Bart Got a Room (2008) User Reviews (25)

fun look at the trials and tribulations of adolescence

[Buddy-51 · 7/10 · 17 April 2010]

Written and directed by Brian Hecker, "Bart Got a Room" is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age tale set in south Florida where high school geek Danny Stein won't be in the demographic majority for another fifty years yet. A good Jewish boy, Danny is all excited about attending his senior prom - or at least he would be if he could get the hot sophomore he drives to school every day to agree to go as his date. Unfortunately, she thinks of him merely as an older-brother type, so Danny is forced to look elsewhere for options, including the Plain Jane Camille (Alia Shawkat), who's been his best friend since childhood and obviously wishes Danny felt about her the way she feels about him. Danny also has to contend with the fact that his soon-to-be-divorced parents (wonderfully played by William H. Macy and Cheryl Hines) are already in the market for future spouses and that they keep the understandably mortified youngster continually posted on their dating progress.

Though in terms of plotting there's little that separates "Bart Got a Room" from countless other films in the same genre, the movie finds a wealth of truth and humor in its deadpan depictions of ordinary life. Bart and all the figures who inhabit his world go through their days just trying to make the best of bad situations, searching for that one little nugget of happiness that will make the crushing banality of the rest of their lives at least tolerable, if not worthwhile. For Danny, it's getting a date for the prom and meeting an attractive girl who will reciprocate his romantic interest; for his parents, it's trying to get that one last stab at coupled attachment in a world where youth is prized above all else and where they're faced with a daily reminder of what awaits them in their fast-approaching "golden years;" for Camille, it's trying to get the boy she's attracted to to see her as a burgeoning woman with sexual appetites and not just a platonic buddy to study and hang out with.

"Bart Got a Room" nicely captures the exaggerated nature of teenage trauma, when showing up dateless to the prom is a personal tragedy comparable only to the crash of the Hindenburg or the sinking of the Titanic. And Steve Kaplan perfectly conveys every bit of the angst Danny experiences as he maneuvers his way through those shark-infested waters known as adolescence.

Tries to be quirky but doesn't quite succeed

[JoeytheBrit · 6/10 · 30 September 2009]

A modest little independent comedy that would like to be quirky but doesn't quite know how to be, Bart's Got a Room isn't about Bart at all – although he does make a couple of brief appearances. The fact he has got a room (for the school prom) is used as a benchmark against which our young hero Danny can measure how badly he has failed in his attempts to get a date for that bizarre American ritual called prom night. Of course, as an aside, it's true that inappropriately extravagant prom nights are no longer an exclusively American custom: having adopted the 'extortion with threats' routine known as Trick or Treat, the 350-channel TV (342 of which you will never watch), and the 'no win-no fee' legal representation when our own stupidity causes us to injure ourselves while at work, the Americanisation of Britain continues apace with our school-kids now dressing up and hiring rented limousines for their 'school leaver's disco.' I am absolutely certain that before my life is over Britain will be celebrating every fourth of July.

Anyway, Danny has had a loyal friend for ten years who just happens to be a pleasant – but not spectacularly beautiful or popular – girl who would love him to ask her to the prom. He also has a mother who is on the verge of marrying a decent but unsuitable man and a father who is desperately seeking love on the internet. Now, given this template it isn't difficult to figure out how this film is going to end. That doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing though, as long as the journey to that predictable conclusion is an original and entertaining one. Sadly, Bart's Got a Room is only partially successful. Many of the incidents here have been seen countless times before (although usually handled with less sensitivity). The film seeks to make points about the futility and self-defeating nature of trying too hard to find the perfect mate, and it does this in a straightforward manner, but it's a message that most of us innately understand from youth, anyway – and those that don't are usually still struggling to find that perfect one thirty years after their prom date and will never listen to messages like this. While there's nothing wrong with preaching the message, it's hardly an earth-shattering revelation, and you can't help thinking that surely the filmmakers could find something a little more insightful to build a film around.

The performances are pretty good. William Macy stands out (as usual) as our hero's father who, sporting a perm from hell, strives to find a perfect mate while refusing to accept that, just maybe, he used to be married to her. Jon Polito is also good as mum's new beau, striking just the right level of likability for the role. The film's running time is fairly brief and it has its moments, but the end result doesn't measure up to its potential.

