Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is the newest release from Summit Entertainment about the story of Charlie (Logan Lerman), a Freshman at High School where he feels alone and friendless where even his sister (played by Nina Dobrev) ignores him.

The only friend Charlie makes on his first day is his Advanced English teacher Bill (Paul Rudd). Taking a chance one day however he strikes up a friendship with brother and sister Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Emma Watson), who are seniors at the same school. They take him under their wing and introduce him to a unique group of people who help him through his first year at High School and help him uncover some dark secrets from his past.

The film was written and directed by Stephen Chobsky, based on his novel of the same name, helping to keep the spirit of the book at the centre of the adaptation. It is a perfect coming of age story as told by an awkward outcast teenage boy just trying to find a place for himself whilst figuring out who he is along the way.

Lerman’s performance as the protagonist Charlie is outstanding and, although there is deep seated feeling that something is not quite right with regards to his behaviour, it isn’t until the end that the audience gets to grips with Charlie and his background. Miller and Watson’s roles as Patrick and Sam are again examples of perfect casting. The film features more ‘typical’ teenage drama including drug taking, homophobia and romance, however all are overshadowed when demons from Charlie’s past are revealed.

This film may make you both laugh out loud and shed a tear or two, but the emotional rollercoaster is well worth the ride.

Best performance: Although Miller and Watson give strong performances Logan Lerman completely embodies the character of Charlie and brings him to life.
Best scene: Sam, Patrick and Charlie drive through the Fort Pitt Tunnel in Pittsburgh while Sam stands in the back of the pick up truck while David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ plays on the car radio and Charlie reveals how this moment makes him feel infinite.
Best line: Sam: “Why do I and everyone I love pick people who treat us like we’re nothing?”
Charlie: “We accept the love we think we deserve.”