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      Kids in America

      2005, Comedy/Drama, 1h 29m

      36 Reviews 5,000+ Ratings

      What to know

      Critics Consensus

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

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      Kids in America  Photos

      Kids in America (2005) Kids in America (2005) Kids in America (2005) Kids in America (2005) A scene from the film "Kids in America."

      Movie Info

      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.

      • Rating: PG-13 (Language|Sexual Content|Mature Thematic Elements)

      • Genre: Comedy, Drama

      • Original Language: English

      • Director: Josh Stolberg

      • Producer: Andrew Shaifer

      • Writer: Andrew Shaifer, Josh Stolberg

      • Release Date (Theaters):  original

      • Release Date (Streaming):

      • Box Office (Gross USA): $440.2K

      • Runtime:

      • Distributor: Slowhand Cinema Releasing

      • Production Co: Kids in America LLC

      • Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

      Cast & Crew

      Gregory Smith
      Stephanie Sherrin
      Nicole Richie
      Malik Yoba
      Julie Bowen
      Caitlin Wachs
      Emy Coligado
      Chris Morris
      Alex Anfanger
      Adam Arkin
      George Wendt
      Andrew Shaifer
      Elizabeth Perkins
      Charles Shaughnessy
      W. Earl Brown
      Kim Coles
      Samantha Mathis
      Jeff Chase
      Scott M. Rosenfelt
      B. Billie Greif
      Guy Livneh
      Tracy Curtis
      Steve Readmond
      Sean Veale
      Karin L. McGaughey
      Nikoya Gonzalez

      Critic Reviews for Kids in America

      Audience Reviews for Kids in America

      • Apr 10, 2020

        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.

        Super Reviewer
      • Jul 14, 2011

        As far as I'm concerned, Kids In America is very underrated. What you have here with this film is a comedy that exposes an important subject. People hate on this film because of the fact that Nicole Ritchie plays in this film. Well, her role I thought was so minimal that it really didn't bring anything memorable to the film. Her role wasn't an essential part of the film. I didn't care to see her on screen, and she didn't annoy me in the process. What I love about Kids In America is that it's very different that your usual Teen comedy. Where the usual teen comedy insults teens for what they usually "are", Kids In America takes a different, refreshing approach and creates something funny, charming but above all, smart. The casting choices are well done, and every actor is perfect for the part they played. The film is very entertaining, funny and well crafted. This is an underrated film that shouldn't be passed up. Most Teen comedies fail to capture what teen life really is about, but Kids In America is the only film of it's kind that is smart and exposes issues that people don't even care about. Kids In America is a better film than what people might think. A well acted film with laughs and drama about important teen issues. Sure the film could have been improved upon, but for what it does, it captures the essence of what growing up really is, and that is one of the reasons that this film works so well.

        Super Reviewer
      • Jun 23, 2007

        Honestly I thought it was going to suck.. but there is a certain real edge to the movie that you don't find in the vast majority of "teen movies".. Most of the dialogue and characters are spot on, teens act like teens.. yet it still manages to be entertaining and humorous while carrying a message without caving and going to extremes..No names for all but three of the major roles (Gregory Smith, Caitlin Wachs and Julie Bowen) adds to the feel.. A few moments of stupidity and one particular character hurt the movie.. but there are a few great standout scenes and characters that make up for it.. It's not perfect, but it wasn't meant to be.. otherwise you'd end up with that carbon copy teen movie..

        Super Reviewer

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