Latest news with #ThongsandPerfectSnogging
USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Bend it Like Beckham' sequel coming more than 20 years after original's release
The film's director. Gurinder Chadha, is hopeful Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra will return for the second installment. It's a rematch two decades in the making. "Bend it Like Beckham," the beloved women's soccer drama that has picked up a cult-like fandom since its 2002 release, is reportedly getting a sequel. Director Gurinder Chadha confirmed plans for the film to the BBC and Deadline, which was the first to report the news. "I'm excited to revisit the original characters and revive the enduring story and build on the legacy we helped to create for the women's game," Chadha told Deadline. The original movie, a rare sports dramedy, followed two young British women (Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra) as they faced institutional and cultural stigma in the field of women's sports, with both falling for their coach (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) in the process. Chadha, who is also behind popular films like "Blinded by the Light" and "Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging," said that Nagra and Knightley – as well as costars Archie Panjabi, Juliet Stevenson and other members of the original cast – are aware that a sequel is in the works, but "obviously" want to read the script before they commit. "I'm pretty certain that everyone's going to want to come back," she told Deadline, adding: "Everything hinges on the script and if the original cast likes it. I am working really hard to make sure every character I bring back has a decent arc and scenes." With dribbling sequences and interspersed tributes to a young David Beckham, the movie is as much about soccer as it is about cultural assimilation and female friendship. That's in part why Chadha told both Deadline and BBC that she hopes to time the movie to the FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil in 2027, also marking the original film's 25th anniversary. "We've been part of changing the game for women, so it felt like this was a good time for me to go back and investigate the characters," Chadha told the BBC. Referencing the Lionesses, the U.K.'s national women's soccer team, she argued that cultural attitudes had evolved since "Bend It" first hit theaters, but could still use an extra push. "A lot has changed since the original movie, but I think that people still don't think that women should play football," Chadha told the BBC. "There are people who still don't take it seriously, although the Lionesses are riding high." Along with the original cast, she hopes some of the Lionesses' prominent players will make cameos. News of the sequel falls into a growing trend in Hollywood of second installments coming many years after the original. With films like "Freakier Friday" and "The Devil Wears Prada 2," out now or on the horizon, studios seem keen to revisit beloved classics, years after the original bow was tied on the franchise.
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Brit A-lister's early role in 'fun and cheesy' noughties rom-com before Marvel fame
British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson has come a long way since his first big screen appearance in 2003, but it was his role in a 2008 film that made him a teen heartthrob Aaron Taylor-Johnson has certainly come a long way since his early acting days, having graced the screen in a variety of genres and even stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But before all the glitz and glamour, there was a role that set the stage for his future stardom. At just 35-years-old, Aaron made his cinematic debut as a child actor in the 2003 film Shanghai Knights, followed by a role in The Illusionist in 2006. Yet, it was at the tender age of 17 that an unrecognised Johnson truly made his mark, capturing the hearts of young viewers throughout the UK as a teenage heartthrob. The 2008 teen flick Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, based on Louise Rennison's series of young adult novels, showcased Aaron Taylor-Johnson's burgeoning talent before he hit the Hollywood big time. The film follows the cringe-worthy yet endearing life of 14-year-old Georgia Nicolson, portrayed by Georgia Groome, as she deals with the ups and downs of adolescence in Eastbourne. Audiences are hooked by the authentic portrayal of teenage woes, from friendship dramas to what Georgia dubs 'boy stalking' in the movie, along with her comical attempts to grasp the complexities of growing up. One aspect consistently highlighted in Rotten Tomatoes reviews is the abundance of unforgettable quips scattered throughout the movie. A candid review states: "Fun and cheesy in all the right ways! A favourite when I was a teenager and still a source of quotable one-liners for me today. Not an entirely serious film but definitely something fun to watch every now and again." Taylor-Johnson's character, Robbie, is the new kid on the block, dealing with his parent's fresh split and helping out at the family's greengrocer's, reports the Express. Yet, it's the strum of the bass guitar that truly gets his heart racing, as he jams with his band, the Stiff Dylans. Their track, Ultraviolet, still resonates with fans, featuring in a swoon-worthy moment in the movie. Critics have praised the film, saying: "Charming, amusing and a great teen watch, this one always has me coming back, perhaps for nostalgia's sake." Despite its reliance on well-worn tropes, many viewers feel the film nails the teenage girl experience. One sentimental fan remarked: "It may seem silly and immature at some points, a little too slapdash for most, but this is the exact portrayal of what a common British teenage girl's life is like." This flick was the springboard for Johnson's career-defining role as John Lennon in Nowhere Boy, where his stellar performance snagged him the Empire Award for Best Newcomer and led him to meet his now-wife, director Sam Taylor-Wood. Fast forward to today, and Johnson is a hot property in Tinseltown, taking on roles worlds apart from the indie Brit rom-com that put him on the map. In 2020, he graced the big screen in Christopher Nolan's film Tenet and later starred in the 2022 blockbuster Bullet Train, before taking on another Marvel character. Most recently, the actor made waves in the horror flick Nosferatu, which garnered significant buzz, and 28 Years Later, Danny Boyle's follow-up to his 2002 hit 28 Days Later.
