Angus (1995)

Angus (1995) *** (out of 4) Charming gem about an overweight teenager named Angus (Charlie Talbert) who is constantly being tormented by the kids at his school. This eventually leads to him being the target of a prank that gets him elected homecoming king where he's going to have to dance with the Queen, which just happens to be the girl of his dreams (Ariana Richards). Through all of this Angus has his grandfather (George C. Scott) and mother (Kathy Bates) there trying to do what's best for him. ANGUS is a truly charming little gem and it's really too bad that it never found a bigger audience because it's really a good little movie. Of course it's going to have a big message going throughout but what really makes this film work are the performances and the relationship that Charlie has with the people around him. The main focus is the relationship between Charlie and his grandfather with this here getting some of the most heartwarming scenes in the picture. Talbert is excellent in his role as the abused teen as he really has a lot of passion in the performance and I think it's fair to say that he perfectly handles the emotional challenges of the role. Bates is also good in her supporting bit as is James Van Der Beek and Richards. The real scene stealer is George C. Scott who is just so tender and fun here as the advice giving grandfather. The film certainly borrows some from CARRIE but this here is just played for laughs and its message. The film isn't a masterpiece but for its type it's very charming and fun to watch.

I really think all teenagers should watch this at the beginning of their high school days.It will make things a lot easier for them due to the message of this film.Its about saying "screw'em" to the world and to just be yourself and that its OK to be abnormal because "there is no normal".Every teenager suffers from Self Esteem problems but after watching this film they should feel a lot more relaxed within themselves.From touching scenes to funny set pieces it has something for most people and will leave you with a nice feeling inside,how many movies do that these days where its all doom and gloom and ridiculous scenarios.This is also a very well acted movie and is lovely piece of work overall.

If you've ever been on the receiving end of being the geek in class you can relate to the story of Angus... and if you've ever been the "fat" kid in school, this story is about you. ANGUS is an excellent film with sensitive issues that relate to the outcast group of us that felt we were the odd individuals everyone hated. And yet, it turned out that we were the majority, and the minority that were popular held rule over us. We now know that we had the power to rebel, but too late to take advantage of our skills and too late to requiet that love that we felt was beyond our grasp. "Angus" takes the chances that we never did, and excels in the courage that we never realized we had. Open your mind, free your soul, and live that dream you had when you were young... be Angus for a day and you'll never again feel you were looked down upon. You will realize that now... you're the one "they" look back upon. Be proud, be different, be "Angus".

This film is great for people of all ages. Angus Bathune plays the underdog in this comedy about an unpopular fat kid who loves science. Growing up with his biggest enemy Rick (Van der beek), Angus continues to resent the fact that Rick is the most popular guy in school with the most popular girl -and Angus's biggest crush- Melissa on his arm. This is a lovely comedy and i'm proud to say, it brought a tear to my eye. A simple comedy about the geek that wins the girl, I give Angus 4 out of 5.