Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging
Review
by Sean Lynch
As much as I truly hate having to quote a phrase from a film with a title like Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, but I
am seriously having a "Nervy B" about having come to terms with the
fact that at the age of 23... and being male... that I couldn't help but like this movie a little bit too much.
But I guess that's a good thing (for the film-maker at least) isn't it?
Based on the International best-selling series of books by Louise Rennison (titled Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging - apparently the movie-going public isn't as open minded about "Full Frontal" snogging as the book reading crew)
this charming and genuinely fun UK flick follows the eccentric and
irresistible Georgia Nicolson as she overcomes the trauma of being a
teenager.
Misunderstood by, what Georgia believes to be, her
ancient parents (who are only in their 30's - which is slightly scary
considering I'm not far off that myself) but buoyed by the love of her
cat Angus and her mates, Georgia struggles through teen-life seeking
out her two main desires: Getting a boyfriend and to throw the
greatest birthday party ever.
There have been plenty of these
sort of films over the last few years, most of which have stemmed from
successful books. And while they all generally hit the mark (Looking For Alibrandi and Hey Hey It's Esther Blueburger both come to mind) - they still feel somewhat incomplete.
Snogging doesn't seem to suffer from anything.
Aside from the fantastic teen cast (as opposed to most films of this ilk, all 15 year olds are played by 15 year olds... not 35 years olds... or Sarah Michelle Gellar), it's the understated realism that director Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham) goes for that really sets this one apart from the pack.
If
the same material were in the hands of Americans, with Hillary Duff in
the lead role, the finished product would resemble little more than a
candy coated mess. But by taking away the cliched cliches, adding
genuine teenage hormones, as well as some excellent and relevant
dialogue - and you've got a film which nails being a teen. Better yet,
it nails that experience no matter what age you are watching (we've all
had a crush, we've all had a pimple and we've all had silly fights with
friends - that stuff is timeless).
The film's leads, Georgia
Groome and Aaron Johnson, are both excellent (taking nothing away from
Georgia's group of friends who, more often than not, upstage everyone
else on screen) sharing a great chemistry and youthful exuberance which
is truly contagious. Georgia's "ancient parents" also deliver, in
particular The Sketch Show's Karen Taylor as Georgia's lusty mum.
An excellent soundtrack accompanies the film, something "youth teen" films so often get wrong, with tracks from The Kooks,
Lilley Allen - even the fictional band The Stiff Dylans (which is now
touring thanks to the success of the film in the UK) have a few catchy
(if not slightly bubblegum) tracks throughout - really capturing the
essence of modern life as well as complimenting the tone and mood of
the story.
However, if you had to put down the success of the
movie to one thing - you simply can't go past Georgia's kissing coach
"Peter The Kissing King"...
There is nothing funnier than a
cocky skinny-arsed 15 year old boy with a "Year 8 Moustache" (admit it
guys - we all had one, and we all believed it was awesome!) and
hormonal vocal chords. For me, this kid makes the whole cinematic
exercise worthwhile.
Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging
is easily the best teen film to hit screens this year - and if a 23
year old boy rates it as a winner... just imagine how highly the teeny
bopper girls will regard this one.
A popcorn classic waiting to happen.
4 out
of 5
Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging
Australian release: September 18th,
2008
Official
Website: Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging
Cast: Georgia Groome, Eleanor Tomlinson, Aaron Johnson
Director: Gurinder Chadha
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