Charlie Bartlett – B-

In a magical land where you can distribute prescription drugs as a student and be a high school principal who happens to be a drunk we sit down with our popcorn to experience Charlie Bartlett. Our comrade Charlie (played by Anton Yelchin) has been kicked out of yet another private school and must join the barbarian horde at public school. He gets fed to the wolves (bully) and searches for friends despite being wealthy and articulate. Sounds like a real winner right? Well I didn’t think so either and I’m convinced this won’t be a commercial “success” but the movie is entertaining for a few reasons…

The film is about vices, and how we all have them. Robert Downey Jr. (yes, I know, perfect casting) plays the high school principal/town drunk as well as Charlie Bartlett’s love interest’s father. Not too difficult to follow but I should have told you her name is Susan (played by Philly’s own Kat Dennings of 40 Year Old Virgin fame.  who I am steadily developing a crush on as she is not only pretty but very funny.  Check out her youtube). Charlie is played by Anton Yelchin, who I only recognized as that annoying whiny kid from Alpha Dog. Those of you who don’t know the film should be happy, it’s just an excuse to show Justin Timberlake and Emile Hirsch shirtless. Yelchin didn’t get my attention in AD, but he sure did as Bartlett. Kid’s got talent, but he’s also got a bit too much sentimentality for a solo career as a leading man. I’d compare him to Justin Long, and say he’s a big step down from Shia LeBouf.

The film’s conflict of course occurs when (this is all in the preview) Charlie starts distributing ritalin and other drugs at school. Of course he gets in trouble (did I forget to say spoiler alert?) and it’s resolved pretty predictably. If I sound lethargic regarding this release it’s because I am. I’m very judgmental about high school movies and I think this follows it’s predecessors in an ode to the unrealistic.

Most high school movies are way, way too over the top. They tend to dramatize or romanticize the entire experience and yes, Charlie Bartlett becomes prey to this damnable beast. Without launching into a full diatribe I’ll give you my short list to see if you agree:

1. The school dances are ALWAYS too hip. They have live music, and seemingly endless supply of theatrical lights. 2. The teachers, principals, and overall student body are WAY too approachable! Mean Girls (shout out to Tina Fey!) tried to combat this but gave up mid fight. 3. The kids in the movie are never high school aged kids. I think this movie takes this tendency in particular to heart and gets a few young looking actors (Yelchin is 18, Dennings 21) and actresses as extras. I was happy to see for example the kids from Degrassi, a Noggin show, make an appearance.

So overall I think this is a totally skipable movie (sorry Kat). I was impressed with Robert Downey Jr’s role that reflected his real life struggle with alcohol, but that should be a film unto itself.

***Thanks for being patient with me as I get back to the grind. I should have covered the Oscars but I dropped the ball and did HW instead. My bad. I should probably also say thanks to my brother Matt. Easily my most enthused and loyal viewer who makes me feel guilty when I don’t post something everyday. Thanks bro…

‘Til tomorrow!