The Perks of Being A Wallflower Movie Review

 

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower poster

 

 

 

 

When In Manila, assume these following pronouncements: “Emma Watson is not Hermione anymore”, “Logan Lerman actually turned out to be better than Percy Jackson”, “My God Paul Rudd is still handsome” (okay I am referring to those 90’s kids (girls) out there who lived off the days believing “Clueless” was an amazing movie, forgive my insensitivity to the “new generation”) and then lastly probably “who is that guy Ezra Miller? He was actually amazing!” to go around. Why am I asking you to do this? Please read my letter to you, and yes I am going to pull a Charlie.

 

 

 

 

perks of being a wallflower 1The Perks of Being A Wallflower movie premiere at SM Cinema

 

 

 

 

perks of being a wallflower 4“We accept the love we think we deserve” – Stephen Chbosky

 

 

 

 

Dear Friend,

 

I saw a movie and it has exceeded my expectation. But first off I would like to apologize because I will disappoint you right away, as this will not be a spoiler if you are hoping to find one here. As respect for the movie, the book and you who happens to plan on watching this with your other friends – who either had or had not read it, I will refrain from spoiling anything. Do not worry though as I will tell you what you can expect from (I am to quote a lot of critics) “a coming of age story” The Perks of Being A Wallflower film adaptation.

 

 

 

perks of being a wallflower 9Cast of The Perks of Being A Wallflower : Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller

 

 

 

 

If you happen to have not read this astounding piece of literature written by Stephen Chbosky (who also directed and adapted the screenplay for the film), here is a little snippet.

 

 

 

A boy meets a girl and falls in love, oh scratch that because this one is way better.

 

 

 

 

perks of being a wallflower 6Emma Watson (Sam) and Logan Lerman (Charlie)

 

 

 

 

Charlie (Logan Lerman) happens to have had no friends when he started his high school freshman year. He writes to his “friend” often to tell him/her about what goes on with his life as his only good friend Michael took his own life and the person he ever felt close to died in a car accident. Eventually, Charlie made friends with Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller) who introduced him to a lot of new things that come with the package of being an adolescent. He also made friends with his English teacher Mr. Anderson (Paul Rudd) who helped him explore his literary prowess. I will stop right there before I spoil this any more than I am.

 

 

 

 

perks of being a wallflower 10I don’t want to be somebody’s crush. If somebody likes me, I want them to like the real me, not what they think I am.” (Sam) – Stephen Chbosky

 

 

 

 

To say that Logan Lerman fitted the character, Charlie, is an understatement. I believe that he was the perfect choice. He portrayed the wide-eyed, “generic” outcast adolescent better than how I pictured Charlie while reading the book. Charlie had issues and Logan Lerman did not fail to show you what those were. He was both this vulnerable and relatable adolescent that we are/were all at the age of 16. You just wanted to hug him after every scene you deem could ensue a hug.

 

 

I know Emma Watson has been Hermione to all of us but my friend, please open your eyes to the possibilities of her leaving that name tag on a fridge. This movie will be her very own version of “coming of age”. Fresh with her acquired American accent for the role, a rare chance for most of us who had gone so “passionate” about Harry Potter if I may add, Emma Watson gave justice and had stayed true to who Sam really is. I could not help myself but utter that she has really grown up and believe that she would definitely accept more roles that would stretch her acting chops to the limits. She was not just a pretty face or poster girl for the movie; she made Sam shine the way the character should shine. There goes the Hogwarts Diploma on the wall along with the rest of the certificates/awards Emma Watson has.

 

 

Paul Rudd and Nina Dobrev were great support in the movie; they made their presence felt even if there were very minimal scenes with them.

 

 

 

 

perks of being a wallflower 8Ezra Miller as Patrick

 

 

 

 

While I have high praises for the other two main actors of the movie, I would like to say that the scene-stealer was Ezra Miller (Patrick). I would admit that I favored Sam and Charlie while reading the book but Ezra Miller brought a whole new persona to his character, Patrick. I never would have assumed that he would be able to deliver more than what I have expected Patrick to be. Miller actually balanced the emotions in the movie providing needed humor and delivering it exactly when and where.

 

 

While we already had the actors out of the way, please allow me to just get this out for a quick second, my hippie self actually had what you can call a field day watching this. The Perks of Being A Wallflower soundtrack was so good I would play it until my ears have had enough.

 

 

Personally, I am thankful that Stephen Chbosky, who also is a screenwriter, did stay true to every word in the book, proving that a novelist can direct and be loyal to the source of the story. One tip for you and your other friends though who have not read the book, make sure you/they notice the little indications about the time frame of the movie to understand it better, they are actually very visible.

 

 

This is already lengthy my friend, please do watch the movie about loss, love, rediscovering and accepting life, music and all other adventures an adolescent could experience to have your own take on it. If you have not read the book might as well grab the nearest copy, you will finish it in one sitting.

 

 

Love,
Anne

 

 

 

 

perks of being a wallflower 2

 

 

 

 

PS. I would like to thank Netbooster Asia for inviting us to the premiere of The Perks of Being A Wallflower at SM Cinema last night September 25, 2012. To know more about Netbooster Asia, please see this link: https://www.netboosterasia.com/

 

 

So When In Manila my fellow hippies (or semi hippies), eclectics, bookworms, movie buffs, Emma Watson and Logan Lerman fans, be sure to watch The Perks of Being A Wallflower, it is worth more than you think you deserve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Perks of Being A Wallflower Movie Review