what there to really say . absolutely enjoyable . where should i start . i think it best to start with angus bethune and the fat kid who just doesn not seem to get a break and until an age old enemy and rick and rig an election so that angus can dance with his long time crush and melissa . angus be play by charlie talbert and who be reportedly discover at a wendy in illinois . talbert play the role with warmth and heart and sarcasm and and conviction and and he do it so wonderfully ( and this be his first film . ) and he can potentially be one of film act best kept secret . he be sure to have a successful career in act and pending that we do see him in another film . angus interaction with his granddad ( play by george c. scott in possibly one of his most memorable and though short and role since patton ) be very interesting to pay attention . the support character and geeky troy and beautiful melissa and and rick the pest ( play by a more credible james van der beek ) and form part of the fabric of appeal character that dot the film . the film would have be well though if we know a little more about these people and so a to make it a character study . i have read some comment from expert reviewer about this film . most agree that charlie talbert have a great future in film ahead of him and but that the film itself be formulaic and predictable . this be quite true and and that be one of the fear i have before watch this film . yet after watchng this film i be now absolutely convince that even formulaic and predictable film can be great and provide that theyre execute properly and with heart and a it be with this film . in the case with angus and it a mix of originality ( a tongue in cheek script and direction ) and tried and true motif . there even a character twist ( i would not say who ) that throw me a bit off guard near the end . in this case and it patrick read johnson direction that make this movie very memorable . the cinematography be vivid ( or blight ) and colorful . the dance sequence at the ball with melissa and angus be one of the most beautiful ( and beautifully shot ) in my memory . the soundtrack be excellent represent green day be at their top of the game while the goo goo doll still haven not make the grade while the song form a nice snapshot of great alternative and punk music reminscent of it time . my personal favorite be ash jack name the planet . even some of the camera shot ( especially with the iris to open and close the film ) be dazzle . although admittedly it not destine to be a classic ( or at least any time soon ) and angus be a genuinely warm and funny and bitterly sarcastic and though strictly hollywood and picture of that ever so turbulent and confusing and and questionable time of our life know a high school . watch it and you will at least enjoy it . i do . i give it a nine .