Review of Angus (1995) by Hershal W — 10 Apr 2011

This movie shouldn't work. It's got a by-the-books typical teen outcast in high school plot: big fat kid in love with a girl he can never have, big fat kid's nerdier best buddy, star quarterback who hates the fat kid and doesn't appreciate the girl, clueless cheerleader with a secret she doesn't want anyone to know.

But despite all that, it succeeds in telling its small, familiar tale. The lead Charlie Talbert, in his first acting role, is engaging and smart and charming. A quick review of his IMDB profile shows this was probably his finest work. His best buddy Chris Owen, the geeky big eared redhead, went onto similar roles, most notably in the American Pie franchise. He's also the grocery store clerk that gets pulled out by the tentacles in 'The Mist'. You'll recognize him. As you will the quarterback and our hero's erstwhile love, the cheerleader, portrayed respectively by James Van Der Beek (who found fame as Dawson and for that thing he did in 'The Rules of Attraction) and Ariana Richards, who would later be terrorized by cloned raptors in Jurassic Park.

General Patton himself, George C Scott, has a small role as Angus' grandfather and the always lively Kathy Bates (who I saw way too much of in 'About Schmidt') rounds out the cast as his mother.

Neither as smart as The John Hughes Triumverate of the 80's (Ferris, Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles) or as moving as the classic Corey Haim vehicle, 'Lucas', this is a movie that nevertheless deserves to be more known. It's only available on DVD through the Warner Archives but it is presently streaming on Netflix Instant. You can find far worse ways to spend your time then to throw on this pleasant 90 minute diversion.

On a final note, the soundtrack is littered with 90's bands that have since and gratefully faded into obscurity. Besides some throw away tracks from Weezer and Green Day, the one notable exception to that is a rousing rendition of Love Spit Love's 'Am I Wrong' that opens the film. Accompanied by a high school marching band at the halftime show of the football game where the action begins, it really is effective at setting the tone of the flick. Who is Love Spit Love you might ask? I don't know. They're the band plays that song in 'Angus' that I like so much. Weren't you paying attention?