Ah, the Brits. What fun they must have had with a title like this. They who have such wit different to any other. To see them create a different take on the ever-popular teen genre is refreshing, considering that while there will always be room for these films, most are churned out by the US. For them to then aim at the younger teen market (note: past the tweens, not yet young adults) is a win for movie-goers because of the rarity for that demographic. While we saw St Trinians come out of England earlier this year to lukewarm reception, Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging has some firepower at the helm in the name of director Gurinder Chadha.

Based on the books by Louise Rennison, Chadha has created a tale that’s part comedy, part teen angst but ultimately hopeful. The story of almost-15-year-old Georgia’s life yet to begin, consumed with thoughts of boys, boys, her first kiss – oh, and boys, centres around her three BFF’s and their pursuit of first boyfriends – and with that, what follows. With the pursuit of older boys comes frustration of competition, failed plans and a different turn of events. Chadha and co-writers Paul Mayeda Berges, Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi see to it that Georgia follows a deviated path that somehow still manages to get her back on track.

After her success with Bend It Like Beckham (still hugely popular with teens), Chadha sticks to the general formula in AT&PS, but without the exaggeration of her American counterparts. The typical stereotypes of the objectified male, bitchy, jealous female villain and overbearing parents are obvious, but Georgia and her gang are not total outcasts. As ‘in-betweens’ in their social environment, they represent most teenage girls who don’t fit into the ‘popular’ or ‘geek’ categories (not that it’s cool to categorise, but looking at general conceptions of society here). Perhaps the only character that contradicts this is best friend Jas. Eleanor Tomlinson plays her with a haughty air that doesn’t fit within the story.

Georgia Groome was approached for the title role two years before but declined because she felt uncomfortable with on-screen kisses at her age. Playing the role at 16 gave her more confidence and it shows as she gives us a lead that’s embarrassed, self-conscious yet quite accurate (been there, done that), and she becomes easy to warm to by the film’s end. Aaron Johnson plays Robbie with general ease and (by popular opinion) raises the bar for attractive male leads – something that never appears to hold up to expectation within the teen genre. Girls will love his effortless charm, with his awkwardness all the more appealing (although at times frustrating to an older viewer). Be warned, there is also a slight case of ‘David Beckham Syndrome’ there (for the uninitiated, a higher-than-normal voice pitch). Another credible mention is Liam Hess as ladies man Peter Dyer, strongly reminiscent of Greater Union’s Gold Class guy Glen Parks which strengthens the cringe factor positively.

Conclusion:
With a cool indie soundtrack including featured band Stiff Dylans, AT&PS is a teen film that doesn’t rely totally on the ‘perfect’ people. While starting on a sad note (Georgia dressed as a stuffed olive being told boys don’t like girls for funniness), Chadha uses the story to deal with teen insecurities through regular scenarios – believe it or not, teen girls do hatch ‘plans’. Some laughs come forced and older viewers may not find it so appealing, but 14-year-olds (still on school holidays, mind you) will hang onto everything and automatically relate to one of Georgia, Jaz, Ellen or Rosie. It’s better than the title suggests and Chadha provides a lighthearted story that reminds us of our own insecurities – because we’ve all been there in one way or another.

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