ANGUS ...
...was a film released by New Line Cinema in 1995 based on Chris Crutcher's short story, "A Brief Moment in the Life of Angus Bethune" (from ATHLETIC SHORTS). While it wasn't entirely true to the original plotline -- Hollywood was apparent fearful of two sets of gay parents -- it was a warm and tender story with truly funny moments and great performances. This page will tell you something about the movie and the people that made it.
Patrick Reed Johnson is responsible for Angus, so check out his website HERE.
Angus movie posters, worldwide.
Photos from the film.
Angus Sountrack
...was truly exceptional. It featured:
1. J.A.R. (Jason Andrew Relva) - Green Day
2. Jack Names The Planets - Ash
3. Enough - Dance Hall Crashers
4. Kung Fu - Ash
5. Back To You - The Riverdales
6. Mrs. You & Me - The Smoking Popes
7. You Gave Your Love to Me Softly - Weezer
8. Ain't That Unusual - Goo Goo Dolls
9. Funny Face - The Muffs
10. White Homes - Tilt
11. Deep Water - Pansy Division
12. Am I Wrong (remix) - Love Spit Love
1. J.A.R. (Jason Andrew Relva) - Green Day
2. Jack Names The Planets - Ash
3. Enough - Dance Hall Crashers
4. Kung Fu - Ash
5. Back To You - The Riverdales
6. Mrs. You & Me - The Smoking Popes
7. You Gave Your Love to Me Softly - Weezer
8. Ain't That Unusual - Goo Goo Dolls
9. Funny Face - The Muffs
10. White Homes - Tilt
11. Deep Water - Pansy Division
12. Am I Wrong (remix) - Love Spit Love
We LOVE Angus!
I loved this movie. It made me feel that even people that are different get a moment to shine. Older than Angus but still able to remember being in high school, I found I could relate to him very well. A smart kid on the heavy side with that one true friend describes my adolesence. Being a girl that made it even harder, but seeing life from Angus' point of view showed me all teenagers have problems. Now the mother of two boys, Angus is a movie my kids will be seeing as young men. I hope my boys have half the heart Angus did. Congratulations on a movie well made. Thanks from a simple fan.
~~ Brandi
Well... I can say that Angus is and always will be my favorite movie. With over 1700 movies (DVD & VHS) I am proud to say the movie which I always come back to is Angus. I actually have 2 copies on VHS just in case on for some reason does not work. I love it... nothing better than that movie... so many quotable lines and funny one liners. I know it might sound lame, but Angus is the one of the few movies which I own that I love to watch over and over. Hope that someday, the movie gods will release this movie on dvd so that I can see some of the deleted scenes which I have seen on TV.
Love the movie Angus...
Aaron
~~ Brandi
Well... I can say that Angus is and always will be my favorite movie. With over 1700 movies (DVD & VHS) I am proud to say the movie which I always come back to is Angus. I actually have 2 copies on VHS just in case on for some reason does not work. I love it... nothing better than that movie... so many quotable lines and funny one liners. I know it might sound lame, but Angus is the one of the few movies which I own that I love to watch over and over. Hope that someday, the movie gods will release this movie on dvd so that I can see some of the deleted scenes which I have seen on TV.
Love the movie Angus...
Aaron
Angus to DVD
For years, people who loved the movie ANGUS asked for a DVD. For years, it was only for sale as a VHS tape. In 2010, a DVD was at last issued (and it is available now, HERE). But before that breakthrough was made, A&E journalist Nick Rogers made a compelling case for the film. Check out what he said here!
‘Angus’ deserves DVD presence
By NICK ROGERS
A&E EDITOR
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Time can’t forget a film that’s only 13 years old, but new media sure can. Of all the films left in the DVD licensing lurch, the overlooked coming-of-age comedy “Angus” certainly is a strange case. It stars three Oscar winners, albeit in small roles (Kathy Bates, Rita Moreno and George C. Scott). James Van Der Beek found his first film role here, and it has other recognizable faces in Ariana Richards (Lex from “Jurassic Park”), Chris Owen (“Shermanator” from “American Pie”) and Kevin Connolly (Eric from HBO’s “Entourage”), as Van Der Beek’s lackey. Plus, its punchy soundtrack encapsulates mid-1990s rock: Green Day, Weezer, Goo Goo Dolls and Smoking Popes.
“Angus” also is as winning and true a tale of high-school catharsis as any episode of “My So-Called Life,” “The Wonder Years” or “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” the several TV series on which screenwriter Jill Gordon cut her teeth.
