Is life getting you down? Do you suffer from a continuous sense of ennui? Are you struggling to extract joy from your everyday routine? Charlie Bartlett can help. Director Jon Poll’s witty film about a wannabe teen psychiatrist expertly juxtaposes elements of pure comedy with more serious overtones.

 Anton Yelchin stars as seventeen year-old Charlie Bartlett, a rich kid with a big heart, and even bigger problems. Expelled from every private school he has attended, Charlie turns to public education. With a sports jacket as his signature fashion item, an attaché case as his bag of choice, and a gregarious disposition, Charlie draws instant attention to himself. Unfortunately, said notice is negative in nature.

Charlie is immediately targeted by the school bully, Murphey Bivens (played by Tyler Hilton) and given a thorough beating. Furthermore, he cannot seem to break into the existing cliques of the high school. Even the drama club remains skeptical of the newcomer and his hilarious, menstrual-inspired audition piece. For all intents and purposes, Mr. Bartlett brings social awkwardness to a whole new level.

It does not take long, however, before Charlie begins to understand that he is not alone on this front. The entire student body possesses a whole host of issues, and it is this realization that gives Charlie hope. Calling it truce with Murphey, he enters a business partnership with his former assailant. Using the boys’ bathroom as his office, Charlie tries his hand at psychiatry. In distributing both advice and medication to fellow classmates, his popularity skyrockets.

Forever on Charlie’s tail is the querulous Principal Gardner, played by Robert Downey Jr. Gardner is constantly torn between his duty to the school and his duty to his daughter, Susan (Kat Dennings). When Susan and Charlie start going out, Gardner becomes more than slightly agitated. In a pivotal scene towards the film’s close, Yelchin and Downey deliver equally chilling performances.

Between the many moments of comedy supplied by Yelchin, the story probes into more serious subjects, such as student dissent, substance abuse, sex, and suicide. Unlike many teen flicks, Charlie Bartlett manages to tackle each topic with both class and truthfulness. Even though the specific circumstances from movie to reality may not translate, the issues remain consistent with those facing every modern-day teenager.

The picture also offers the concept that parents can be just as screwed up as their kids. Principal Gardner and Charlie’s mother (portrayed by Hope Davis) exemplify this notion. Although the idea does not inspire much confidence, it goes hand-in-hand with the theme of the film: all people have their share of problems, so take comfort in the fact that you are not alone.

I recommend Charlie Bartlett to all individuals seeking a little insight into their lives and a little humor for their souls.