A Winning Comedy: Charlie Bartlett

Charlie Bartlett
Directed by Jon Poll
Released February 22, 2008

This long-delayed film, which had trailers debuting in theatres last summer, manages to improve on its already-terrific trailer. Anton Yelchin stars as misfit high school student Charlie Bartlett who longs for universal acclaim from his peers, and finds it after he starts dealing prescription drugs with the resident mohawk-sprouting bully. A refreshing trait about Charlie is that he is not needy, and does not act if as he cares what happens to him. He gets his head dunked in a toilet, gets suspended from school, and more - without ever looking sad or defeated. It is his immutable positive attitude that carries the film. Yelchin is a great actor, which I knew already from the pilot episode of "Huff", and I look forward to seeing what he does next. Kat Dennings, who plays his love interest in the film, may need to work on not being typecast as the slightly goth, abnormal-but-still-normal best girl friend character. Robert Downey Jr. and Hope Davis are perfectly cast in their limited but entertaining roles. The biggest and best surprise is "One Tree Hill" alum/singer Tyler Hilton, who is both hilarious and sympathetic as the aforementioned punk bully. The film might be forgettable, but it is a great ride throughout its runtime.

B+