Rating: 3 Pulses

Rated R

Charlie Bartlett is a high school angst film that I would call an intellectual comedy. It stands above the usual comedy because it has more substance. It is smart and endearing.

Charlie is a rich kid who, after repeated suspensions from fancy private schools, is forced to fight for acceptance at his new public high school. He possesses crafty entrepreneurial skills and quickly wins popularity by becoming the self-appointed school psychiatrist/pharmacist.

Although not a gut buster, this film offers many laughs. The writing is quick-witted and moves along seamlessly. The cinematography is excellent.

Anton Yelchin is perfect for the role of the loveable lead. He is young but his acting seems very experienced; he is a natural. Hope Davis, who portrays his mother, is exceptional as well. Robert Downey Jr., playing the principal of Charlie’s new school, is, of course, great. However, it is a young unknown actor by the name of Tyler Hilton who left the biggest impression on me. I found myself laughing at his character, Murphey Bivens, the most. He is the resident school bully, who Charlie befriends, and eventually evolves into a better person.

This is not a big budget picture. However, in it is a prop so outstanding that it almost has a ROLE in the feature, the Bartlett’s limo. It is an absolutely beautiful classic 1969 Mercedes Benz Pullman, one of only 200 ever built.

This is an incredibly fun movie and you will not be disappointed should you choose to go see it.