Prom night

[jotix100 · 6/10 · 18 November 2009]

Danny Stein, an earnest young man, is the son of divorced parents. His best friend Camille and Danny are involved in the school television channel where they comment on the upcoming events and school activities. Like all seniors of his age group, Danny has been looking to that special night where he will have a chance to boogie with his classmates and afterward, if he gets lucky, he will score with the girl of his dreams. The problem is Danny does everything wrong and ultimately finds himself dateless for the big night. Why, even the nerdy Bart got a room that was upgraded to a suite!

Brian Hecker, the writer of this mildly funny comedy, also directed. He knows these teens well, yet, the final product is not as good as some of its parts. Mr. Hecker main contribution is the atmosphere he creates around the residents of Hollywood, Florida. There are always older folks anywhere the film takes us. Yet, the action is centered among the younger crowd.

Stephen Kaplan shows a good affinity for the material. Best of all in the film is William H. Macy, an actor's actor. He plays Ernie Stein, the swinging divorced man looking for love in all the wrong places. His Ernie sports a permanent, although he is balding, yet, he never misses a chance to make a pass at a pretty girl. Cheryl Hines, of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" fame, is seen as Danny's mother, now in a relationship with an older man, who appears will be her salvation. We enjoyed Alia Shawkat, who plays Camille; she's Danny's best friend, but unfortunately, Danny doesn't realize it until it's too late.

A good, fun comedy for teens and young adults

[thefoxxx · 5 January 2010]

I remember seeing a preview for this movie on The Movie Channel, I think that was the channel. Then about 2 days later I saw the movie for sale at Wal-mart. That night I actually watched it. I thought it was hilarious in so many ways. Yeah, some of the humor is kind of ridiculous but it's directed towards teens and young adults. In so many ways I can relate to this movie and so can other people i'm sure. I was very pleased with William H. Macy's performance. I also liked it because it had both actors we already know, and some that we have never seen before, or at least I haven't. All in all I think this film was very good and I hope that everyone gets a chance to see it.

Sweet And Fun

[filmguy450 · 7/10 · 23 December 2009]

A sweet, high school, screwball-lite with a great ending, and some enduring one liners, and a delightful William H Macy. The look of the film is litter with nice, small details that make the whole thing feel more real. The score is subtle, with a nice whimsical element to it. I was expecting a silly, maybe fun, raunch fest, but was glad to see I got something more real, touching, and delightful. The ending, at the prom, detouring into a bar mitzvah is adorable, with a great voice over from the lead, who plays slightly pathetic underdog well. When Macy buys a hooker for Bart to take to the prom, it's funny as hell. All in all, all sorts of fun.

Much ado about nothing

[Kevin-94 · 4/10 · 18 August 2009]

When the people behind "Bart Got A Room" call it a film about a guy looking for a date for the prom, they mean just that. There's no emotional subtext whatsoever to this search. Why is it so important to him, and why should we care? Danny is such a blank slate, and the writing doesn't offer many insights into who he is as a person. Compare Danny in your mind with more interesting movie teenagers, like Max from "Rushmore" or Harold from "Harold and Maude," and you'll see what I mean. And the actor playing Danny does little to illuminate that he has any kind of inner life at all.

Danny's parents are equally bland and uninteresting. The only truly insightful moment occurs when one of Danny's friends discussing going to the zoo with his mother. (The mother, a divorced woman, hates going to the zoo but is desperately trying to please her new boyfriend.) What is the film even about? Is it about the close friendship between Danny and Camille? But even after the hot girl turns him down, he decides to keep shopping around, rather than turn to Camille, which she herself acknowledges. The film doesn't provide any real scenes to establish the bond they share. (Sorry. Showing old photos of them as children and having narration isn't enough.) I thought the film might be about a boy choosing not to cross over the threshold from childhood to adulthood. Children like to have fun, play with their friends and bond with their parents. Young adults want to carve our their own identities, be independent, distance themselves from their parents and explore their sexuality. So which side does Danny ultimately fall down on – youth or maturity? The film (SPOILERS!) explains at the end that he chose to spend his prom night not with his peers but with his parents and his platonic friend. It further explains that the hotel room, that presumed symbol of sexual maturity, was used instead to play Boggle, a children's game, with his parents and platonic childhood friend.

