|
|
|
The "Kids" are alright |
|
|
|
Written by ALAN SIMONIS
|
|
Monday, 31 October 2005 |
You know, “Kids In America” is my kind of film. There’s just something in stories about defiant teens that really speaks to me. Not that I was a particularly rebellious kid myself (most of the time)- however I do believe that assumed authority should be challenged and capricious rules should be questioned, so it doesn’t surprise me that I get a vicarious thrill off watching movie teeners telling their Principals where to cram it.
| | |
"Kids in America"
|
 Entertainment
 Art
Directed by Josh Stolberg
Written by Andrew Shaifer and Josh Stolberg
Starring Gregory Smith, Stephanie Sherrin, and Julie Bowen
Rated PG-13 for sexual content, mature thematic elements and language.
Released October 21, 2005
|
| | |
I’m not alone either- ever since Marlon Brando uttered that famous line from “The Wild One” (“What’re you rebelling against, Johnny?” “Whaddya Got?”), Hollywood has been making a tidy profit off tales of unruly youths. Of course, while teen films usually are moneymaking machines, they are also typically not that good. Thankfully “Kids In America” is not a typical movie.
These particular kids (in America) are students at Booker High, a typical-looking school in an average American town. Similarly, the students themselves are a microcosm of society at large; they are ethnically and sexually diverse, represent all levels of wealth and status, and even embody all shapes and sizes of today’s youth.
However, while the school, town, and student populous may be typical, their Principal is not. Principal Weller (Julie Bowen) rules Booker High with an iron fist, and has a penchant for expulsion not seen since Principal Creswood of “Pump Up The Volume.” Early in the film she has, for example, booted the founder of the abstinence club for distributing condoms, and another student for “offensive” poetry found in her private journal.
These ejections start to raise the ire of the students, especially since Weller is running for School Superintendent and could therefore spread her authoritative rule to the entire district. Rather than face that grim possibility, the students, particularly neo-activist Charlotte (Stephanie Sherrin) and well-meaning rebel Holden (Gregory Smith), decide to fight back. Along with their friends, and their teacher/mentor Mr. Drucker (Malik Yoba), they stage a series of protests and demonstrations to show their classmates, parents, and neighbors what’s going down at Booker High.
That’s what I really appreciated about the film. Ultimately, this movie isn’t about these specific kids or their problems; it’s about showing how intelligent, well-meaning students discover ways (both successful and unsuccessful) to take an active interest in causes that are important to them. Let me tell you - I took a lot of Honors Courses in High School; I recall knowing plenty of kids who thought that being concerned about issues was an end result in itself. The kids in this film start off that way too, but they grow considerably from there. They learn to take the feelings that fuel their global concerns, and apply them to issues that affect them on a daily basis. After all, if you can change the world a little bit, it makes solving the big problems that much easier.
By the way, when you see “Kids In America,” be sure to stay through the credits- as they run, actual students who inspired this film tell their stories. They are a chilling reminder that things like these do happen to young people in this country. Part of the reason for it is that so often kids aren’t taken seriously because they’re “only kids.” As director Josh Stolberg says on the films official website, “one of the reasons that kids don’t seem to be speaking out is because adults aren’t giving them the chance to be heard.” That’s why it’s so touching to see these kids be given their voice- it shows that the filmmakers share their idealism, the quality that makes this film something special.Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
Other Recent Articles by ALAN SIMONIS:In Cloverfield Reality Bites BackSmith’s “Legend” GrowsUnrealistic Issues Cloud “Real Life”Cronenberg And Mortensen Deliver on “Promises”Cheeky Fantasy for the Post-Potter Crowd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