And yet, not only is “Angus” unavailable on official DVDs, but where its rights reside is anyone’s guess. Its director, Patrick Read Johnson, has posted that New Line — which originally released “Angus” — sold the rights to the film several years ago, but the studio claims to not know the buyer.
“Angus” aired uncut last November on HDNet Movies (Comcast Cable Channel 949) and occasionally turns up in edited form on cable. Those who can catch it will see that what it lacks in original pubescent premise — tormented fat kid has his day in the sun — it makes up for with a tough-minded but fair approach to teenage angst.
Based on a short story by Chris Crutcher, “Angus” stars Charlie Talbert, an unknown whom Johnson met at a Wisconsin Wendy’s while taking a break from casting for the film’s lead. Angus Bethune is, as he says, “a cow’s name,” and he’s been big-boned since birth, when his mom (Bates) spent two days in labor. He’s parlayed it into being an offensive lineman in football, but there’s irony in his protection of quarterback Rick Sandford (Van Der Beek), Angus’s bullying nemesis.
Academically, Angus is a high-school freshman with a lot going for him; his scientific prowess has him in line for a top magnet school. But he yearns to start over anew, where no one knows him.
Angus can only assert himself on the field or with his fists, and Rick revels in pushing his buttons and playing practical jokes. Rick’s cruel coup de grace comes when he rigs votes to name Angus king of the freshman winter dance. His queen is Melissa Lefevre (Richards), Rick’s girlfriend and the object of Angus’s lifelong affections.
Embarrassment seems all but inevitable. Angus can’t dance. His face is frozen in a perpetual frown. A plum tuxedo is the shop’s only style left that will fit him. And, in his words, “I don’t sweat; I rain.” But with help from his curmudgeonly grandpa (Scott) and big-eared best friend, Troy (Owen), Angus learns that the advantage an everyman has on a Superman is that you can’t really be brave if you’re indestructible.
“Angus” has an adolescent authenticity only possible with actors whose adult teeth haven’t fully finished dropping. Coming off the execrable “Baby’s Day Out,” it suggested Johnson had matured into an earnest, honest storyteller. Yet, its $4-million gross wiped Johnson off the movie map until “5-25-77,” a “Star Wars” worship tale in as much limbo as the higher-profile “Fanboys.”
What’s “normal” in high school changes with each era. (Today’s teens watching “Angus” no doubt will chuckle at “cool guy” Van Der Beek’s haircut, the same sort of mistake many twentysomething guys made as teens in 1995.) Coming to grips with fighting that notion to find what you’re made of is a timeless struggle in which Gordon’s script avoids gooiness.
Talbert’s toe-to-toe dialogue with Scott is priceless (“You’re at an irritating age,” Grandpa barks. “So are you,” Angus retorts.). And as Angus builds momentum toward his “moment,” which he so desperately seeks, the movie offers up both a school-interview scene on par with “Risky Business” and the best-ever use of Mazzy Star’s overplayed “Fade Into You.” “Angus” is alive with the importance of tenacity — a virtue its fans should exercise to get this fine film on DVD.
Nick Rogers
Read Nick Rogers' blog HERE.
‘Angus’ deserves DVD presence
By NICK ROGERS
A&E EDITOR
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Time can’t forget a film that’s only 13 years old, but new media sure can. Of all the films left in the DVD licensing lurch, the overlooked coming-of-age comedy “Angus” certainly is a strange case. It stars three Oscar winners, albeit in small roles (Kathy Bates, Rita Moreno and George C. Scott). James Van Der Beek found his first film role here, and it has other recognizable faces in Ariana Richards (Lex from “Jurassic Park”), Chris Owen (“Shermanator” from “American Pie”) and Kevin Connolly (Eric from HBO’s “Entourage”), as Van Der Beek’s lackey. Plus, its punchy soundtrack encapsulates mid-1990s rock: Green Day, Weezer, Goo Goo Dolls and Smoking Popes.
“Angus” also is as winning and true a tale of high-school catharsis as any episode of “My So-Called Life,” “The Wonder Years” or “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” the several TV series on which screenwriter Jill Gordon cut her teeth.
And yet, not only is “Angus” unavailable on official DVDs, but where its rights reside is anyone’s guess. Its director, Patrick Read Johnson, has posted that New Line — which originally released “Angus” — sold the rights to the film several years ago, but the studio claims to not know the buyer.
“Angus” aired uncut last November on HDNet Movies (Comcast Cable Channel 949) and occasionally turns up in edited form on cable. Those who can catch it will see that what it lacks in original pubescent premise — tormented fat kid has his day in the sun — it makes up for with a tough-minded but fair approach to teenage angst.
