THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 102 mins
Common Sense Rating: 14+
“We accept the love we think we deserve.”
– Charlie
(Logan Lerman)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower was originally a novel released in the February of 1999. The captivating story which explores a young man’s experiences in starting high school was written by Steven Chbosky. In addition to its rerelease, the novel’s timeless appeal will reach fanbase as Chbosky returns to write and direct the movie adaptation of The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Starting high school can seem intimidating, especially for a shy 9th grader named Charlie. At first, the aspiring writer has trouble finding his place. But his high school experience seems to come together when he befriends outcasts Patrick & Sam. As the friendship continues, Charlie begins to discover things never felt before as well as feelings he is quite familiar with.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower was well casted & well acted. Logan Lerman displays great emotional depth as he plays this complex character. He is totally believable as Charlie, an outsider who’s striving and wants so badly to be accepted in the new world of high school which he has entered into.
Sam (Emma Watson), Charlie (Logan Lerman), & Patrick (Ezra Miller) riding in the night…
CREDIT: ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com
In addition to Lerman, Perks also features convincing performances by actors like Emma Watson, who plays the character of Sam with the right balance of emotion that makes her another sympathetic figure. Ezra Miller brings the comic relief as the flamboyant outspoken senior friend. The cast is rounded out by the occasional appearance of Paul Rudd as Charlie’s English teacher, Mr. Anderson
The movie’s treatment of the story is a lot better than the typical fish out of water, kid trying to survive found in most high school movies. What I’ve noticed in these types of movies is that the new kid is picked on simply because he’s the new kid looked at as the fresh meat.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower actually reveals why he is unable to make friends. As the story progresses, you’re able to sympathize for Charlie in a way that’s genuine. The plot was well thought out and also avoids the feeling as if you’re watching a completely different movie from when it begins.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower takes place in the early 90’s time period staying true to the novel’s roots. While the film takes a few creative liberties, it still maintains the spirit of the best-selling novel. This can be seen from the plot as whole to even small references within the movie.
While most of the bothersome details about The Perks of Being a Wallflower were very minor, my main issue was the lack of character development of Candace. Her story arc seemed to end as soon as it began and left you wondering, “How’d that happen?” It would have been better if a little more time was allowed to see how she reached the end of her subplot.
For parents who are worried, it’s a teen movie grounded in reality so you can expect that there’s going to be some rude language, some drug & sex references. In addition, there is a teen fight scene and some very intense emotional situations.
Despite being of a bit moody at times, The Perks of Being a Wallflower brings audiences back to a certain time when we felt like Charlie. While it has a very serious moment stemming from the very beginning, it was a great movie with an entrancing story complete with lots of laughs and the good message that you can go home with. B
Fade to black…
Le Cinéma Mercurial 
It’s a beautiful film that touches on it’s subject so well and never struck a false note for me. Wish a bigger audience was going out and seeing this but who knows, On Demand could really kick-start this flick. Good review.
@CMrok93 I felt the same way. It’s always sad when great movies go unnoticed. I certainly hope you’re right withe the On Demand thought. Thanks for commenting!