182: Bart Got a Room

Bart Got a Room (R) - 2009 - Runtime: 80 minutes
Starring: Steven J. Kaplan, Alia Shawkat, Cheryl Hines and William H. Macy
Director: Brian Hecker

I forgot where I had seen the trailer for this movie, but I was very intrigued and honestly, I laughed. So I was excited when we got the movie in last week, but didn't get a chance to check it out until Monday.

The movie's a teen comedy, but a fairly smart and small one. By small, I mean it doesn't try to impose big thoughts and epic, life-changing moments onto the audience. The movie is solely about one kid trying to get a date for the prom. The title of the movie comes from the fact that even Bart, the biggest geek in the school, got a hotel room to hook up with his prom date. And poor Danny is still trying to find a date. In fact, the movie's title becomes a catalyst for a lot of the plot to develop. For example, when Danny tells his mom that Bart got a room after she refused him his own, his mom makes it her priority to get one for him.

The movie is fairly straightforward and at times, predictable, but that doesn't stop it from being very enjoyable. It's fun to watch what will happen to Danny and the mess he gets himself into. Steven Kaplan plays him well, a Jewish version of Michael Cera's awkward teenager (speaking of which, Alia Shawkat - of Arrested Development fame - plays his best friend). But the man who steals every scene is definitely William H. Macy. He plays his recently divorced dad who's trying to relive his bachelor years. They have a somewhat strange relationship, but it's one that Danny uses in order to seek out his own relationship advice - which is something he shouldn't do when his Dad is having his own trouble finding a nice lady.

In the end, the movie has a good naturedness vibe and comes off grounded in reality enough to really be engaged with the characters. Make no mistake, it's a funny movie but one with a bit of a message. But you won't know the eighty minutes has gone by, that's for sure.

Rating: Rent It!