But then, that youth vs. maturity interpretation doesn't really work either. So many different directions the film could have gone in, and yet, in the end, the filmmakers never really chose a path.

quirky, quit cuts, apt music selection

[leitz-731-20945 · 6/10 · 6 May 2010]

Just tripped over this movie on cable without ever having heard anything about it before, and when I came across it, the direction and music reminded me so much of Barry Sonnenfeld's direction I thought it -had- to be something of his I had never seen before (and I'm a big Sonnenfeld fan, esp of titles like "Get Shorty" and "Big Trouble" - the unfortunately timed release which had to be delayed due to 9/11. But watch "Bart..." and then watch "Big Trouble" and you'll see the similarities in style).

"Bart..." had some thin plot lines here and there, but the overall production was crisp and mostly entertaining. The pace was mostly quick, although there were one or two places it seemed to stall; but overall the use of wide and interesting camera angles, quick cuts, and, again, the snappy music selections (which were not main stream) kept everything moving despite what you'd think of as a fairly shallow overall plot.

Another quirky but all-too-human Bill Macy performance juxtaposed against our star Steven Kaplan who plays the focus of the date-hunt. That was good casting. Jennifer Tilly has a little bit part which you're dying to see go somewhere - but when it doesn't, it reinforces the kind of loser-status-but-we-protect-our-own flavor of dad Ernie Stein (Bill Macy).

Production wise: better than most. Quirky, fun, not heavy, but has a nice message overall. Fun to see once or twice.

Director Brian Hecker as the new Sonnenfeld? We'll have to wait and see. Big shoes to fill.

If Tilly would go for Macy, then I guess, Bart could get a room

[thesar-2 · 4/10 · 18 July 2009]

I started off disliking 'Bart Got a Room' due to its painfully obvious set up, clichés and predictable storyline where you knew where this was going from the get-go. For the most part, it unfolded to where you thought so with just a hint of surprises. The idea behind the film, and hence the title, involves high schoolers scrambling to get a date and a "room" for prom night, since *Bart* got a room. Sure, when Bart's revealed in the room, they overshoot his nerd-factor, but the movie's clearly mean-spirited from all angles on a person that's different from the "norm." Again, they did dress up Bart as the stereotypical arrogant "Napoleon Dynamite," but it was a pretty harsh reality the parents were teaching their kids to be judgmental. Some segments were funny, I'll admit, but those few and far between scenes involved Macy (namely the woman running for her life and the older female with a housewarming gift.) And it was touching how down-on-his-own-bad-luck divorced father Macy would give up everything, including a date with poker-great Tilly, to aid his son's quest for a date. 'Bart' was a sweet, innocent movie (other than few scenes knocking down different people) and you could do worse, but there are far better high school comedies. Such as 'Election,' 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' and 'Juno.' You have to give kudos to the lead, Kaplan for trying to carry the movie, but not so much for the supporting case, like the overly clichéd "heavy-set" buddy, the pretty blonde cheerleader and the plain-Jane BFF that, shocking, should be his first pick for the prom. We've seen this plot dozens of times over, and one of my favorites was 'Some Kind of Wonderful.' Ironically, director Hecker, did seem to attempt (unsuccessfully) the heart of most Hughes movies.

Most of the characters are pretty bland, but Macy manages to shine

[sethrich · 6/10 · 22 July 2009]

If Bart got a hotel room, then Danny should have one too. Danny is your typical unpopular high school senior and he's searching for a prom date. The bar has been set by not-seen-'til-the-end Bart, the class nerd, with the booking of hotel rooms, limousines, etc. Cute and studious Camille (played by Alia Shawkat from Arrested Development, a comedy I adore) has been friends with Danny for a long time and the easy thing for them to do would be to attend prom together, but that doesn't happen of course. I became frustrated with Danny's attempts to get other girls to be his date, but I also related to him – as easy as Camille would be to fall back on, at his age I'd likely want something new (perhaps even sexier) too. This is what teenagers do.

William Macy, who plays Danny's father, is one of the few bright spots. Most of the characters are pretty bland, but Macy manages to shine despite the surroundings. I really don't like the haircut he has there, but that's part of the cheap role I guess. His best moments are when he drops everything to help find a date for his son as the prom draws near. He even leaves a sexually-heated date of his own behind! Bart Got A Room is your typical high school movie, but not exactly A-list. It has its moments (my personal favorite takes place in the ice cream shop) but this type of movie has been done before, and better too.

