The Art of Getting By, starring Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts

The Art of Getting By is so very lucky. Lucky to have such charming actors as Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts as its leads. Otherwise this is a film most people would be prone to forget, steeped as it is in rather typical coming-of-age staples and not much in the way of insight. There is a genuineness to the performances, and a personal vibe that makes me believe writer/director Gavin Wiesen poured some of his own experiences into this story.

George(Highmore) is a priveledged student at a fancy prep school where he has no friends. I wonder why? He keeps to himself, does no homework yet knows everything about everything in class, and walks around in a huge black trenchcoat that makes him look like an extra from Columbine: The Movie. He's the type of character we've seen so often, the intelligent slacker, dulled by an air of superiority and a realization of the pointlessness to everything. He's cool with the school principal(Blair Underwood), who gives George every chance to succeed. His parents are oblivious.

He lets his guard down only once in order to save Sally(Roberts), the pretty and popular girl in school, from instant trouble when she's caught smoking. Sally takes a liking to George, and the two become friends. He introduces her to his love of art, and she opens up her quirky side. It isn't long before George starts to feel something more for her, but what chance does a guy like him have with someone like her? Does she feel the same? When George befriends an ex-student turned artist(Michael Angarano) who develops feelings for Sally as well, George is forced to confront his real feelings and combat his indecisiveness.

Wiesen's script is shallow, lacking any real punch. Often there seems to be no momentum to the story at all, and even though George is a likable kid thanks to Highmore's performance, Wiesen doesn't give us much of a reason to care about him. Too many times I found myself trying to figure out what his deal actual was. We're not given any concrete answers as to why he's such a putz. There's a couple of hints that it may involve his murky homelife, but not enough attention is paid to it to matter. The same goes for Sally, who's mother(Elizabeth Reaser, Twilight) is still living out her party years.

The film works best when focusing solely on Highmore and Roberts, both fantastic young actors really coming into their own. After making a strong breakthrough in Finding Neverland, Highmore  has been out of the limelight for years. I think this is easily the best he's been yet in what is certainly his most mature role. Roberts has been a star almost since day one, and as Sally it's obvious why she's such a desirable catch. She's perfect as the misunderstood popular girl, who really could care less about all the status and the cliques. The presence of Alicia Silverstone, looking much older and buttoned up as a school teacher, is a funny contrast considering her iconic role as the socially obsessed Cher in 1995's Clueless.

The Art of Getting By isn't going to teach you any new lessons, or impart any grand wisdom. It tries to often and fails each time. The film's authenticity, and the way it navigates the crazy emotions of true love is where it will suck you in.