Austin High

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!

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.

I heard certain people had never even seen this, and yet rated it very poorly due to the title and/or "subject" matter. I think these type of people have invaded our country over the past 3 or so years, ever since Obama became President (it's a sore thing to have a minority in the White House to them, I suppose). However, if they can even remember the slightest bit of humanity they may have left in them, maybe they can start waking up a bit and seeing the light that's out there shining away. This is well written and worth more than a "no thank you". Come on, give it a try, you may actually find being open-minded to your liking! Thanks for reading my review and peace and happiness be yours in the new year.

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.