The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Movie review by Lauren
photos used for promo only; do not own them
Review: This movie has been out since October, and I’m just now venturing a review. I’ve seen the movie twice and loved it both times. I would seriously pay to see it again in theaters (especially if I got to go with someone who hadn’t seen it yet- that’s always the best). Before I realized it was, in fact, being released near me, my sister, a friend, and I were about to plan a trip to Michigan in order to see it.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is one of my all-time favorite books, and though I often re-read it, I have never reviewed it on my blog. It’s just one of those books I can tell people over and over again to read, but it’s not something I feel I could ever really review. There would probably be things I couldn’t fully explain or I forgot to include, so basically…no review of the book.
As for the movie, though, I wanted to try and say something. I’ve been excited about this movie before I even knew it was going to be a movie. Then I found out and I was so thankful that Stephen Chbosky was able to write and direct it, since I knew that’s what he wanted. This is his amazing novel and I’m not sure anyone else could have done complete justice. I don’t like comparing the book to the movie, because they are different…and the same is true of The Perks of Being a Wallflower. But it worked. The main story, the emotion, the characters that people fell in love with…that’s all there. And it was beautiful.
I think everyone did a great job, especially the three main actors. Logan Lerman really was Charlie. He was sensitive, and thoughtful, and sweet, and all sorts of awkward. He really brought to life these words I’ve been reading about for such a long time. As for Emma Watson, she was a wonderful Sam. It was very exciting to see her in something so beyond her Harry Potter days. Finally, we have Ezra Miller, who all the actual critics are raving about, and it’s very much deserved. He’s a phenomenal actor and he was the perfect Patrick, from the great humor to the more deep, introspective moments.
As I previously said, I’m glad Stephen Chbosky wrote/directed the movie adaptation. It’s more than his being the author. He really did capture the heart of Charlie’s story. It was great to see some of the classic book lines in the movie, as well as some new ones that makes me wonder if Chbosky thought of them after writing the book and wished he could have included them, or if he just came up with them specifically for the film.
Speaking of the famous Perks quotes, that is one thing that I would like to say about the book. Chbosky, through Charlie, has such beautiful insights into the world…these are things that so many people feel or believe, and yet, they couldn’t possibly express them this well. One of my favorite quotes from the novel (which was not in the movie, though I understand it would not have fit) is:
This is something that I completely believe. You can’t always compare yourself to others. Life throws something at everyone. You can’t choose what you get. See? I can’t even describe the quote eloquently, but I just wanted to share this one with all of you (especially if you have seen the film but not read the book- and you should do both!) and I hope it means something to you too. This is a quote that I’ve shared with many people since first reading this book, because it’s something we all should keep in mind.
I suppose I should wrap up this movie review, but this is a film I could talk about over and over again. There are so many wonderful moments- full of humor and heart- and you just have to experience them for yourself to really understand. I loved having Paul Rudd as Charlie’s english teacher, it was so much fun to see the friends act out The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and of course, the tunnel scenes were pure magic.
Finally, I wanted to share a couple interviews. I was lucky enough to interview Stephen Chbosky (author and writer/director of The Perks of Being a Wallflower) in 2009. It was seriously a highlight because this book (and now movie) mean so much to me. I wanted to let you all know about it in case you haven’t had the chance to check it out. Obviously, this was way before we knew the film was going to be officially made! Also, I call it a conversation because I didn’t polish our words…I tried to leave it as organic as it was when I talked to him on the phone.
Stephen Chbosky Interview– feel free to still comment there! I will see them!
I also did an interview with Reece Thompson back in 2008. I was a fan of his from the movie Rocket Science and he was kind enough to answer my questions. You can see him in The Perks of Being a Wallflower as Craig.
Reece Thompson Interview– again, feel free to commen on that post. I will see them!
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