Charlie Bartlett [2007] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

See Larger Image	Manufacturer: MGM Starring: Hope Davis, Jr. Robert Downey, David Fraser, Derek McGrath, Stephen Young Directed By: Jon Poll Average Customer Rating:


Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Binding: DVD EAN: 0883904107750 Format: AC-3 Label: MGM Manufacturer: MGM Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: MGM Region Code: 1 Release Date: 2008-06-24 Running Time: 97 Studio: MGM Theatrical Release Date: 2007
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Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: Class Dismissed. Comment: Plot: America takes on their version of `About a Boy', only he's older and wants to become a popular kid by selling drugs and counselling, working his way through the headmaster (Downey Jr.), his daughter and as the schools illegal pharmacist. My Review After being kicked out of a private school, Charlie Bartlett (Anton Yelchin) is sent to a public school hoping he can fit in more than the likes of the Vaudevillian school boys of higher class status. Bear in mind this is no way to be considered in the same terms and likes of say `Superbad', `Knocked Up' or clever gem `Juno'. Charlie Bartlett is the type of character that is depicted that being rich and likable don't really work, even the rich and well-brought up crave a lower sense of likeness and popularity that doesn't come easy being higher-class, it's all about making a very simple and if naive rich kid become the most popular boy in school, in effect he does. What do some teenagers wish for, security, comfort and the one thing in school: popularity. The film starts off with a scene that involves Charlie standing in front of crowds of adoring peers and strangers, which is an apt allegory to the films events that do eventually see the boy become `the man'. He starts off with the typical picked-on student look of a blazer and a briefcase in which most students carry joint for a quick buzz before class, through the eventual encounter of a bully confrontation, and through that uses the bully to help launder drugs and therapy sessions in the toilets to students who just need to talk, operating craftily, yet daft, plighting schemes to win their approval. Hope Davis plays his atypical mother who blames his current school crisis, though Charlie wouldn't call it that, on her genial conditions that have seem to have been passed down. Davis is given a lot less substance for a 90 minute short but her subtle comedy of a dopey but stern character has resounding success. Charlie Bartlett really gets going seeing the type of student is need of some relief through his fictional conditions of say `panic-attack' prone or just in need of some Ritalin. Charlie's desire for acceptance range against the dangers of selling prescription drugs to his classmates. There is substance there to ponder and ponder you shall but not before you get a great laugh from Charlie's reaction to a dose of Ritalin. Robert Downey Jr. is underused, although given a history for his character that could play out well, even on his part he puts on a big scene performance that doesn't really feel like it's the one you waited for. As a result the film is cut short like a class finishing too early for anything to sink in. It needed some more revision and maybe some homework to work things over. All in all, a good feel good short depiction of an exemplary teenage life. Verdict it is an interesting premise that just doesn't tie up all the loose ends, however another witty comedy that also has a prescription of feeling good. One of those films that makes you wonder, what would you do to fit in? 7.5/10. More Reviews