Charlie complicates this issue when he starts dating Gardner's daughter, Susan (Kat Dennings). Gardner's life is already unpleasant. He's a single dad, who drowns dislike of his job in a bottle, but holds a tight rein on his daughter. And he definitely does not approve of Charlie Bartlett. Yet the enterprising young man works his magic with this problem as well.

The script by new screenwriter Gustin Nash is very clever, especially in developing Charlie's character. While Charlie walks though life exceptionally cheerful and seemingly impenetrable, at his core he's really in turmoil about his missing father, a subplot revealed near the end of the movie. Nash also infuses the story with funny moments that move beyond bathroom humor and unfold through some great performances, such as that of Hope Davis as Charlie's slightly out-of-touch mother.

Robert Downey Jr. effectively combines the concerned dad and the disillusioned principal into a compelling character, thereby making the movie even more resonant. Kat Dennings (The 40-Year-Old Virgin) is also terrific as the subdued and apprehensive teen who wants her independence. Watch for Dennings to quickly make her mark in this business.

Granted, there are some cliché moments in Charlie Bartlett, but its combined intelligence and humor really work. I’m pleased that it's a movie older teens and parents can see together — a rare thing today. The film received an "R" rating, so it's not for anyone under 17, but the movie takes the reality of today's teen culture and — through many hilarious moments and serious ones as well — offers reflections of how these situations might be resolved. And let's face it — we can all use some genuine laughs these days.