Uh, what?

[paulinski4 · 1/10 · 30 July 2009]

I never in my life thought 78 minutes could go by so slowly. Twenty minutes in to this film I wanted it to end. Poorly developed characters that were all forgettable and a very predictable storyline leave this one with a very bad taste in my mouth. Everything was clichéd and had been done before. To dub this as "predicatble" is a vast understatement. Having never seen this film before I still knew what was going to happen scene for scene. I really like William H. Macy too. It's almost like he was hard up for some cash and told himself that no matter what the movie was, he was going to star in it. Unfortunately for us, this piece of trash script landed on his doorstep. Shame on you Mr. Macy. I want my 78 minutes back so I can go spend it on watching grass grow. That's at least worth a two star rating. Steer clear of this one folks.

A very enjoyable teen comedy

[se7en187 · 9/10 · 16 June 2008]

I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.

Bart Got a Room is a funny and clever film starring Steven Kaplan as Danny Stein, a senior in high school who isn't sure what to do about the Senior Prom. His best friend Camille who he's known for many years (Alia Shawkat) seems like the obvious choice, but after another friend mentions that everyone that's going to prom has gotten a hotel room for the big night, Danny realizes he needs someone other than his "best friend" to take back to a hotel room.

This film is very well made an well written. Kaplan is a natural actor, he does a wonderful job playing Danny, he's like a teenage Woody Allen, having trouble finding someone to go out on a date with and not knowing how to talk to women. And Cheryl Hines and William H Macy are also perfect as Danny's separated parents. Macy is a delight having many of the big laughs in the film, which I'm sure is increased by his hilarious hair. John Polito is great as well playing Cheryl's new love interest. And there's also a funny cameo near the end of the film.

Writer/Director Brian Hecker made a great teen comedy. The audience at the screening loved it, applauding many times throughout. Seek this one out, it's a very entertaining film that's sure to please. See it then spread the word.

Oh, and be sure to stay for the end credits.

Time stood still

[cbraathen-89-357432 · 1/10 · 14 July 2011]

This is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The only usage of this film is for guidelines how not to do it, or eventually torture. It amazes me how bad this plot actually is, one would almost expect it to be a porn. It's so predictable that you'll know what's going to happen in every scene after you've watched it for 10 minutes(The worst part is that this is a fact). How this got up to a 5.9 rating is beyond me and I've now lost my trust in IMDb when it comes to comedies. Simply the fact that the producers calls this film a comedy is an insult to the genre.

Avoid this movie at all costs, even if your dying girlfriends last wish is to see this movie with you, it's still not worth it, not even close.

Just a silly and somewhat clever and funny high school prom story.

[TxMike · 1 August 2009]

This movie is a lot tamer than such movies as "American Pie" where all the high school kids want to do is get laid before the end of the school year. And that is a good thing for this movie.

The characters are for the most part innocent high schoolers who talk bigger than they plan to act. It revolves around Steven Kaplan as Danny Stein, of a Hollywood Florida Jewish family. Danny wants to get a "hot" date for prom but he really isn't a ladies man. When he decides that pretty sophomore cheerleader Alice, who he gives rides home from school, would fit his ideal, he messes up that conversation so badly that she looks at him as a pervert.

The title of the movie comes from a sort of running joke, as the boys and their parents discuss whether they should also get a room at the hotel where the prom is. Every time someone mentions that "Bart Got a Room", then it settles the issue, because Bart Beeber is perhaps the most geeky guy in their class. We don't really ever need to meet Bart, but we do in a late scene.

William H. Macy is in his usual fine form as the dad, Ernie Stein, and wearing a wig for a full head of curly hair. Cheryl Hines is good as the divorced wife and mom, Beth Stein.

Danny has a best friend from early childhood, Alia Shawkat as Camille. Since Danny was NOT in a relationship, and neither was Camille, it would have made sense for them to go to prom together. In fact she was counting on it and was very disappointed when Danny rebuffed her suggestion. But much of the last half of the movie plays on their eventual patching up of their friendship.

Not a very deep movie, but relatively clean as teen prom movies go and for the most part a good 80 minutes of entertainment.

Can the whole be LESS than the sum of the parts?

