Friday, February 22, 2008

A film you haven't seen, but should

There was a film I saw about seven or so months ago that I had heard nothing about. Actually, I was on my way to the screening and heard a spot on the radio about the film, and said "Hey, I think I'm watching that tonight." The film was CHARLIE BARTLETT.
Well, how can I describe the film? I know the first thing that comes to mind is...RUSHMORE. I'm not sure if the film compares to Rushmore, well it sort of does. Subject matter is almost fairly similar.
-Smart kid gets kicked out of private school.
-Smart kid gets sent to public school.
-Smart kid doesn't fit in.
-Smart kid fits in.
The film stars an actor I personally have very high hopes for who started his acting career at the beginning of the decade, Anton Yelchin. Most of you might know him from his title role in Alpha Dog as Zack Mazursky. I believe I've seen about four or five of Yelchin's films as well those few episodes he was on CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. I love this kid. He's charming, witty, and handsome; almost like Jason Schwartzman but without the dick-ish quality of Max Fischer.
It's an understatement to say that films nowadays don't bring anything new. Unfortunately this film is no exception. That's not to say I didn't absolutely love this venture; I did. It's the characters and the beautiful performances that lit it up for me. I haven't always been a big fan of Robert Downey Jr., I still don't think I completely am, but he does have that renegade aura about him that still makes him admirable. Downey plays the coolio principal at the public school that Charlie get sent to and is also the father of the girl he falls in love with. In exception of the daughter played by Kat Dennings, who is really good looking but needs a wee bit more practice acting, all of the roles were right on. I've always liked Hope Davis, especially in AMERICAN SPLENDOR and ABOUT SCHMIDT.
Not only do I recommend this film, but I want you to go watch it today, because it comes out... today.

'Charlie Bartlett' Trailer
'Charlie Bartlett' Trailer

Is it just me or...is IN BRUGES not playing in any theaters in Central Florida? I'm pissed !!

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