This coming-of-age teen drama, adapted from Stephen Chbosky's novel of the same name,
doubled its thirteen million dollar budget when it was released in September of 2012.
The strength and power of this film adaptation can largely be attributed to Chbosky himself,
who wrote his own screenplay, and directed the feature: his first mainstream movie.
Opening with strong and revealing first-person narration, this tightly crafted high school
story takes place in the early 90's, and stars Logan Lerman as a high school freshman who
becomes friends with seniors Emma Watson and Ezra Miller.
After his MTV-nominated "breakthrough performance" in Percy Jackson two years earlier, 21-year-old
Lerman is finally able to stretch his talents, and turns in an absolutely magical and realistic
performance as the angsty teen nerd who wishes to be more than an observer on the sidelines,
remarking on finally being spoken to, "I didn't think anyone noticed me".
Following a decade of almost exclusive performances in the Harry Potter series, Watson has grown
up into a beautiful and engaging talent.
The two play off each other wonderfully, and it's for this most basic reason the tired
story of high school politics and teen romance succeeds here so effortlessly.
In a large supporting role, Miller is impressive and amusing as the goofball wingman, rounding
out the trio of young actors with another solid performance.
The absolutely killer soundtrack features a number of classic 80's and 90's hits, used
perfectly in every instance, including an amazing and memorable moment when David Bowie's
"Heroes" is blasting as the group drive through a tunnel late at night.
It's these lasting and beautifully shot moments that stitch together a compelling and enjoyable
cinematic experience for all 102-minutes of the film.
Perhaps the most iconic and powerful moment of the entire film is when Lerman repeats
sage advice his teacher Paul Rudd told him, when he shares his feelings to Watson, confessing,
"We accept the love we think we deserve".
Although the strength of these scenes depends on your own adolescent experiences, they are
nothing short of goosebump educing.
A cluttered plot thread about mental illness is introduced late, and some other background
characters receive little beyond the most cursory and formulaic developments, but by
and large, this carefully paced PG-13 drama is overwhelmingly enjoyable and moving.
Almost criminally overlooked when it was released, the film's oft-repeated prospective on 'infinity'
is a perhaps a hint of this film's staying power: an eventual cult-hit that everyone
ought to discover for themselves.
"The Perks Of Being A Wallflower", "Transcendently poignant.
Lasting, and relatable."
Lets read some of your reviews, now that you've heard from me.
Our scores for "The Perks Of Being A Wallflower"... a rare double TEN.
Unanimous praise was given to the performances, story, and execution, you thought this film
was "Amazing".
Passionately directed, with a hopeful and honest tone, but still flawed, I hesitated
to give this picture my highest rating... but honestly, there were few pictures from
2012 I enjoyed more.
I thought it was "Amazing" as well.