October 5th brought the highly-anticipated release of Summit Entertainment’s newest movie, Perks of Being a Wallflower, to select theaters. It wasn’t until Oct. 12 that it was released to all theaters. The film is based on the 1999 young adult book of the same title by Stephen Chbosky, who also wrote the screenplay and was the director of the film.
The movie follows 15-year-old Charlie who is about to start his freshmen year in high school, and whose only friend had committed suicide a few months earlier. Left to survive high school alone, Charlie befriends his English teacher, Mr. Anderson, on the first day. His relationship with Mr. Anderson opens Charlie up to a new literary world with the likes of Holden Caulfield, Boo Radley and Peter Pan. It is through these novels that Charlie learns about the world around him.
Eventually, Charlie gets up the nerve to introduce himself to a senior in his shop class named Patrick, whom along with his step-sister Sam, decide to introduce Charlie to their circle of friends. Their friends, including Mary Elizabeth and Alice, are immediately receptive towards Charlie. After spending time with his new friends, Charlie begins to fall in love with Sam, who is dating a college student.
Although still pining over Sam, Charlie ends up dating Mary Elizabeth. This relationship ends badly, and results in Charlie being isolated from his friends for a while. During this time alone, Charlie struggles with memories from his past and his relationship with his Aunt Helen, and eventually ends up in the hospital. After a while, Charlie is accepted back into his group of friends, and everything is copacetic. It is here with his new friends that he finally finds his place, and realizes he can get through anything because he is a wallflower.
Cast includes Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & The Olympians), Emma Watson (Harry Potter franchise), and Paul Rudd (Clueless, Our Idiot Brother). This movie is synonymous to the many teen movies that came out in the eighties, and has a distinct “John Hughes” feel to it. The film teaches viewers that being young can be difficult sometimes, but that with the help of our friends (and a really good soundtrack) you can make it through anything. I recommend this film to all young people who are struggling with something in their lives and need inspiration. I would highly suggest reading the book first.
