Camden-Cinema/Movies-Review of John Poll's film Charlie Bartlett

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The Review - AT THE MOVIES with WILLIAM HALL
Published: 8 May 2008

Charlie Bartlett (Anton Yelchin) goes to head to head with principal Gardiner (Robert Downey Jnr)

Camden cinema | Charlie Bartlett movie review | John Poll |US state school

CHARLIE BARTLETT
Directed by John Poll
Certificate 15

HE is an unusual kid, young Charlie.
Fresh-faced and eager to please, his open demeanour disguises a Machiavellian streak in which he can hone his own devious skills – an ability to manipulate his fellow pupils at the US state school where he ends up after being expelled from every other college in the county.
“He’s one of our brightest pupils – albeit a bit unusual,” comments the principal (Robert Downey Jnr) to the school governor as Charlie (Anton Yelchin) pulls off yet another scam.
Charlie can fool anyone, and does frequently, making a mint as a soft-drug pusher by selling uppers and downers to the other students. His absent father is doing time in the local penitentiary for tax evasion.
His wealthy mum (Hope Davis) is a scatty but delightful woman living on Planet Zog, who can see only good in her reprobate son as he is chauffered around in the family’s stretch limousine.
Charlie’s downfall comes when he goes a step too far, humiliating the principal by dating his daughter (Kat Dennings) and causing ructions at school.
“You get a kick out of doing things that might get you into trouble,” she says, seeing through him at last. But he isn’t finished yet.
The film is highlighted by an outstanding performance from Anton Yelchin as Charlie, turning him into a lovable rogue obviously destined for fame and fortune – or for a long spell in the slammer.
Either way, you’ll find this beguiling escapade a whole lot of harmless, entertaining fun.

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