MamaGravity good back-story, and good acting

Derry Herrera Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

Erica Derrick By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Dana An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Python Hyena Angus (1995): Dir: Patrick Read Johnson / Cast: Charlie Talbert, Ariana Richards, Chris Owen, Kathy Bates, George C. Scott: Average teen comedy aimed at those who have been looked down upon because of some sort of physical defect. Angus is overweight and the bunt of fat jokes at school. He is on the football team where he hopes to impress a cheerleader who is dating his worst enemy. He is adored by his mother and seeks advice from his live-in grandfather. It is arranged that Angus and the cheerleader are prom King and Queen. Predictable yet with a wonderful message directed by Patrick Read Johnson. Charlie Talbert pulls off a comical performance as Angus despite an outcome viewers will likely predict before he does. Chris Owen as Troy is bullied because of his large ears but he is Angus's best friend and offers assistance in preparing him for the dance. Ariana Richards plays the fetching cheerleader but the role is typical and only seen largely through the fixation of Angus. Kathy Bates plays his mother in a role she does her best with but it is standard issue. George C. Scott plays an uncle who cannot find the energy to stay awake although he attempts to deliver sane advice to Angus. Theme bashes bullying while honoring one's uniqueness resulting in a film that should appeal to teenagers with a message for adults in preparation for that time in life. Score: 7 / 10

jwysack I couldn't remember the title to this movie at first, but I remember the plum tux as plain as day.As a few other people have written and I'll re-iterate, why does Hollywood mis-label movies so much? Are they as insecure as Angus when it comes to picking a genre'? Although there is some comic relief ( as in life - there also is ), this is not what I would call a comedy. This movie should be shown in every single school district in this country when bullying is being discussed. It is the best case for anti-bullying efforts in school that I have ever seen.So why the "bleeping bleep" is this NOT on DVD? Considering all the TRASH that Hollywood puts out every year, here you have a golden gem that would make a ton of money as more kids who are "first timers" in school would buy.This isn't the first movie that Hollywood has mis-labeled in the name of sales and won't be the last - but for pete sakes PLEASE put this on DVD ? My kids would watch this in a heartbeat !!! Hey - anyone at Disney listening ??? Snap this film up while it's cheap and re-release it. Guaranteed money maker every year.The only other film that I've seen come even CLOSE to showing a kid standing up for themselves is "Sleepover" - while I like that one too, it's not anywhere near as real as this.10 out of 10 for the movie, ZERO out of 10 for the idiots who haven't gotten it put to DVD yet.

TheScottman I grew up with this movie, I enjoyed it so much. I watched it every week of my childhood. I wasn't really one of those kids who got picked on, I just thought Angus was a true (real life) hero and I looked up to him. There isn't too many one dimensional characters in this film. Everyone has feelings and the movie does a great job of showing their feelings. I have not read the short story, but if it's anything like this movie it'll be great.Like all teen movies it has a strong message that is spelled out for everyone. Unlike other teen movies this one seem to show everyone's side of high school life, even though the two main character's are "outcast" they're not really nerds. they both play on the football team and one of them is really good. You don't really expect that from "losers". The whole movie has great gags that everyone can enjoy and they're really funny.Charlie Talbert plays Angus Bethune (Great name, right?) his best friend Troy Wedberg is played by Chris Owen (Can't Hardly Wait) and he is just hysterical throughout the whole movie. George C. Scott (Patton) plays Angus' grandfather that is always falling asleep and he plays the role of dad to Angus giving him advice. Kathy Bates (Misery) does a great job as Angus' mother, Kathy Bates is just a great actor. Then we have James Van Der Beek (Varsity Blues) playing the bully and he does do a great job at it and Ariana Richards (Jurassic Park) plays Melissa Lefevre which Angus has a crush on.Overall I recommend this movie to anyone that likes teen movies such as the breakfast club, can't hardly wait, and sixteen candles. As longs as you went to public high school this film can't get old.

Tom As I look at some of the reviews posted here, many view Angus as an "Oh, look! Fat kids can fit in too!" kinda movie. It's NOT! It's about a boy with low self-esteem finding it. At first, he thinks "fitting in" will make him happy, but as the story progresses, he realizes it's not about fitting in, it's about accepting himself as he is, and not letting what others think of him dictate how he feels about himself. By standing up to Rick, Angus does not suddenly "fit in". He simply asserts that HE is control of his life and how he feels, not others. It's this self-realization that boosts his self-esteem, not "fitting in". That said, it's still a funny, touching, and leave-ya-feelin'-good kinda flick. And that's why I luv it!