[PenOutOfTime · 5/10 · 21 August 2009]

Looking back at this film, there are quite a number of scenes that seem as if they, and the movie that they are in, should be superb. Actually watching the scenes, and watching the film as a whole however, the effect is rather lackluster. Objectively, I can't say that the movie is a bad one, and some people will probably love, it, but for many or most people, I suspect that the film will not live up to its potential. Its difficult to say exactly why, but I can nominate three potential reasons.

1.

Comparative lack of comedic follow-through. In many comedic scenes in film, you can see an embarrassing situation emerging a few seconds or minutes before the specific situation ends. Rather than playing each scene through from beginning to bitter end, 'Bart Got A Room" tends to lay out the scene, and clip off the last uncomfortable moments. This device does not render the scenes unfunny, and it could make the film a bit more subtle. "Bart Got A Room" is not the most exciting or unpredictable film however, and the closely trimmed scene endings make the movie more boring.

2.

A vast proportion of the world's humor comes from people and the world as a whole not living up to expectations. Much humor represents an idealistic implicit criticism of these failures and imperfections.

The creators of this film seem to embrace, rather than criticize imperfection however, particularly in the ending, and not so much by defiantly embracing an alternate standard of perfection, but by saying that "hey, settling for ______ is okay." Obviously the difference between different sorts of acceptance (of imperfection) are subtle, but but this film seems to be more "settle for it" than usual, and the implicit lack of idealism leads to less ideal-driven humorous criticism.

3.

This film has a very clear Florida setting and cultural identity, and ordinarily this would be a strict virtue, adding a bit of realism instead of pretending to a placeless universality. Unfortunately, the film is so subtle/dull overall, that the setting and specific characterization overwhelms the overall story and other elements to a degree. Most likely the filmmakers should have made the story and characters a bit more interesting, rather than make the background less interesting, but something should have been done.

not many laughs

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 8 November 2014]

It's 2 months before prom and Danny Stein (Steven Kaplan) is running out of options. Even unpopular Bart Beeber got a date and a room. Danny is a nerd in charge of prom with his longtime friend Camille (Alia Shawkat). He doesn't want to ask Camille who he wants to be platonic with but everybody just expects it. He wants to ask hot sophomore cheerleader Alice (Ashley Benson) who he drives to school. His divorced parents Ernie (William H. Macy) and Beth (Cheryl Hines) are both out there dating.

This is more sad and pathetic than funny. Kaplan isn't charming enough to lead this and bring out the humor. Alia Shawkat is charming enough and provides some of the best scenes. There are some great comic actors but the jokes aren't hitting. The story isn't anything new or special. Nothing is truly funny but it's a passable amateur effort from writer/director Brian Hecker.

Funny, heartwarming, and with some great performances

[filmmakinfreak · 8/10 · 29 December 2009]

I first heard about this movie when Brandon Hardesty announced he had a role in it on his YouTube channel. I waited patiently for it to be released on DVD, since it never played in theaters in my town I completely forgot about it until I saw a copy of it at Blockbuster. I immediately grabbed it, bought it, took it home, and watched it. Right off the bat, it was funny and entertaining. Steven Kaplan does a great job playing Danny, a high-schooler who has everything set for his big prom - except the girl. The majority of the film is him trying to find the perfect girl in the huge high-school environment. His divorced parents, wonderfully portrayed by William H. Macy and Cheryl Hines add lots of humor to the film, such as his dad's advice and tips to help Danny find the perfect girl. Alia Shawkat plays Danny's best friend, who was expecting him to take her to the prom, only to be disappointed that he wants to find different girl. Sure, some of the scenes may be slightly predictable, but still, this is a very funny and touching teen comedy that a bunch of people can relate to.

A True Must See

[signupname1960 · 10/10 · 26 April 2008]

The plot is tender, heartwarming, funny as can be, and has an ending that will surprise and please. This is a comedy of coming of age and struggles with life that is new, fresh and innovative. While looking at timeless issues, it does all this without a trite moment! Although it's hard to laugh and cry at the same time, this movie makes you do it.

The acting is superb, especially Steven Kaplan's. His portrayal of the teenager struggling with desire vs. true feelings will remind every adult of their own teen age struggles, and be will be familiar to every teenager.