Based on a short story by Chris Crutcher, “Angus” stars Charlie Talbert, an unknown whom Johnson met at a Wisconsin Wendy’s while taking a break from casting for the film’s lead. Angus Bethune is, as he says, “a cow’s name,” and he’s been big-boned since birth, when his mom (Bates) spent two days in labor. He’s parlayed it into being an offensive lineman in football, but there’s irony in his protection of quarterback Rick Sandford (Van Der Beek), Angus’s bullying nemesis.
Academically, Angus is a high-school freshman with a lot going for him; his scientific prowess has him in line for a top magnet school. But he yearns to start over anew, where no one knows him.
Angus can only assert himself on the field or with his fists, and Rick revels in pushing his buttons and playing practical jokes. Rick’s cruel coup de grace comes when he rigs votes to name Angus king of the freshman winter dance. His queen is Melissa Lefevre (Richards), Rick’s girlfriend and the object of Angus’s lifelong affections.
Embarrassment seems all but inevitable. Angus can’t dance. His face is frozen in a perpetual frown. A plum tuxedo is the shop’s only style left that will fit him. And, in his words, “I don’t sweat; I rain.” But with help from his curmudgeonly grandpa (Scott) and big-eared best friend, Troy (Owen), Angus learns that the advantage an everyman has on a Superman is that you can’t really be brave if you’re indestructible.
“Angus” has an adolescent authenticity only possible with actors whose adult teeth haven’t fully finished dropping. Coming off the execrable “Baby’s Day Out,” it suggested Johnson had matured into an earnest, honest storyteller. Yet, its $4-million gross wiped Johnson off the movie map until “5-25-77,” a “Star Wars” worship tale in as much limbo as the higher-profile “Fanboys.”
What’s “normal” in high school changes with each era. (Today’s teens watching “Angus” no doubt will chuckle at “cool guy” Van Der Beek’s haircut, the same sort of mistake many twentysomething guys made as teens in 1995.) Coming to grips with fighting that notion to find what you’re made of is a timeless struggle in which Gordon’s script avoids gooiness.
Talbert’s toe-to-toe dialogue with Scott is priceless (“You’re at an irritating age,” Grandpa barks. “So are you,” Angus retorts.). And as Angus builds momentum toward his “moment,” which he so desperately seeks, the movie offers up both a school-interview scene on par with “Risky Business” and the best-ever use of Mazzy Star’s overplayed “Fade Into You.” “Angus” is alive with the importance of tenacity — a virtue its fans should exercise to get this fine film on DVD.
Nick Rogers
Read Nick Rogers' blog HERE.
Angus Review by Diaigma at MovieWeb
To see the original review, click on this LINK.
"Do not open if you are Superman." - Cardboard Box
Maybe you're living this now, or maybe you've moved past it, but who can forget those awkward years of adolescence? There's much to be learned, while at the same time thinking that you know everything about life. Films like this exist to give a dose of humility to such mindsets, to remind us that actions have consequences, and that people have feelings. All too often, the wisest of the lot are those who get picked on the most, for whatever "dysfunction" they have. This humorous approach to the Chris Crutcher short story truly defines what "normal" is, what it means to be brave, and shows what happens when an outcast follows their heart and harbors loving wisdom, even if the world tells them different. Boasting an underdog story for young teens (and an extra helping of Green Day), Angus is a touching slice of life, comedic and dramatic, with a tasteful lesson that anyone can digest, thanks to one of the last performances by George C. Scott.
Angus Bethune is a big kid, constantly being told by his peers that he is not "normal." With a natural talent for science and the girth for football, you'd think he'd be a welcome chum at school events, but he is the definitive fat kid, whose only friend is the class shrimp, and Melissa Lefevre, the popular girl in school, is his life-long crush. As a cruel prank, the jocks have rigged the votes for the Winter Ball, pairing Angus and Melissa as their King and Queen! Angus has a choice. He can refuse to go to the dance and be ridiculed, or go to the dance and be ridiculed in front of the girl of his dreams. With the help of his friend Troy and his grandpa (Scott), Angus takes a crash-course in charming the ladies, but will dancing with an inflatable doll really help him swoon Melissa, or is he better off going to the dreaded school dance as himself?
If it hadn't been for instant streaming, I never would have known of this enamoring little film (which somehow flew under the radar in the mid 90's for me), one with young character's who aren't afraid to speak their minds, with course language and crude humor aplenty, like a real high school! Stereotypes play a hefty role throughout (do the popular guys really wear jerseys every day?), and unpleasant family matters are often brought to the table, but at the heart of Angus is one of the most difficult lessons that few ever master - self-acceptance, regardless of your faults.
