Have you read The Perks of Being a Wallflower? Well, if you haven't, I highly recommend you give it a read. It's a true page turner, and a novel which, I feel, extends far past the typical expectations of the teen novel genre and proves to be an emotional novel for all readers. But I'm not here to talk about the novel, I'm here to talk about the film, which happens to be directed by the book's author, Stephen Chbosky. And, despite some changes from the source material, Perks stands tall as one of the year's must see films.
The story of the introverted, and possibly disturbed, high school freshmen Charlie (Logan Lerman) could have been a cliched coming of age story. But, like the novel, Charlie's experiences with his friends from "the island of misfit toys" prove to be relatable and refreshing. Don't be fooled by the 90s setting or the young stars on the poster- this is a film that any generation can appreciate, due to how realistic the universal experiences that make up high school are depicted. From experimentation with drugs, to the awkwardness of sex, to the more serious issues like bullying and depression, it all feels wonderfully accurate. I may not have been a teenager during the 90s, but I certainly can relate to Charlie's experiences with his friends. The parties he goes to, the dates he goes on and the seemingly unimportant car rides with his best friends all felt like experiences ripped from my own high school years, and I'd be willing to bet others will find similarities in at least some of his experiences.
That's where the real strength of Perks lies. Through the realism in the film, Chbosky creates a giant heart at the film's core that's impossible to resist. In lesser hands, many characters could have become gratingly annoying, or like characters we've seen countless times before. The flamboyant and boisterous Patrick (Ezra Miller) could have been annoying but, instead, is entertaining and brings much needed comedy during darker moments. Sam's (Emma Watson) "dream girl' status could have made her feel like a one dimensional love interest, but she ends up coming off as a fully realized and flawed character. The supporting roles- including Rocky Horror loving punk Mary Elizabeth (Mae Whitman) and in-the-closet jock Brad (Johnny Simmons) grow out of their archetypes and feel like real people you passed in the hallway at school. Perhaps most remarkable is the way Chbosky makes the audience fall in love with the narrator, Charlie. Charlie obviously has problems, and his almost childlike naiveté could have become grating. But, Charlie never becomes annoying. You constantly want the best for him, laugh while he laughs, and cry when he cries. Audiences will learn to love them, and want to spend more time with them.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is, also, exceedingly well cast. I wrote off Logan Lerman early in his career (sorry, but Percy Jackson looked terrible). But, here, Lerman gives a performance that feels perfectly realized and is simply stunning. I'd argue it's Oscar worthy, even though there is virtually no chance at a nomination. But, he's surrounded by equally talented actors. Ezra Miller has, by far, the "showiest" role as his Patrick is responsible for being the comedic backbone of the film, while also being required to show the pain that comes with being an openly gay student in a close minded high school. Miller lives up to the challenge. As Sam, Emma Watson also delivers a strong performance, even if she is the weakest of the three. As a fan of the novel, I still feel Watson was slightly miscast. I just don't buy the fact that her character would have anything resembling a promiscuous past. But, Watson certainly shows her dramatic chops here, and has a remarkable amount of chemistry with Lerman. And her American accent? Perfect! Other wonderful casting decisions include the charming Mae Whitman, who helps make her abrasive character sympathetic and lovable, as well as a perfectly cast Paul Rudd, who plays the "teacher role model" role perfectly without ever becoming creepy, and Melanie Lynskey as Charlie's late Aunt Helen.
As a whole, Perks works, delivering all the necessary drama, comedy and inspiration a coming of age dramadey would need. But, it's in the individual moments that the film's true power is revealed. Fans of the book will be happy to see how well their favorite moments are re-enacted. The Rocky Horror sequences are fun and hilarious. Charlie and Patrick's bonding over their relationship woes are heart breaking. The novel's memorable line, which signifies the book/film's theme, "We accept the love we think we deserve" is delivered perfectly, and fully explored during the rest of the film. And, perhaps most importantly, the "infinite" scene is directed beautifully, with all the emotional power you'd expect. Don't know what I'm talking about? Well then, go see the film! Trust me, you will be moved.
There have been many great films so far this year, but none have impacted me emotionally quite like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and it's not just because I love the book. This is a well made, brilliantly acted drama that may be about teens, but can appeal to anyone. If you write this film off as "just another teen movie", you will miss out on one of the year's very best. Please, go check it out!
OVERALL GRADE: A+
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