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Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008)

Director: Gurinder Chadha

3

Time Out rating

Average user rating
189 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

The latest from Gurinder Chadha, the director of ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ and ‘Bride & Prejudice’ is a coming-of-age drama adapted from the first two novels of British author Louise Rennison, whose ‘Confessions of Georgia Nicholson’ series has been a hit with teenage girls.

Its interest is 14-year-old Georgia (played by Georgia Groome, unrecognisable from her turn as the runaway in ‘London to Brighton’), who isn’t the prettiest schoolgirl on her pastel-painted terraced street in Eastbourne, but has at her disposal optimism, friends and a clever line in put-downs. The arrival of modest, ‘fit’ brothers Robbie and Tom (who play in a band called the Stiff Dylans) and occasional, dispassionate ‘snogging’ lessons offer her a welcome dose of escapism. Nevertheless, she still feels charged with keeping together her architect father (Alan Davies), who’s planning to move to New Zealand, and mother (Karen Taylor), who’s taken to preening herself in front of a handsome builder.

Chadha’s skill is catching the nervous mood and buoyant pleasure of those early boy-girl dalliances – the best scenes are those of Georgia and Robbie (a nicely contained Aaron Johnson) talking on the seafront. She’s at ease, too, dealing with the girls’ silly obsessions – lists, grading, outward appearance and social comparisons – and the more serious issues of the functioning of friendships and the forging of self-identity. Sweet and often funny.

Author: Wally Hammond 2008-07-22 12:45:19

Time Out London Issue 1979, July 24 - 30, 2008


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User reviews of this film

  • Crystal said...
    Posted on Jul 28 2009 12:42 Aaron Johnson is fitttt....x Hes a great actor x He was great in Nearly Famous aswell lol...= P
    Report as inappropriate
  • rebecaa said...
    Posted on Apr 17 2009 17:53 well, i think these people are stupid, they go to the cinema again and agian just to see it, iv just downloaded it online and i can watch it wenever i want, and plus its high qualitiy. lol thaankx
    Report as inappropriate
  • olive said...
    Posted on Mar 19 2009 05:21 I loved it!!!!!! This is such a cute movie and it's my new fav! The guy is sooooooo hot and the acting is pretty decent. The kissing, or "snogging" is super hot and sweet. The movie had such a good happy ending and I love happy endings!
    Report as inappropriate
  • Sarah said...
    Posted on Mar 06 2009 13:43 I love it cause its so ridiulous. i mean parts of it are so un-funny its just hilarious. I watch it everytime i have a sleepvoer with someone. Great movie. x
    Report as inappropriate
  • shannon said...
    Posted on Feb 21 2009 00:27 this film is classic angus is legend and robbie is so sexsy
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  • beki said...
    Posted on Feb 09 2009 11:04 i love this film and robbie is buff. i would love to meet him.
    Report as inappropriate
  • Paige said...
    Posted on Feb 03 2009 14:47 i loved the film when me and my stepsister went to see it at the cinema we were like OMG at robbie coz he is cute and fit.
    Report as inappropriate
  • anna said...
    Posted on Jan 24 2009 14:58 what i don't understand is why all of them are meant to be 14 or so but act and look (especially the one playing Ellen, bloody hell) about eight or nine. eight or nine year olds with low IQs.
    Report as inappropriate
  • Mrs Chadbon said...
    Posted on Jan 08 2009 18:46 Every girl from age 11 should watch this film. Shows beautifully the traumas of growing up - relationships with friends as well as boys. Parents - go buy the DVD and let them all watch it over and over again!
    Report as inappropriate
  • El said...
    Posted on Jan 04 2009 18:14 LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DAVE + ROBBIE ARE SOOOOOO CUTE!!!!!!! xxx
    Report as inappropriate
  • i said...
    Posted on Dec 15 2008 22:20 this is the best film i've ever watched i'm 15 and my dad's 48 even he likes it
    Report as inappropriate
  • Megan said...
    Posted on Nov 16 2008 18:48 The Dvd's out on the 8th december..
    ive been looking all over for the angus top robbie wears at the end..anyone know were i could get it??
    Report as inappropriate
  • juguuygu said...
    Posted on Oct 29 2008 18:15 this movie izzz da bestttttttttttt u just will lurve it
    Report as inappropriate
  • candy said...
    Posted on Oct 13 2008 13:40 When is this film out on DVD???????????
    Report as inappropriate
  • candy said...
    Posted on Oct 13 2008 13:40 When is this film out on DVD???????????
    Report as inappropriate
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Cast & crew

Director: Gurinder Chadha

Cast: Georgia Groome, Aaron Johnson, Alan Davies full cast

Rated: 12A

Duration: 100 mins

UK Release: Jul 25 2008




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