I discovered Charlie Bartlett in one of the year end reviews of good movies that didnt get the recognition they deserved. Once I watched the trailer of the movie I knew this was a movie that I would like, how much would I like it? Way… more than what I initially thought!
Charlie Bartlett is a rich kid who lives in a huge mansion with his mother. Despite his financial advantages Charlie is deep down searching for acceptance and to be a hero to his peers, this leads to a lot of experimentation and gets him kicked out to every school he joins. Eventually Charlie is forced to join the Public School after a spate of private schools and finds that he is even more out of place there.
In an attempt to gain acceptance Charlie becomes the bathroom psychologist of the school, helping out teenagers with their problems. The School Principal, brilliantly played by Robert Downey Jr. recognizes Charlie as a threat and tries his level best to stop Charlie, as his only daughter falls for the boy.
There are so many amazing thing about this movie that I have no idea where to start. The screenplay is tight and very humorous… The characters are clear cut and beautifully stitched together. The acting is fabulous… The performance of Downey Jr in the climax is simply “Oscar Worthy”. Finally the movie has a message and a good one too.
If you liked Juno, I expect you to love this movie. The movie is loaded with smart humor and snappy dialogues. Finally a movie that made me go “Wow!”
Dont miss it.