Charlie Bartlett (2007)

Introduction:

This sounded like an entertaining concept and with Robert Downey Jr. in the cast sound like a movie to check out. It fell off my radar, and then I was reminded of it when I looked up Anton Yelchin after watching Star Trek.

Summary:

Charlie Bartlett (Anton Yelchin) is a nice enough kid from a rich houshold, but he keeps getting expelled from schools. See, Bartlett has a dream where he is the most popular kid at school and ends up doing stupd things to reach the goal. His latest adventure will have him selling prescription drugs to his fellow schoolmates. But he also gives them an understanding ear to listen to their problems. Soon Bartlett is running his own psychiatry office from the boys restroom. He falls for the lovely Susan (Kat Dennings) and comes under the eye of her father and the principle Nathan Gardner (Robert Downey Jr.). In the end, somethings gotta give and it may spell the end of “Charlie Bartlett”.

Good Points

• Yelchin makes Bartlett work
• Downey Jr. is very good.
• Pacing and humor move the film along

Bad Points

• The story is a bit predictable
• Some viewers may dislike the drug elements
• Tries a bit too hard to be quirky at times

Overall

This one reminded me of a John Hughes film from the 80’s, but tempered to fit modern kid issues. It works pretty well and its due to the performances by a solid cast who is into the story. I recommend it if you’re in the mood for a comedy with a bit off the beaten path.

Scores (out of 5)

Visuals: 3

Sound: 3

Acting: 4

Script: 3

Music: 3

Direction: 3

Entertainment: 3

Total: 3

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