Kaplan's portrayal of Danny is Truly Brilliant--his ability to deadpan the funniest scenes brought true belly laughs from the audience at the premiere showing. See him now so you can tell everyone in a few years that you saw his debut performance. This is an actor whose name will be familiar to all of us in just a few short years.

Truly a gem of a film!

[Squeats · 10/10 · 7 February 2009]

This is far and away one of the most enjoyable festival films I have ever seen! Maybe it was the self-deprecating humour to which we can all relate; perhaps it was William H. Macy's abundantly curly hair. I really can't be sure, but I can tell you that you will not regret taking the time to see this film! The screenplay is top notch, every second of every scene is perfectly executed and the laughs are never forced. Brian Hecker captures the heart and soul of those painful high school years and spreads them across the screen like a mother spreads those embarrassing naked baby photos in front of the new girlfriend. The acting is superb as well, Steven Kaplan is the epitome of the high school dweeb; each agonizing second of the prom date pressure is reflected in his expressive eyes. William H. Macy gives a phenomenal performance as the father who's trying to get his mojo back. A beautiful balance of deadpan delivery and delight in his son's social life - or his idealistic interpretation thereof - his performance gives a solid base on which to build this rollicking romp down memory lane. And yet, the highlight by far of this little gem of a film is it's kitschy soundtrack. It quite literally reaches out, grabs the viewer by the ears, and demands that the feet begin to tap and the head to bob. The classics of big band, swing, and even a little jazz inspire one to reminisce of the days of that spinster aunt pinching the cheek, or that grandmother tweaking the nose. It sets the tone, at least for people of a certain age, of the post-pubescent angst that we all suffered during the high school years and pastes a happy smile to it that doesn't quite hide the insecurity.

Bart Got a Room is a film that should not be missed. Because if Bart can do it, you can too. Even if it costs you $600+, a little self-respect, and most of your dignity. These moments only happen once, so throw caution to the wind, grab life by the short hairs and enjoy the ride!

Underrated teen comedy

[hellomrkitty · 10/10 · 23 July 2009]

This is one of those small comedy gems that has a very cool and unique style to it...and is just an overall funny movie -- about this family of losers who are all looking for dates. I laughed throughout the movie...and I was also surprised to be moved by the relationships as well. It's played pretty real for a teen comedy and I was very surprised by that. The movie shows a pathetic side of Miami Beach and it's a unique environment (with old people everywhere) for a movie about a teenager looking for a prom date. It's an interesting twist on the genre -- and I think it works in a very clever and unique way. The music is also very unique for this type of movie. The movie starts out with the protagonist playing the trumpet in his high school jazz band at the beach to a bunch of old people and it sets this fun, quirky tone for the rest of the movie. I also really liked the overall look of the film -- there were a lot of bright colors and the locations looked like places I haven't seen before. It didn't feel generic. The cast in particular is top notch. William H. Macy is freaking' hilarious as the teen's dad and the supporting cast is also very funny. Macy can do no wrong in my mind. Jennifer Tilly was funny and I was surprised to see her. I think the main kid is a great actor and I think he's going places. When we finally meet Bart, it's definitely worth the wait. I saw this movie in NY and the audience really responded to it. I told everyone I know to see it but it came and went in limited release. I am surprised there wasn't more hype around this film. I would definitely recommend this movie.

The smartest, freshest, and funniest teen comedy since Juno, maybe even better

[Jackpollins · 10/10 · 29 July 2009]

It's always nice to see an unknown actor do something great. This is one of the many reasons I thoroughly enjoy the comedy, Bart Got A Room. An unknown actor, Steven Kaplan is great in this hilarious comedy as Danny, the 2nd biggest loser in school struggling to find a date for the prom. When the 1st bigger loser in school, Bart gets a date and a hotel room for prom, Danny feels it is his duty to automatically get a date for the prom. As his divorced dad, Ernie, William H. Macy steals the show. He certainly doesn't get all the big laughs, but he gets about 85% of them. Cheryl Hines is also quite good as Danny's divorced mom, Beth. The movie is a smart, refreshing, hysterical, and downright feel-good teen comedy. The movie is refreshing as it does not have the regular predictable teen romance, and the movie is sweet instead of aggressive like most teen comedies. I really like the chemistry between Danny and his parents, and between him and his friends. I loved how the movie is not a predictable romance but the opposite- a boy trying to find romance. Also, the whole cast is excellent, and it gives some great young actors a chance to show their talent. This is a great movie that I think you should definitely go see right away.

