While some might be confused by the rambling title, fans of the young adult novels will instantly recognize ANGUS, THONGS AND PERFECT SNOGGING. Based on the entertaining series of books by Louise Rennison, the adventures of Georgia Nicholson are finally hitting the big screen under the direction of Gurinder Chadha (BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM). Georgia (Georgia Groome) is a rambunctious, boy-crazy teen living in Eastbourne, England, where she and her mates spend their days puzzling over the strange new world of sex and boys. At the film's start, Georgia is bemoaning her horrible life: her parents are embarrassing, her little sister drives her crazy, and she's never had a real boyfriend. When she encounters a new boy at school--the dreamy Robbie (Aaron Johnson)--Georgia is determined to land him for herself. But her hopes are dashed when Robbie begins dating the school mean girl. Determined to win his affections, she tries various schemes, including kissing lessons and a disastrous attempt with a self-tanner. Meanwhile Georgia's father (Alan Davies) has to relocate to New Zealand for his job, and Georgia beings to worry about the state of her parents' marriage. When she selfishly commits a series of blunders, she seems to have lost everything she once held dear. After she learns some tough life lessons, things start to turn around for Georgia--and in ways she never even imagined.

The screenplay is snappy, and Groome is a near-perfect Georgia, though the novels' fans may miss some of their clever humor. Yet, in a world where squeaky clean HANNAH MONTANA is the reigning teen queen, it is refreshing to see such a frank and honest depiction of the way girls think and talk about sex. ANGUS is a smart--albeit giddy--celebration of girlyness, and it comes with a delightfully over-the-top ending that will make your inner teen swoon.