Charlie Bartlett'

Overall Impressions:
I saw the trailer for this, a long long time ago, I'd have assumed it was a small release come & gone, if it wasn't for the fact it was now showing. Usually when films come out years after they're advertised it's due to some glitch/delay that in turn is usually due to it being pretty pants. They'd release it now with the re-popularity of Downey Jr. with Iron Man perhaps?!

A fortunate turn of events, the film is actually pretty solid. Though the plot is a much ridden path and a simple straightforward one, the characters are well fleshed-out. The relationships are real and easy to relate to. I loved the dynamic between the separate generations, Charlie and his mother, in contrast to the Principal and his daughter.

There is a clear growth in all the characters (including the adults), through the duration of the film. They all mature as they learn of their flaws. A good dose of comic situations thorn in the mix only enhances the entertainment value. The scene where the Principal talks of substance abuse and Charlie asks him if he is talking from experience is one of many moments you'll take away, where you can see they happily poked fun at themselves making this.

I really expected Downey Jr. to steal the show, and though I was far from disappointed with his performance, he didn't. I believe that trophy would end up going to Anton Yelchin. I don't believe I've seen him in anything before, and if I have, he hasn't caught my attention, but here, he shows real potential.

I can see this being a gem that people may end up missing now and come back to in a few years when Anton is a more well-known face. Now, learning that he's going to be playing Kyle Reese in the new Terminator film is a definite plus point for that happening.

Though I did have my initial doubts, because of the long delay here, I put it out there that though this film isn't groundbreaking cinema, you'll find it tough to dislike it. A cult classic (whatever the hell that means).