Sitting through the offbeat teen comedy "Charlie Bartlett" makes you feel as if you've just watched three episodes of a new TV series you can't wait to see more of - one that's so funny and smart and unpredictable, it would probably only survive one season on the air, if that, then gain a cult following on DVD.

Anton Yelchin, who's had leading roles in the little-seen "Fierce People" and "House of D" and supporting parts in "Alpha Dog" and "Hearts in Atlantis," should become better known after this, if there is any justice in the world. The fresh-faced, young actor absolutely shines as the title character, a wealthy kid who gets booted out of his elite academy, ends up in public school and becomes instantly popular when he starts doling out psychological advice in the boys' bathroom (as well as copious meds, courtesy of the family's shrink).

Sure, there's some familiarity in the directing debut from longtime editor Jon Poll - unmistakable shades of Ferris Bueller and Max Fischer from "Rushmore." (Poll, who collaborated with Jay Roach on the "Austin Powers" and "Meet the Parents" franchises, is working from Gustin Nash's first produced script; Nash also adapted the observant coming-of-age novel "Youth in Revolt," due out at the end of the year.)