Review of Charlie Bartlett (2008) by Caitlin M — 20 Jul 2009

Charlei Bartlett does not practice what he preaches.

One of the main points I thought this movie was trying to make was: Teens AREN'T doing all the things their parents think they are (drugs, being promiscuous, etc.). In fact, at one point, the movie tries to say, really, teens are in their room SINGING!

But then it shows the kids overdosing and being promiscuous!!!! Along with not respecting authority, not obeying their parents, and more.

EXAMPLE:

A dad is worried about his daughter. He tells her he is worried that the boy she is seeing will take advantage of her and then brag to the whole school about it.

The daughter gets very angry at her dad, accusing him of not trusting her.

Later, at a school party, we see the boy and girl---together---and afterwards, still in his boxers, the boy announces to the whole school what he has just done.

I felt the movie was trying to preach to us that teens are responsible, trust them, but then it shows that they ARE engaging in all their parents' worst fears.

But apart from that overdose of hypocrisy, the movie was better than I expected.

It went much deeper, and was better acted than I thought. I did wish it went a little further at times. Charlie's realization/admission that he was only a kid could have been more emotional and I wish the principal would have had more character development.

One point I thought the movie made VERY well was that many teens are struggling with some serious issues and they need Wise guidance and help and someone to talk to.