George C. Scott said it best as Angus' narcoleptic Grandpa. "As for what anybody else thinks, always remember these words and live by them: 'SCREW'EM!'" This is the famous Patton actor, so imagine him saying that. There's a surprising banquet of talent besides the late Mr. Scott, like Kathy Bates, James Van Der Beek, and Ariana Richards (that one teenage girl from Jurassic Park). The acting is fresh and fluid, unlike stiff "teens" that we presently see in film.
An even pace carries true throughout the main course of Angus, with a cheer-inducing climax that delivers a robust speech after he takes to heart the wisdom of a washed up old man. The thing is, that little word does ring true in everyday life. So what if you're the oddball? So what if your underwear goes up the flagpole (and looks larger than the flag)? You're a good person, you're valuable, and you deserve your moment, dammit! So don't mind what other people think.
The flaws are few, but the film is well cut, captured with standard cinematography in an ambiguous location somewhere "aboot" Minnesota where the climate befits the fall months. Even product placement has a spot here and there - but for Haagen-Dazs - I'll let it slide.
Angus is very much a modern fairytale, with a sense of loss and an ending that leaves the mind to explore where the story will head off to next. Such is a film that feels like a slice of life - it never ends. Life goes one, and hopefully, this delightful surprise won't be forgotten by time.
(By Movieweb's Diaigma: resemblance to other reviews is coincidental)
"Do not open if you are Superman." - Cardboard Box
Maybe you're living this now, or maybe you've moved past it, but who can forget those awkward years of adolescence? There's much to be learned, while at the same time thinking that you know everything about life. Films like this exist to give a dose of humility to such mindsets, to remind us that actions have consequences, and that people have feelings. All too often, the wisest of the lot are those who get picked on the most, for whatever "dysfunction" they have. This humorous approach to the Chris Crutcher short story truly defines what "normal" is, what it means to be brave, and shows what happens when an outcast follows their heart and harbors loving wisdom, even if the world tells them different. Boasting an underdog story for young teens (and an extra helping of Green Day), Angus is a touching slice of life, comedic and dramatic, with a tasteful lesson that anyone can digest, thanks to one of the last performances by George C. Scott.
Angus Bethune is a big kid, constantly being told by his peers that he is not "normal." With a natural talent for science and the girth for football, you'd think he'd be a welcome chum at school events, but he is the definitive fat kid, whose only friend is the class shrimp, and Melissa Lefevre, the popular girl in school, is his life-long crush. As a cruel prank, the jocks have rigged the votes for the Winter Ball, pairing Angus and Melissa as their King and Queen! Angus has a choice. He can refuse to go to the dance and be ridiculed, or go to the dance and be ridiculed in front of the girl of his dreams. With the help of his friend Troy and his grandpa (Scott), Angus takes a crash-course in charming the ladies, but will dancing with an inflatable doll really help him swoon Melissa, or is he better off going to the dreaded school dance as himself?
If it hadn't been for instant streaming, I never would have known of this enamoring little film (which somehow flew under the radar in the mid 90's for me), one with young character's who aren't afraid to speak their minds, with course language and crude humor aplenty, like a real high school! Stereotypes play a hefty role throughout (do the popular guys really wear jerseys every day?), and unpleasant family matters are often brought to the table, but at the heart of Angus is one of the most difficult lessons that few ever master - self-acceptance, regardless of your faults.
George C. Scott said it best as Angus' narcoleptic Grandpa. "As for what anybody else thinks, always remember these words and live by them: 'SCREW'EM!'" This is the famous Patton actor, so imagine him saying that. There's a surprising banquet of talent besides the late Mr. Scott, like Kathy Bates, James Van Der Beek, and Ariana Richards (that one teenage girl from Jurassic Park). The acting is fresh and fluid, unlike stiff "teens" that we presently see in film.
An even pace carries true throughout the main course of Angus, with a cheer-inducing climax that delivers a robust speech after he takes to heart the wisdom of a washed up old man. The thing is, that little word does ring true in everyday life. So what if you're the oddball? So what if your underwear goes up the flagpole (and looks larger than the flag)? You're a good person, you're valuable, and you deserve your moment, dammit! So don't mind what other people think.
The flaws are few, but the film is well cut, captured with standard cinematography in an ambiguous location somewhere "aboot" Minnesota where the climate befits the fall months. Even product placement has a spot here and there - but for Haagen-Dazs - I'll let it slide.
Angus is very much a modern fairytale, with a sense of loss and an ending that leaves the mind to explore where the story will head off to next. Such is a film that feels like a slice of life - it never ends. Life goes one, and hopefully, this delightful surprise won't be forgotten by time.
(By Movieweb's Diaigma: resemblance to other reviews is coincidental)
