2 of 2

Still, the film has plenty going for it. Although the movie can't help but evoke other teen comedies (Ferris Bueller, Rushmore, and Pump Up the Volume to name a few), its exploration of our culture's use and abuse of prescription drugs gives it an original and relevant focus. Gustin Nash's script lampoons the over-medication (or over-eager medication) of young people, but also manages to suggest that psychiatric drugs are indeed sometimes helpful and prudent. A plotline involving Principal Gardner's worsening alcoholism (not to mention Charlie's mother's obvious dependencies) slyly places more "acceptable" addictions under the microscope. And, commendably, the film eventually gets around to exploring the need for boundaries in the lives of teens, an almost unheard of concept in the genre.

Charlie Bartlett manages to entertain for almost all of its 97 minutes and works its way (however unevenly) to some rewarding emotional climaxes. Although much of the film is exaggerated for satirical purposes (from the over-the-top supposed effect of Ritalin use, to the caricatured depictions of high school life, to Charlie's ridiculously faked piano playing), somehow, in the eye of the farcical storm, a compelling story gets told. It's an erratic and somewhat distracted story, but hey, this is a movie about adolescence. Maybe it needs some Ritalin?

Talk About It

1. Charlie is unabashed about his need to be liked. Is he abnormally concerned with popularity, or just more honest about it than most? Has the need to be liked ever brought about negative circumstances in your life? How about positive ones?
2. Recent headlines reinforce the concern that prescription drugs are being abused in our society. What steps can be taken to ensure the responsible use of psychiatric medication? Is it up to the doctors who prescribe the medications? Are the families and friends of patients in any way obligated to get involved? What is the responsibility of the patient himself or herself?
3. Charlie is relieved when his mother finally grounds him for his behavior. At what age do our children stop needing parental boundaries? Is our society's emphasis on granting young people autonomy a good thing?

The Family Corner

Charlie Bartlett is rated R for frequent profane language, lots of drug content (drug usage is shown to have both favorable and negative effects), and some brief (and completely unnecessary) nudity. One sexual encounter between the main characters is strongly implied, with Charlie happily announcing the loss of his virginity. There are some deeper, redemptive themes in the film, but it is likely that only mature viewers will be able to detect them.

Photos © Copyright MGM

© Carolyn Arends subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

• Plugged In
  
• Crosswalk
  
• Catholic News Service
  
• Past the Popcorn

first page |  2 of 2