Both of my older brothers recommended this film to me, as well as my girlfriend who (for once) saw a movie before I did. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a movie based on director Stephen Chbosky’s novel (he wrote the screenplay for 2005’s Rent), about high school with much, much, MUCH more emotional depth than something like Mean Girls. I loved Mean Girls, but the story involved a lot of heavy stuff. Freshman Charlie (excellently played by Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson)) is entering high school after some troubles in his past that aren’t thoroughly explained, and he has trouble fitting in. This may sound normal but there are a lot of bullies in this high school apparently. At a football game he meets and befriends a couple of “wallflowers”, Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller, a standout performance of his own and you may have seen him in Royal Pains). They call themselves wallflowers because the pair, along with some others, are the artsy types that like indie and classical music, art, foreign films, and Rocky Horror.
Like I said, there is a lot of heavy stuff in the movie, but there is a love story wrapped in it too. There are also some really funny moments too, especially from Miller. Logan Lerman, I thought, was excellent! He is very likable and at times possesses an incredible range of emotion, making the climax of the film a real heart-pounder. After seeing him in Percy Jackson, it isn’t like I expected much, so seeing how good he was here was great. Ezra Miller was great. Emma Watson was very good. There were a lot of supporting actors too that I liked, including Paul Rudd (I Love You, Man), Mae Whitman, and Johnny Simmons (both of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World).
I feel like this review is lacking… but I don’t want to give anything away and I don’t know if I could do it justice with my words. That sounds like a big statement but… I guess what I mean is that there is a lot going on: Each of the three main characters has a particular trait that they have to deal with, especially in a high school filled with bullies. There are several obstacles that happen, many funny moments, many intense moments, many lovely moments… See I don’t know if I can do the movie justice. I recommend Perks very highly… Actually, after reading this, I kinda want to watch it again!
Michael Night's Miscellany 