Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging
Dir Gurinder Chadha feat Georgia Groome, Aaron Johnson (PG)
From the director of Bend It Like Beckham and Bride & Prejudice
comes this coming-of-age drama adapted from novels by author Louise
Rennison, whose Confessions of Georgia Nicholson series has been a hit
with teenage girls. Its interest is 14-year-old Georgia, who isn't the
prettiest schoolgirl on her pastel-painted terraced street, but has
optimism, friends and clever put-downs.
The arrival of modest, 'fit' brothers Robbie and Tom and
occasional,'snogging' lessons offer welcome 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 catches the nervous mood and buoyant pleasure
of early boy-girl dalliances - the best scenes are those of Georgia and
Robbie (Aaron Johnson) talking on the seafront. She's at ease dealing
with girls' silly obsessions - lists, grading, outward appearance and
social comparisons - and the more serious issues like friendships and
forging self-identity. Sweet and funny.