Kids in America

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.

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.

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 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.

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.