Loved this film!

[cleo710 · 10/10 · 7 January 2010]

Anything with William H. Macy is a winner but this clever, funny tale about a high school kid finding a date for prom brings it full circle. Both parents and kids will relate and enjoy this movie. It appeals to all ages. I especially liked the countdown time line to prom and all the various girls he tries to get to go with him. I highly recommend this film to watch again and again ! The background and staging are excellent. The sideline characters are also great and truly add to the film. The parents relationship with each other and finding new people to date is something divorced parents will find very amusing. The scene with the dad in his new apartment is priceless.

Attractive, in a quirky sort of way.

[Ikaruz · 10/10 · 6 February 2009]

I laughed hard, several times throughout this festival film, and I can really saw that I'd like to show this movie to everyone that I know.

Brian Hecker attended the screening and was kind enough to answer a couple of my questions, with the other audience members. He was warm and obviously enjoying his films equally warm reception by the crowd. You can see very much of himself is reflected in the authoring of this film.

Danny's father could not have been anyone other than William H. Macy. Macy delivered a stellar performance, complete with his special brand of demented enthusiasm. Kaplan as well, has earned good grades in my book with his firmly believable delivery of Danny's desperation, and obsessive behaviour.

I'll give this a ten, because nine doesn't feel right.

Woody Allen for Generation Y

[samlikescake1 · 10/10 · 26 August 2009]

A great teen comedy that invokes the best films of John Hughes from the 80's, combined with the neuroses of Woody Allen. The Florida setting is something new and fresh and adds a really nice element to the entire film. William H Macy is hilarious, much funnier than he gets to be in other movies. The lead kid is hysterical, a combination of Woody Allen, Larry David, and Jerry Seinfeld all rolled into one. And the hilarious Cheryl Hines from Curb Your Enthusiasm is also in it, playing the lead kid's mom. Not that I'm a prude, because I love Judd Apatow humor just as much as the next guy, but it's nice to see a movie that can be funny without having to be dirty in order to do it. For anyone who ever had to deal with the hell that is prom night, you don't want to miss this!!!!!!!!!

Bart Got A Room is absolutely funny!

[nico_r1313 · 9/10 · 11 January 2010]

Bart got a room is a hilarious film about a boy looking for a prom date. William H. Macy is a riot as Danny Stein's father, Ernie, who also helps him in his quest. Cheryl Hines is absolutely sweet as Danny's mother, Beth. While Danny's parents are in the middle of a separation the senior prom is on the way. Danny and his friends, Abby and Craig, are on the hunt to help Danny find someone other than his friend Camille to take to the prom. When it seems as though all is lost for our young friend, he decides that maybe his family was right all along about going with someone he's been around the majority of his life. Between being bombarded by Camille at his dinner date and ending up late to meet with a very hot friend of a friend and his father finding a prostitute at the last minute, this film kept me laughing. Although we only catch a glimpse of the infamous Bart- the story is set around the idea that even the nerdiest guy in the senior class got a hotel room! Laughs and giggles all throughout this film as we see the the outrageous and at times pathetic attempts of Danny searching to check off the final item on his prom to do list - a date. William H. Macy had me in stitches! Jennifer Tilly was adorable as usual in her cameo! This film was very enjoyable and I can't wait to see more from writer/director Brian Hecker.

bart got a room scores an A+

[phatbear79 · 10/10 · 7 January 2010]

Well i first saw this movie on facebook and watched the trailer. I was hooked and waited for it to come out in the theaters. Unfortunately i missed it in the theater but i did not miss it on my Netflix cue. Steven Kaplan carried the movie very well. From beginning to end it is filled with completely relate-able material and humor. The father son relationship with William H Macy is believable as well as his relationship with his mom and best friend Camille. It brought me back to my senior year when Prom was the only thing on everybody's mind. I have recommended this movie to all my friends and love the fact that south Florida was used as its location. Its a different kind of high school movie that is not like Superbad or American pie that is raunchy and the f bomb is dropped every other scene. It doesn't need that and survives superbly without them. I loved those movies also but Bart Got a Room is just as good and funny. You need to think a lil more when watching this movie to get some of the humor but is welcomed with open arms. If you have Netflix, add it to your cue today, if not go rent or buy it.