Kids In America
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DVD Review
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Review
Set in an archetypal US high school this well constructed jape tries to blow the myth that all American teenagers come with pre-installed apathetic genes.
Loosely based around real events, we see the over zealous commandant, Principal Weller, played deliciously by Julie Bowen [Happy Gilmore, Multiplicity] whose every action chips away at students’ basic rights to express their thoughts- whether it be through documentary film making or the support of safe sex; events are triggered when a young girl is suspended for taking a stance by sticking condoms to her clothing. A wave of similar suspensions and expulsions follow which only widens the gulf between the education idealist and the young adults under her jurisdiction.
Some of the teachers, notably the very dim and very wet drama teacher Chip Stratton played by Andrew Shaifer [also the film’s co-writer], are led Pied Piper style by Weller but English lecturer and former human rights activist Will Drucker, Malik Yoba [Cool Runnings, Criminal], bucks the trend and empowers his class to question authority and make their own decisions in life.
This popular teacher sows the seeds which germinate the young minds. But even he is not prepared for how they interpret his words. What follows is the classic uprising led by Holden Donovan, the film’s lead role played with understated style by Gregory Smith [Small Soldiers], a student suspended after squaring up to his nemesis, Weller; by pulling a series of stunts with his on screen girlfriend, played by Stephanie Sherrin, and fellow classmates, they raise the profile of this attack on their first amendment rights.
Media attention soon follows as Weller’s upcoming election campaign for State Superintendent of Schools brings her tenure at the school into sharp focus.The students almost blow it when they accidentally injure one of their own as a dangerous demonstration goes wrong. But after some soul searching and talks with the, by now, fired Drucker they regroup and make the final push for the downfall of the ailing Principal; by this point her agony is palpable as she realises that power is slowly slipping away from her and any potential voters are disappearing fast.
More than a teen flick then and, more importantly, an American high school film that doesn’t rely on lame cheerleader/sorority gags. Director and co-writer Josh Stolberg proves he’s more than just a TV scriptwriter with this well thought out and structured movie: I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future.
Extras: In addition to a feature commentary all that’s on offer here is the bog standard two-minute trailer for movie theatres and some behind the scenes interviews with cast members. Very predictable and, I’m afraid, very dull.
Sound & Vision: All you’d expect from a new film- sharp crisp colours in perfect contrast and a 5:1 surround sound.
Overall: The writers picked up the baton given to them by the real kids in America who had been suspended and had been expelled from their schools and turned in an inspired movie which makes you think and makes you laugh: you can’t ask for much more than that, can you?
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