an enjoyable, and reasonably well-written teenage drama only slightly impaired by the fact that it's lead was as good as an actress as she was a carpenter.
Akin to one of those welcome but straightforward coming-of-age tales of the fifties or sixties – usually starring James Dean – the Australian film Delinquents, based on the book of the same name, centers on two star-crossed lovers, Lola (Minogue) and yankie Brownie (Charlie Schlatter).
They, much like Minogue's plans for a burgeoning film career, seemed doomed from the beginning – they come from opposite sides of the tracks, their parents have their own plans for both offspring, and, well, you've regrettably got to have a little bit of green to go with the stout heart if you're to make a relationship work.
She looks peachy, but Minogue doesn't prove to be anything more than a former soapstar in the lead role. Schlatter, best known at the time for his roles in clunky comedies like 18 Again and the lead in the TV spin-off of Ferris Bueller, didn't fare much better.
Thankfully, the supporting cast, which included solid Australian talent like Angela Punch McGregor and Bruno Lawrence, was as fine as silver and help the film escape it's boggy areas.
In addition, the film's got a terrific soundtrack – largely Australian artists – that help proceedings kick along in an active and melodious fashion.