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‘Angus’
By Rita Kempley
Washington Post Staff Writer
September 15, 1995
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"Angus" is a pitiful little film about a fat teenager's pathetic attempt to fit in with his thinner, more popular peers. Charlie Talbert, a 16-year-old discovered in line at an Illinois Wendy's, brings neither experience nor charisma to the title role of this stock tale of petty adolescent cruelties.Angus, whose father died years ago, inherited his weight problem from his mother, a truck driver (Kathy Bates) who got it from her father (George C. Scott at his all-time worst). The ballooning codger lives with his daughter and grandson, but his upcoming wedding to a younger woman threatens to disrupt the living arrangements. Though Angus seems to gain some self-esteem from reminding Grandpa to take his pills, their relationship is not only emotionally arid but worthless in terms of plot. The hero's only friend, Troy (Chris Owen), is hardly an improvement over the tiresome oldster. A freckled freak with bad teeth, jug ears and a number of disgusting personal habits, he also betrays his buddy—an act that is antithetical to Troy's loyal nature. Angus and Troy are frequently victimized by the popular kids under the leadership of golden-haired Rick (James Van Der Beek), the class president and the football team's quarterback. A bully despite his good looks and status, Rick and his snotty clique play a prank on Angus, voting him king of the Freshman Winter Ball. Though aware that Rick is up to no good, Angus knows that his title will give him a chance to be near the Winter Queen, the cheerleader he has loved all his life. If he goes, he fears embarrassment. But if he doesn't go, he may never have another chance to prove himself. "Angus" was directed by Patrick Read Johnson from Jill Gordon's screenplay. They have my condolences. Angus is rated PG-13 for sexual innuendo.
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