Jan 14, 2013

The perks of being a wallflower [2012]

The Perks of being a wallflower is a 2012 production based on a novel by Stephen Chbosky, which tells the coming-of-age story of Charlie, a special kid who's life obstacles have left him with no friends. He starts high-school and soon makes unexpected friends that will change his life completely. Written for screen and directed by the author of the book, it is a wonderful story of friendship, love, hardship and hope.

I think one of the best things about Perks is the script, or better the way the story was constructed and presented to the audience. Although it follows a typical growing up/teenager path, it's filled with small details, some horrifying, some original, some funny, that make the whole experience more interesting to watch. For example, it's not just about an awkward guy trying to make friends, it's about a boy who has suffered many loses in his life and who is now trying to recover and adapt to this new environment. The relationships are realistically built, for most parts, and I liked their interaction- although some scenes were rather common, others thrived in emotion and creativity. I especially loved the ending and how it was built to reveal the thing that has been haunting him for all these years- it made me cry like a child and probably gave me the lasting impression that Perks of being a wallflower is a great film.

Filmmaking-wise, there were a few things that stood out for me: the score and soundtrack, featuring The Smiths and New Order, the cinematography and directing in some scenes and the editing. All helped make Perks a much better film and integrate it in that time period, although I admit I realized about half way through that the action was happening in the early 90s, and not in present times.

As for the casting, there were very few mistakes made. I loved Logan Lerman's performance and, of course, Ezra Miller was his usual talented self, but I do think Emma Watson was slightly unsuitable for the part. I bet Sam was probably much more of a bad girl on paper than she was on screen, but then again, Watson's sweet demeanor doesn't help, either. Surprisingly good performances by Mae Whitman, Nina Dobrev and Dylan McDermott.

I may be biased, but I am willing to say with conviction that Perks of being a wallflower is a film you must see and enjoy. Don't take it too seriously, just remember your own adolescence and admire the character development and storyline. Try it!

16 comments:

  1. I think it can be taken seriously, or at least that's what the American audiences seem to think. It's our John Hughes movie.

    I adored it, seriously. Watson was actually pretty good, but the male leads completely outshone her.

    Nice review.

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    1. I agree, it is our John Hughes movie :) thanks!

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  2. My favorite of 2012! Best to the core!

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  3. Great review here! This was arguably the biggest surprise of 2012 for me. I really didn't think it'd be for me in any way. So very wrong. Absolutely adored it!

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    1. Yeah, I was a bit surprised, too! Glad to see we agree on it!

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  4. Excellent review, Diana! I am really excited about this movie.

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    1. You should be, it's great, I hope you will see it soon!

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  5. Glad you liked the film! I agree about Watson - she did what she could with the part, but I thought she was a miscast, she just looks like a good girl and it was tough to buy her reputation.

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    1. I really like Watson and I think she has potential, I am curious about her future!

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  6. Good review Diana. One of my favorites of the year and that's mainly because it totally surprised me with what it could do.

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  7. Wonderful review! Loved this as well. Great script, and terrific performances overall.

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    1. Good to see we agree! I really liked the reviews,too, i thought everyone was great, although I wasn't a big fan of Watson- not that she didn't play the part well, it's just that she didn't fit it

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  8. Nice Review!! I feel like I am just repeating everyone here but yeah, loved it. To tell you the truth, first 15 minutes into the movie I wasn't buying it completely. But I was surprised that it completely won me over by the end.

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