First-time director Jon Poll’s Charlie Bartlett is a clever, well-executed comedy about an  intelligent student who has a definite knack for getting himself kicked out of boarding schools -- which means each and every one he’s ever attended.

Charlie’s (Anton Yelchin) final expulsion from private schools finds him enrolling in a public high school. Thanks to his extensive rap sheet, Western Summit High happens to be the only school that would accept him. At this new school, Charlie encounters one Murphy Bivens (Tyler Hilton), a merciless bully who takes a dislike to Charlie and proceeds to make his life miserable. And, as if the constant poundings and degrading run-ins with the oppressive Bivens are not enough to deal with, the hapless newcomer becomes the object of endless derision by his fellow high school students. 

What’s a mother to do? Marilyn (Hope Davis) sends her troubled son to a psychiatrist for help, of course. According to the doctor, Charlie suffers from ADD, so he prescribes Ritalin to keep it under control. Because Charlie has always been enterprising, it comes as no surprise when he inadvertently discovers other possibilities for the medicine. Indeed, there is money in them there pills because if you take a few more than you should, a high results. But Charlie will need some help. However, considering his status at the school, recruiting assistance is no small challenge. Still, the resourceful lad soon has things going his way.  

And then -- another revelation!  Charlie’s pills can actually help troubled schoolmates.  Naturally, he goes back to the psychiatrist for more pills: anti-depressants this time for a depressed fellow student. To obtain the pills, Charlie has only to feign the same symptoms as the student who needs help. It’s Charlie to the rescue.

Soon Charlie hangs his shingle in the Boy’s restroom, offering advice and medication to the many troubled teens at Western Summit High. Business is brisk and Charlie, a success.   

With many of his problems at school resolved and his enterprise going swimmingly well, complications are bound to arise. Charlie falls for a girl named Susan (Kat Dennings). But she isn’t just any girl. She’s Principal Nathan Gardner’s (Robert Downey Jr) daughter. Nathan is a suicidal drunk, and his alcoholism adversely impacts his job performance. Students, their parents and the school board no longer have any faith in him. The only reason he hasn’t killed himself is because of his daughter Susan, who doesn’t know whether to have contempt or pity for her unhappy father. Nathan harbors a dim view of Charlie, and when he learns his daughter is interested in the young entrepreneur, the view becomes even darker.   

Gustin Nash’s screenplay is cleverly written and authentic. The writer breaks down stereotypes about teenagers, giving viewers access to their world and how they really act, speak and think.

I agree with director Jon Poll’s statement that if anyone was destined to play the part of Charlie Bartlett it’s Anton Yelchin. Appearing in his first lead role, Yelchin gives a tender, warm and honest portrayal of the main character here. Also adding to the quality of the cast, Downey Jr. comes across as devilishly funny in the role of the ruthless Principal Gardner, and Dennings delivers a sparkling and fearless performance as Susan.

(Released by MGM and rated "R" for language, drug content and brief nudity.)