Daily Record
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
It's been 16 years and I'll still defend the ‘real villain' in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging
Georgia is the perfect teen drama villain - and that's why we love her Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging could easily clinch the title for the best teen drama ever, not to mention having arguably the most dislikeable protagonist. As we approach the 16th anniversary of the Gurinder Chadha film (yes, you read that correctly), I decided to take a trip down memory lane with the film that made us all smitten with Aaron Taylor-Johnson. I can't quite pinpoint when I last watched this romantic comedy, but I distinctly remember realising that Georgia Nicolson would make a terrible friend. And it seems I'm not alone in this sentiment. Over recent years, cinema-goers have started to view the film's lead character as the 'real villain' of the plot. While I concur with this portrayal, I don't see it as a negative. In fact, what endears me to Georgia is her unabashed self-centredness. Debuted in 2008, Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging centres around 14 year old Georgia (aptly portrayed by Georgia Groome) as she grapples with the rollercoaster ride of adolescence reports the Manchester Evening News. Specifically: friendships, snogging and the universal teenage pursuit of a 'sex-god' boyfriend. When twins Robbie (Taylor-Johnson) and Tom (Sean Bourke) transfer to her school, Georgia instantly sets her sights on Robbie, hoping to finally join the 'girls with boyfriends club'. To be fair, Georgia is relatively nice before Robbie's arrival. She appears kind to her friends - albeit occasionally displaying signs of main character syndrome - and is nothing more than your typical moody teenager. However, when she devises a scheme to make Robbie fall for her, with the assistance of her best mate Jas (Eleanor Tomlinson), we begin to see a darker side of Georgia. In an unexpected turn of events, Robbie quickly finds a girlfriend upon moving into town, leaving Georgia heartbroken. But instead of succumbing to despair, she hatches a plan to spend some quality time alone with him. Aware of his fondness for cats, she feigns that her pet Angus has gone missing and leaves Jas in charge of the cat. After an afternoon spent 'searching' for her pet, Robbie and Georgia eventually 'find' him. However, by this time, Jas has already met up with Tom, leading to a subtly flirtatious encounter. With Angus found, Robbie departs to meet his girlfriend, and Tom asks Jas out. This is where the problem arises. Georgia is so engrossed in her own desires that she can't even rejoice in her best friend being asked out by her crush. She becomes even less supportive when Jas and Tom officially become a couple. In all their conversations, she incessantly enquires about Robbie, expecting Jas to dedicate all her time with Tom to playing the role of a wing woman. Moreover, she appears indifferent to the possibility of disrupting 'Slaggy Lindsay's' relationship. While it's clear they are practically enemies, Georgia behaves as if Lindsay isn't a real person with feelings, treating her like an insignificant extra in her narrative. Despite her romantic endeavours, Georgia doesn't exhibit much consideration towards her parents. She essentially dispatches her father to New Zealand simply because she desires a birthday party - the evidence supporting the villain allegations is almost too easy to substantiate. Yet, this is precisely what makes her an ideal protagonist for a teenage rom-com. As a teenager, I could deeply relate to Georgia's single-mindedness, particularly when it came to trivial matters such as infatuations and birthday celebrations. Admittedly, she has a considerable amount of maturing to do. However, by the conclusion of the drama, we can already discern her moving in the right direction. Georgia soon acknowledges her fortune in having two involved parents and even recognises her mistakes in leading on Dave the Laugh (Tommy Bastow). Concurrently, her friendship with Jas is mended and appears to be progressing towards a balanced relationship. Instead of forcing viewers to root for a perfect main character, Chadha holds up a mirror to teen girls everywhere and says: hey, maybe don't be so self-centred. Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging is available to rent on Digital Storefronts.
