hits everything from fart jokes to 'too much scrotum'. Also hits the Austin scene highlights; pedicabs, pot smoking and pretty girls.

Welcome to Ladybird High, nestled comfortably amongst the soul-searchers, aging hippies, and nouveau weirdos of famously freewheeling Austin, Texas. At Ladybird, it's always 4:20, even for Principal Samuel Wilson. But when the community is rocked by a citywide crackdown on marijuana use, local leaders are determined to make an example of Samuel, his staff and students. When asked to support their iron-fisted efforts, Samuel is beset with the task of cleaning up his beloved school without compromising his life philosophy.

This is more than just a pro-pot movie. It delves into the issues that both define and divide our culture: gentrification, economic disparity, sexual repression, and our individual ability to affect change. All this, plus it features one of the coolest cities anywhere on Earth as a central character. Great performances by Melinda Cohen, Brently Heilbron, Adriene Mishler, Bill Wise, and Mike Wilson lead the way for a wonderful ensemble of gifted actors, and the cameo by Duane "Dog: The Bounty Hunter" Chapman is not to be missed. Kirk Johnson and Will Elliot offer up a hilarious script, and somehow hang a moral on it without weighing it down. This film really puts the "Tea" back in Texas! Grab a friend, catch a buzz and check it out!

Austin High was well-made, well-written, and hilarious to watch. The casting was great. The choices in what and how to best represent Austin and Austin culture were solid, too. There wasn't anything non-feel-good about this movie and it makes for the perfect opportunity to watch something with a light heart that still accurately represents a relevant issue. Matters over marijuana are in the news exponentially more so these days and although Austin High's characters are intentional caricatures of potheads, the roles earnestly represent the laid-back nature of the subculture. I definitely recommend this movie! I watched it screened in Austin--there couldn't have been a better place.

If there's anything that is always prevalent in Austin, Texas, it's the stoner culture that permeates throughout the city's youth. Austin High captures the spirit of that culture in a film that asks "what would happen if a bunch of stoners grew up to run their own high school?".

The vibe of "Keeping Austin Weird" is also helped by cameos from the likes of "Dog the Bounty Hunter," who makes a surprise appearance in this indie film to wreck havoc on unsuspecting teens. Over the top and funny, "Austin High" is an indie comedy that captures the city's youth in a light-hearted and often unexpected, and over the top, way. If you're an Austin native or have visited the city, you'll find yourself chuckling along a time or two with this film.