“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a high school coming of age film for the modern generation.
The 2012 film was written and directed by Stephen Chbosky. In fact, it’s based on his own 1999 novel of the same name. It chronicles the freshman year of Charlie Kelmeckis as he navigates a new school whilst carrying immense burdens.
What’s intangible is the emotional punch Chbosky uses. The story is clearly inspired by his own adolescence. That alone makes the script so much more palpable. It’s not a standard jocks vs nerds high school cliché. Rather, it’s a glimpse into the untold pressures teenagers often face.
1,385 Days and counting
It’s 1991. Charlie Kelmeckis (Logan Lerman) is starting high school and, as he narrates, has 1,385 days to go. At the onset, it seems like a typical movie about a quiet kid struggling to fit in. But Charlie has a past, and the viewer will quickly be made aware of some of his demons.
Logan Lerman does a masterful job as Charlie. He is the perfect embodiment of an awkward teenager, desperately wanting to make new friends. The character is highly emotional, though most of the problems remain beneath the surface. Lerman is mesmerizing on screen, with a knack for conveying a wide breadth of sentiment.
Mae Whitman dazzles
Charlie forges an amazing friendship with a group of seniors, who are also outcasts in their own way. The seniors are played by Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Mae Whitman, and Erin Wilhelmi. All are excellent and deserve equal praise to Lerman with their respective parts. Specifically Mae Whitman, who I loved in the series “Parenthood.” Whitman has the most organic delivery of lines I’ve ever witnessed. She never sounds scripted and is always a favorite character.
The cast also includes big names in ancillary parts. Kate Walsh and Dylan McDermott play Charlie’s parents. Nina Dobrev is his older sister. And Paul Rudd is the cool teacher that connects with him. Though only in a handful of scenes, Rudd is impressive as he always is.
At 104 minutes, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” never lags. Deep subjects are touched upon. Teen suicide, sexuality, and simply fitting in. The music is timeless, and plays an important role as would be the case with any high schoolers.
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a great movie. It won’t land in my Top 100, but I will be checking out the book.
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is currently available to rent on Amazon.
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