Daily Record
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Harry Potter fans only just learning Rupert Grint has famous movie star partner
Harry Potter star Rupert Grint and his actor girlfriend Georgia Groome have been in a relationship for 14 years, but many fans are only just realising they are a couple Fans of the Harry Potter series are having a lightbulb moment as they discover that Rupert Grint, who famously played Ron Weasley, is in a long-term relationship with Georgia Groome, known for her role in the iconic '00s teen film Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. While Rupert's face is well-known alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson in JK Rowling's wizarding world, he has also made his mark in films like Into The White and Knock At The Cabin, as well as lending his voice to animated characters. Away from the cameras, Rupert enjoys fatherhood and shares his life with Georgia Groome, who has been acting since childhood and stole hearts as the awkward teenager in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. Despite their 14-year relationship, it seems many fans were unaware of this pairing until US Weekly shared a photo earlier this week, revealing the couple have just welcomed their second child, much to the surprise and delight of fans. Social media reactions ranged from shock to joy, with one person posting: "Why did I not know Ron Weasley was with Georgia from Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging?" Another excited fan exclaimed: "Angus, Thongs and the Perfect Snogging girl had a baby? with Ron Weasley? This is everything to me." One fan was stunned by the youthful appearance and shared, "She literally looks the same as she did when she was a teenager... also how didn't I know they had kids together." Another chimed in with disbelief, "I didn't even know they were together," while someone else confessed, "Wow I had no idea they were even together I really need to research things more." The discreet nature of their relationship is partly why it remained unknown to many. The couple's romance came as a surprise to quite a few fans, only coming to light when an old photograph leaked on social media platform X. A throwback snap posted by a fan featured Groome sporting long, curly locks and Grint beside her, all smiles. The revelation left this individual astonished: "I was today years old when I found out Georgia from Angus, thongs and perfect snogging has been going out with Ron Weasley since 2011?" Rupert recently announced the birth of their second child, baby girl Goldie, on his Instagram last Sunday, April 27. He introduced her posting an adorable picture and captioning it, "'Secret Child Slightly Revealed' Introducing Goldie G Grint. A 10/10 baby (so far)." The acting pair, who already have a daughter named Wednesday approaching her fifth birthday, were spotted earlier this week in Hampstead, London, cuddling their newest addition to the family. Rupert has been quite guarded about his personal life – but did share some insights into fatherhood with Glamour in 2022. He expressed his joy, saying he was "absolutely loving" being a dad and remarked: "It's so much fun. I feel like I've changed as a person for sure."
New York Post
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Rupert Grint announces the birth of ‘secret child' with actress Georgia Groome
Rupert Grint and his longtime partner, actress Georgia Groome, have secretly welcomed their second child together. The 'Harry Potter' star, who played the loveable Ron Weasley in the film franchise, shared the delightful news on social media on Monday 'Secret Child Slightly Revealed,' Grint, 36, captioned a photo of their new baby, whose face partially appears in the precious photo. 'Introducing Goldie G. Grint. ï¸ A 10/10 baby (so far).' Keeping the pregnancy under wraps is no surprise given Grint and the British actress – who have been dating since 2011 – are immensely private about their personal lives. 5 Rupert Grint shared new photos of him and his newborn daughter Goldie G. 5 'Secret Child Slightly Revealed,' Grint, 36, captioned a photo of their new baby, whose face partially appears in the precious photo. @rupertgrint/Instagram Fans didn't even know about their relationship until 2018 – seven years after they became an item. 'I was today years old when I found out Georgia from [teen movie] 'Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging' has been going out with Ron Weasley since 2011?' one fan tweeted at the time. In 2019, the couple sparked speculation they had secretly married when they were spotted wearing matching gold rings, but a rep for the actor was quick to deny the rumours. However, their relationship was stronger than ever and in 2020 they announced their first pregnancy. 'Rupert Grint and Georgia Groome are excited to announce they are expecting a baby and would please ask for privacy at this time,' a rep said in a statement at the time. 5 Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Ruppert Grint in a scene from 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' in 2004. Warner Bros/courtesy Everett Co 5 Rupert Grint and his wife Georgia Groome walk around London with their daughter on Sep. 10, 2023. MEGA It took six whole months before the notoriously private couple shared a photo of their little bundle of joy, with the actor low-key joining Instagram for the first time to share a first look at their daughter. 'Hey Instagram …. only 10 years late, but here I am. Grint on the Gram!' he wrote in his very first post. 'Here to introduce you all to Wednesday G. Grint. Stay safe, Rupert.' He has since given an insight into his life as a dad, telling Glamour in 2021 that he is 'absolutely loving' his most important role to date, although he is 'still kind of coming to terms with what being a dad is'. 5 Daniel Radcliffe, JK Rowling, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint attend the premiere of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2' in Trafalgar Square, London, on July 7, 2011. Getty Images 'It's so much fun. I feel like I've changed as a person for sure,' he revealed. 'It kind of happened overnight, lifestyle-wise. I stopped smoking straight away. I've started sleeping so much better – I used to be a horrific insomniac, now I'm sleeping.'
