The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Review

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), Stephen Chbosky
3.5/5

I have to say, going in to see this film I didn't have high expectations. Advertised as "The Breakfast Club of this generation" I was dubious to say the least about this teen romance/ coming of age film. Based on the book of the same name, it is interesting that the author Stephen Chbosky also adapted the screenplay and directed the film, presumedly lending itself to a close adaptation. The film is unexpectedly witty, but there are definitely some very cheesy melodramatic moments. Overall the acting is great, although Emma Watson does occasionally slip out of her American accent into her British accent. Logan Lerman who plays the lead character Charlie is especially authentic. Another favourite is Patrick played by Ezra Miller who was Kevin in the film We Need to Talk about Kevin (2011) and I'm so glad that I didn't remember that he was from We Need to Talk about Kevin as his character is so different, charming, witty and unique. Ezra Miller's performance is great and like Logan Lerman evokes empathy in the audience. This could have been another cheesy teen romcom flick, but instead it delved a little deeper, was a little more quirky and had some powerful moments. The cinematography was great, playing subtly to different images for the most part. However some elements of plot and imagery were too 'neat' and circular, in summing up the 'journey' of Charlie. Overall  it was an enjoyable film and of the new generation of high school and quirky films to go with Juno (2007), Little Miss Sunshine (2006), The Wackness (2008) and Scott Pilgrim vs the World (2010). This film middles somewhere between cheesy high school drama and dark and strange issues, and not quite excelling at either. It is no Thumsucker (2005) which is strange and bizarre coming of age film. Overall more interesting than the average teen-flick and well acted and produced set to a great music soundtrack. This film will ring true of those who grew up in the 80s and 90s with lots of pop culture references from music to books. But don't be fooled this film is no Breakfast Club (1985).