The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller
Director: Stephen Chbosky
Rating: 4/5
The coming of age movie has always been a major part of cinema and this week sees the genre return in the form of The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
The book by Stephen Chbosky is one of the most loved and he makes his directorial debut with the film as well as writing the screenplay.
The Perks of Being A Wallflower is one of the freshest coming of age movies that I have had the pleasure of seeing in some time and like all great films in this genre it has a very real feel to it.
The movie really does benefit from having writer Chboksy in the director’s chair as the film really does capture the essence, the spirit and the sincerity of the book.
Moreover Chbosky is not afraid to tackle the taboo subjects of his novel on the big screen; psychological health, sexual abuse and homosexuality - lets face it there are not many filmmakers who would tackle this head on.
And while the movie may be dealing with some pretty heavy stuff there is a real charm and humour to it and the relationships that are built up throughout.
Logan Lerman delivers the best turn of his career so far as the troubled Charlie who wants nothing more than to fit in.
But he is a teenager with a secret and a troubled past and Lerman really does well in balancing all these different aspects of his character.
This is the first major role that Emma Watson has taken on since leaving the Harry Potter franchise behind and she delivers a performance that shows she is an actress that can stand on her own.
But both Lerman and Watson are eclipsed by the fantastic turn from Ezra Miller - who really caught everyone’s attention last year in We Need To Talk About Kevin.
This may be a completely different role but it was no less mesmerising as Miller plays openly gay Patrick who is in love with someone who can never really accept their sexuality.
There is great chemistry between the trio and you can see that there is a real relationship there between the actors off camera and that does translate on camera.
The Perks of Being A Wallflower is an engaging movie from start to finish as Chbosky and his cast have created characters that we can all relate to and feel for as we have all felt a sense of loss and uncertainty during our teenage years.
The more serious issues tackled in the movie are done with real sincerity and understanding and Chbosky has got the tone and the balance of the film spot on.
Don’t get me wrong The Perks of Being A Wallflower is not all doom and gloom as it is a film that has real charm and humour to it and you can’t help but get swept away in the story and the plight of those involved.
There is a real modern classic feel to this movie as The Perks of Being A Wallflower is a movie that has something to say and is not afraid to say it.
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is out now
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
Tagged in Emma Watson Logan Lerman Ezra Miller