Angus (1995)

36% of critics liked it
(11 reviews)
64% of users liked it
(6,977 ratings)

High schooler Angus (Charlie Talbert), a jumbo-sized lad, seems underappreciated in all aspects of his life: he is a standout offensive lineman on the football team, but golden-boy quarterback Rick (James Van der Beek) gets all the accolades for his blood, sweat, and pass-blocking; he is also an… More High schooler Angus (Charlie Talbert), a jumbo-sized lad, seems underappreciated in all aspects of his life: he is a standout offensive lineman on the football team, but golden-boy quarterback Rick (James Van der Beek) gets all the accolades for his blood, sweat, and pass-blocking; he is also an outstanding student, but his classmates still regard him as a dork; the girl of his dreams (Arian Richards), Rick's girlfriend, seems to ignore him. Only when Angus musters the courage to put on a maroon tuxedo and head off to the school dance at the urging of his loving, free-spirit mom (Kathy Bates) does he finally get the recognition he deserves (as does Rick, who attempts to publicly humiliate Angus with a cruel prank). While the story is familiar, director Patric Johnson and the entire cast infuse the film with real warmth, making Angus a winner (as does its refreshing attitude toward violence). ~ Jeremy Beday, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: Patrick Read Johnson
Genres: Drama, Kids & Family, Romance, Comedy

In Theaters: Sep 15, 1995 Wide
On DVD: Mar 19, 1996
Studio: Turner Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Susan Wloszczyna, USA Today
For a movie that extols the virtues of being different, Angus is a frustratingly ordinary story of a high-school underdog: a chow hound in puppy love.
Stefan Birgir Stefansson, sbs.is
quite heartwarming
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Considering how uunusal the film's family setting is--a boy growing up with gay dad and lesbian mother--and talent caliber (George C. Scott and Kathy Bates), Angus is a particularly disappointing film due to pedestrian writing and straight direction.
Brian Mckay, eFilmCritic.com
A plodding, teen cookie-cutter "nerds are people too" story. Hamfisted and dull.
Clint Morris, Moviehole
Family-Friendly and uplifting story for any underdog

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

♥˩ƳИИ &

I think this movie is really funny. Love the quirkiness of the friendship.
Michael S

Great childhood favorite.
Curtis L

Don't remember much about it. Not great for sure.
Professor W

Summary: A fat, socially awkward, good-at-science kid and his story of getting the girl of his dreams to at the very least, notice him. Sounds typical, right? Well this one is good. The Good: The characters, Angus in particular, is actually interesting and someone you can… More
Summary: A fat, socially awkward, good-at-science kid and his story of getting the girl of his dreams to at the very least, notice him. Sounds typical, right? Well this one is good. The Good: The characters, Angus in particular, is actually interesting and someone you can actually care about. I also liked how the pushed the idea that no one is normal, and I love some of the things that Angus says. Very witty. Good soundtrack too. The Bad: It kind of follows the same formula for these type of movies but I feel that this one is different in a way. Ratings: Acting: 9/10 Story: 6/10 Originality: 6/10 Soundtrack: 9/10 Characters: 9/10 Overall: 8/10
Leo L

My absolute favorite movie! Loved the music!!