Charlie Bartlett

post #1 of 4

7/1/08 at 8:19am

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A nice distracting coming of age tale, in which the title character discovers a penchant for helping others with their problems. It's not a perfect film, but it avoids some of the pitfalls (cloying cuteness, for example) that usually befall this type of film. Really good performances from the primary characters, with Robert Downey Jr. doing a really good job in a supporting role. The actress portraying Charlie's mom looks like she has the most fun with her role. I recommend this, but go in with tepid expectations, and I think you'll have a good time with this one!

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post #2 of 4

7/1/08 at 8:42am

2,838 Posts. Joined 7/2005
Location: Mississippi
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Quote:

Originally Posted by Joseph

A nice distracting coming of age tale, in which the title character discovers a penchant for helping others with their problems. It's not a perfect film, but it avoids some of the pitfalls (cloying cuteness, for example) that usually befall this type of film. Really good performances from the primary characters, with Robert Downey Jr. doing a really good job in a supporting role. The actress portraying Charlie's mom looks like she has the most fun with her role. I recommend this, but go in with tepid expectations, and I think you'll have a good time with this one!

Saw this a few months back and I would agree with your comments, especially your last sentence. For me, if not for Robert Downey Jr. this film would have been a complete bust!

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post #3 of 4

7/1/08 at 9:21am

7,038 Posts. Joined 6/2003
Location: Palmyra, PA
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Funny, I just watched this last night from Netflix, so good timing.

I thought it was....ok. I'm not Mr. Tighty-Whities, but was actually annoyed that he

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Spoiler

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became the school hero and most popular kid in school by becoming a drug dealer...just didn't sit well with me for some reason. I think I was supposed to be sympathizing with the "misunderstood" main character, but I wasn't. Like I said, I try not to be prissy, so maybe it was just the mood I was in last night.

All in all though, it was a decent coming of age story, and I don't really feel I wasted my time watching it. Robert Downey Jr. was pretty good in it, even if he was relagated to playing the stereotypical "evil principal and father" and the lead was decent as well. Actually RDJ reminded me of Skinner with his right-hand man, Chalmers.

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post #4 of 4

7/1/08 at 2:25pm

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