Laid In America

The 2016 movie Laid In America is a comical exploration of the quintessential high school experience, wrapped up in the all-encompassing drive to be socially accepted, all through the lens of two foreign exchange students' quest for the ultimate American dream. The film boasts a delightful array of talented actors, including renowned YouTube personalities KSI (Olajide Olatunji), Caspar Lee, and notable comedian Bobby Lee.

The narrative of Laid In America kicks off with the introduction of the quick-witted Jack and somewhat naive Duncan, played by KSI and Lee respectively, two British high school exchange students who are nearing the end of their exchange program in America. The duo is far from fitting the archetype of the popular students. In contrast, they find themselves on the tail end of the popularity food chain. Despite their outsider status, Jack and Duncan are driven by their ambitious end goal - they aspire to lose their virginity before they head home to the UK.

The opportunity to achieve their goal arises when the duo gets invited to the biggest party of the year - the perfect occasion to get closer to their crushes. However, their plans are waylaid when they are kidnapped by a motley crew of eccentric thugs led by Goose, portrayed by the talented Bobby Lee. The two have to use their smarts and humor to navigate through a maze of misadventures and escapades to escape Goose and his gang, all while holding onto their ultimate objective - to get laid on their last night in America.

A prominent subplot in Laid In America is centered on the two friends navigating their way through the complexities of American high school popularity and pick-up culture, while hilariously trying to understand and adjust to the American way of life. Although told through a comedic lens, the film subtly explores the nuances of the American high school social hierarchy and the overtness of American teenage behavior.

The movie serves as a coming-of-age comedy where friendship, love, and acceptance play key roles. Directed by Sam Milman and Peter Vass, the film effortlessly combines elements of road comedy with the high school movie genre, adding into the mix elements of adventure and situational humor. The comedic commentary on cultural differences and social norms forms the crux of the film.

The movie stands out for its sharp wit, intriguing plot twists, and genuinely funny moments. KSI and Caspar Lee are exceptional in their roles, delivering characters that are endearing and easy to root for their goofiness, naivety and more importantly, their steadfast dedication to their friendship. The script is humorous and filled with lots of unexpected turns that keep viewers engaged from start to finish. The supporting cast, which includes Madison Iseman, Josh Leyva, and Alexandra Daddario, helps to flesh out the movie’s universe, each character contributing to the rich and quirky storytelling.

Additionally, Bobby Lee's portrayal of Goose, the unusual gang leader who sidelines as a psychopathic party clown, is a highlight of the film, adding a distinct flavor—an almost absurd comic relief—that contributes to the film’s overall appeal. The dynamic between the main characters and their adult counterparts also contributes to the movie's comedic tone whilst also helping to contextualize the motivation and actions of the teenage protagonists.

Shot on location in the USA, the movie takes on a bright and preppy visual appeal, with the choices in costumes and set designs perfectly embodying a high school experience that feels authentic and relatable, while also lending to the humor and allure of the narrative. The film's direction, cinematography, and production design add depth and dimension to the story, making it an enjoyable spectacle.

In conclusion, Laid In America, with its comedic commentary and adolescent escapade, presents a witty and hilarious exploration of two foreign exchange students' adventures in navigating the ultimate American dream. This film is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys high school comedies, as it presents a unique blend of teenage angst, comedy, friendship, and the universal quest for acceptance and love.