Angus (1995)

By Greg
Score: 7/10

When it comes to the classic coming of age films, Angus should make the list. Its on mine. Its a tale of Angus (Charlie Talbert) a great student, standout football player and a heavy set individual who struggles with his life on a daily basis. He lives with his high spirited mom Meg (Kathy Bates) and ever so wise and war torn grandfather, Ivan (George C. Scott), also Angus has his best friend Troy (Chris Owen, Sherman/Sherminator of American Pie series fame) who also battles with social awkwardness.

Angus also has always had two things that add to his struggles. First, a crush on school hottie/cheerleader, Melissa (Ariana Richards) and Second, always coming in second to school quarterback/Mr. Popular, Rick (James Van Der Beek). Rick has the girl, the looks and since he is the football quarterback, he overshadows Angus's ability at defensive lineman which he excels at. Although this is a mere small portion of the film. The film deals with how Angus must learn to gain confidence in himself to overcome his angst. Having to dance with his crush Melissa is one thing, but Angus is also a super scholar. So he also needs to impress upon a judge for a great scholarship in science. All this culminates at the dance, in true teen angst film brilliance. Along the way Angus has other hurdles in life to deal with, but they too are life's lessons that help us to make those decisions that guide our lives and give us strength.

Its an uplifting film, and personally it helped me through some struggles way back in 1995 when I saw it in theatres with friends. After seeing it, I held my head higher at school, it hit me in a spot that helped to propel me through that final year of high school. Worst part, the test of time didn't bode to well with the film, that's why its a 7 and not an 8, a definite glimpse on the mid nineties though.

Starring: Charlie Talbert, Chris Owen, George C. Scott and Kathy Bates
Directed by: Patrick Read Johnson
Budget/Gross: N/A / $4,821,759 (USA)
IMDB Rating: 6.3/10
Tomatometer: 36% critics and 65% audience liked it