Review: Young, Single and Angry (2006)

Directed by: Richard Waterhouse | 91 minutes | comedy | Actors: Sarah Blevins, Jamie Anderson, Heather Stewart, Jesse Burch, Peter Murnik, Matthew Atherton, Steve Florian, Mike Wilson, Jeff Garvin, Vince Pavia, Ronn Burner, Shane Stevens, Todd Babcock, George Katt, Marie O’Donnell, Naomi Catalano, Maria Lane, Joseph M

The term chick-flick seems like something of the twenty-first century. Since the rise of series such as ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘Gilmore Girls’ and films such as ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ (2001), the chick-flick – and its literary counterpart chicklit – has become an indispensable part of the perception of millions. women all over the world. As new as the term may sound, it was already launched in the 1980s. Films such as “Terms of Endearment” (1984), “Beaches” (1988) and “Steel Magnolias” (1990) are also included. Big difference with the twenty-first-century chick-flicks in the fact that where then the female feelings and emotions were central, while now it is mainly about relationships and sex. Talking about sex – preferably as much and as often as possible – is no longer just for men. Unfortunately, some film and television makers are unable to hold back on this and completely go crazy. One of them is Richard Waterhouse, who made his directorial debut with the chick flick “Young, Single and Angry” (2006). His print goes completely wrong in a painful way …

Cheri Waterhouse, Richard’s sister, wrote the screenplay. “Young, Single and Angry” is about four friends who have trouble finding true love. Taylor (Sarah Blevins) is the dreamer, for whom her wedding has been the most important moment of her life since she can remember. The only problem is that she has not yet found a suitable marriage mate. Her best friend Greg (Jesse Burch) was once about to get married but was abandoned by his fiancé at the last minute. He still hasn’t recovered from that. He doesn’t dare to start a new relationship, for fear of being abandoned again. Dot (Heather Stewart) rummages around young boys in bars because she doesn’t want to admit she’s already 35. She drowns her frustrations in the pub. The bartender has a crush on her but she is “way too old” in her eyes – in reality he is her own age. After all, Katy (Jamie Anderson) can get any guy she wants. She dives into the suitcase with everyone because she cannot distinguish between love and sex.

For an hour and a half we see how these foursome struggle with love, drink, each other and especially themselves. In fact, nothing happens for the first 45 minutes; only halfway through the film starts a bit. Not that there is suddenly something to experience, but at least something happens. Although the miserable plot works towards a climax that really does not touch anything. The makers promise their viewers a “funny and sexy comedy that can best be described as” American Pie “meets” Sex and the City, “but this print never becomes funny. The moments meant as hilarious are actually too embarrassing for words. In addition, the characters are far from likeable. You wonder what the hell they’re doing. The tendency to shout loudly “grow up” to the screen is difficult to suppress. The only figure that is still okay is the only man in the company, Greg. But you wonder what he has to do with all those stupid girls? The listlessness radiates from him, but you can’t even blame him.

“Young, Single and Angry” was shot with a minimal budget and that is clearly visible. The camerawork is of a dubious level and the locations and sets are nothing to write home about. The cast consists entirely of unknown actors. That can sometimes be an advantage, but it certainly isn’t in this case. The acting is amateurish and therefore adapts to the overall level of this print. “Young, Single and Angry” promises a lot but in fact sends his audience into the cane with a bunch. This crockery is tedious, badly made and very bland. Avoid!