Director: Gurinder Chadha.

Quite a different film title in a long time. From the director who gave us ‘Bend it like Beckham’ and ‘Bride & Prejudice’ comes a slapstick real life adventure directed to young teens on the perils of a coming of age saga. The movie is based on the very popular hilarious series of books by British author Louise Rennison. 

The plot revolves around 14-year-old Georgia (Georgia Groome), whose aim in life are much the same as that of any 14-year-old. She’s a high school student who goes all out to make herself attractive, fall in love and be the envy of all around. Her parents (Alan Davies and Karen Taylor) are however unsure on what she wants to do with her life and pick on her for anything she does to be seen as a grown up. So much so that a slight mistake also makes her end up with a shaved off half an eyebrow. Laslty she desperately wants to celebrate her 15^th birthday in a club.

On her first day of school Georgia and her friends, Jas (Eleanor Tomlinson), Ellen (Manjeeven Grewal) and Rosie (Georgia Henshaw) who make up the Ace Gang spot two brothers Robbie (Aaron Johnson) and Tom (Sean Bourke). Georgia is besotted by Robbie who is sadly attached to her rival Lindsay (Kimberley Nixon). What ensues is entertaining as well as amusing. There’s the stalking, missing cat episode (here is where Angus comes in), the sight of thongs (a narrow piece of female lingerie) on the shapely Lindsay, Georgia falling out with her three buddies, and in an attempt to "grow up" for Robbie, Georgia takes "snogging (kissing) lessons" with Peter Dyer (Liam Hess).

With all this happening Georgia's father moves to New Zealand for a new job and plans to take the family soon. During his interval Georgia's mum hires a handsome builder called Jim to re-do her home. Sparks fly, misunderstandings erupt. Will Georgia get Robbie and celebrate her 15^th birthday the way she wants it?

Besides the well produced film, Chadha has spent considerable amount of time on the soundtrack which is young and friendly. The Stiff Dylans give an excellent performance of a song called ‘Ultraviolet’. Targetted to young teenaged girls as well as boys, the film excels on the humor, dramatic as well quieter moments, with the fresh cast, minus all the gloss, giving off a stellar performance. It’s the message at the end of the film that stands out loud and clear. Look for it and you will find what it is.

Special Features include Commentary with Gurinder and the Ace Gang Girls, Angus video diaries, Nine deleted scenes, Bloopers, Gallery, Stiff Dylans' music video 'Ultraviolet'.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira