New Port South debuted on screens in Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwalkee and Madison, Wisconsin on September 7, 2001. It was shown at 35 theaters around the Chicago area, including in Hughes' hometown of Northbrook at the General Cinema. It is planned for a home video release in January 2002.

Maddox (Blake Shields), bright but disenchanted, creative yet restless, views school as confining, even oppressive. He goes so far as to compare its environment to that of an asylum, with the students viewed as inmates.

Looking for every chance to challenge the school's authority, he sees an opportunity when he discovers that a former student rebelled against the same educators a few years before. That young man, Stanton, was institutionalized after being expelled from New Port South in his senior year. He has since escaped from the asylum.

Inspired by Stanton's actions, Maddox enlists a group of students to revolt against their educators in a solemn attempt to change school policy and curriculum. Maddox begins distributing propaganda throughout the school and captures the entire student body.

Touchstone Pictures presents a John Hughes Production, "New Port South." Directed by Kyle Cooper, from a screenplay written by James Hughes, the film is produced by Billy Higgins, executive produced by John Hughes, and distributed by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.

(From the official Disney press release)

Additional info can be found in the production notes at Yahoo Movies.