Kids in America (2005)

Director:

Josh Stolberg

Writers (WGA):

Andrew Shaifer (written by) &
Josh Stolberg (written by)

Genre:

Drama | Comedy

Tagline:

High school will never be the same.

Plot:

A diverse group of high school students band together to peacefully stick it to their overbearing principal. |

Plot Keywords:

Principal | Hippie | Goth Girl | Graffiti | Talent Show

Cast

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 (as Nicole Camille Richie)
Genevieve Cortese	...	Ashley Harris
George Wendt	...	Coach Thompson
Adam Arkin	...	Ed Mumsford
Jeff Chase	...	Asst. Coach Fasso

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for sexual content, mature thematic elements and language.

Runtime:

91 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:PG-13 (certificate #42047) | Australia:M | South Korea:15

Filming Locations:

College of the Canyons - 26455 Rockwell Canyon Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California, USA

Company:

Kids in America LLC

Trivia:

This movie holds the world record for the longest on screen kiss with a kiss between Smith and Sherrin lasting just over six minutes during the end credits.

Quotes:

Student: [in response to Holden saying that people should make out with someone of their own sex as a statement against homophobia] That's gay!
Holden Donovan: That's the point.

Movie Connections:

References All About Eve (1950)

Poorly Marketed Film

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