Kids in America

PG-13

Released Oct 21, 2005

1h 29m

Comedy

Drama

List

17%

36 Reviews

Tomatometer

65%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

With hopes of becoming the superintendent of her school district, Principal Weller (Julie Bowen) takes a hard-line stance against any act or behavior that she deems an insurrection. However, almost everything her students do to express themselves is problematic to Weller. Tired of being silenced and kept down, one high-school senior, Holden Donovan (Gregory Smith), rallies his classmates from all different social groups to join in protest against Weller's attacks on their personal freedoms.

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Peacock

Critics Consensus

An awkward blend of teen comedy and social commentary, Kids in America largely fails to provoke thought or laughter.

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Audience Member

The funniest and most original PG-13 comedy ever, LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

kevin c

Cover looks like a generic teen comedy, and while there are a few aspects of that, this is based on true events of a high school in Florida who's principal was expelling and suspending students at will for expressing themselves. Sure the movie version is made to be funny, but at the heart of it is just teens wanting to be themselves. Decent movie and message. Stars Gregory Smith and Julie Bowen.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

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.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This film is painful. From acting, stereotypes, to music, etc. Very dated, has not aged well. Thinks it's a lot cooler and smarter than it is. SKIP!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

with better acting this could've been a decent film, but maybe that's not what the director was aiming for

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This movie takes a light and funny approach to a real concern in some high schools - principals and teachers that run their schools with a political agenda. The cast was great and the story was definitely good to watch once.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

Full Review

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Josh Stolberg

Director

Gregory Smith

Holden Donovan

Stephanie Sherrin

Charlotte Pratt

Nicole Richie

Kelly Stepford

Malik Yoba

Will Drucker

Julie Bowen

Principal Weller

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Richard Roeper

Ebert & Roeper

What a wasted opportunity.

Oct 24, 2005

Full Review

Robert Denerstein

Denver Rocky Mountain News

Rated: C

Oct 22, 2005

Full Review

Justin Chang

Variety

Would be easier to root for if it weren't so very pleased with itself.

Oct 21, 2005

Full Review

Caffeinated Clint

Moviehole

boy, does it kick goals! There's some real fun to be had here

Sep 12, 2006

Full Review

Scott Weinberg

DVDTalk.com

The cast keeps it watchable, but it's not a flick you'll remember for more than 45 minutes.

Rated: 2.5/5

Mar 21, 2006

Full Review

Steven Snyder

Zertinet Movies

Rated: 3.5/4

Dec 14, 2005

Full Review

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Synopsis

With hopes of becoming the superintendent of her school district, Principal Weller (Julie Bowen) takes a hard-line stance against any act or behavior that she deems an insurrection. However, almost everything her students do to express themselves is problematic to Weller. Tired of being silenced and kept down, one high-school senior, Holden Donovan (Gregory Smith), rallies his classmates from all different social groups to join in protest against Weller's attacks on their personal freedoms.

Director: Josh Stolberg
Producer: Scott M. Rosenfelt, B. Billie Greif
Screenwriter: Andrew Shaifer, Josh Stolberg
Distributor: Slowhand Cinema Releasing
Production Co: Kids in America LLC
Rating: PG-13 (Language|Sexual Content|Mature Thematic Elements)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 21, 2005, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 14, 2021
Box Office (Gross USA): $440.2K
Runtime: 1h 29m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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