by JASMINE ELSHAMY Staff Writer
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” was released to theaters everywhere October 5, starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller. The movie is based on the critically acclaimed novel by Stephen Chbosky.
This teen film may come off as just another coming-of-age movie, but it is quite different. The screenplay writer, the same writer who wrote the novel, Chbosky, did a spectacular job of creating a moving piece that touches your heart.
“‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ was the best, most perfect book I have ever read, ever,” says sophomore Brina Haugland. “It summarizes all the crazy feelings, thoughts and hormones that you go through when becoming an adolescent. It has the most beautiful quotes, and I think the best thing about it is that it’s one of those books you don’t feel like you need a sequel to it. You love it just the way it is.”
Placed in 1991, the main character, Charlie (Lerman) is going into his first year of high school after coming back from a mental hospital and recovering from the suicide of his best friend. He has no idea what is in store for him, let alone anyone who will embark on this new journey with him.
He eventually meets “Nothing”, otherwise known as Patrick (Miller). Patrick is your stereotypical witty, catty, fun-loving, gay best friend who does not enjoy sharing his innermost feelings.
He lovingly welcomes Charlie into his group of friends and, most importantly, he introduces him to his sassy stepsister, Sam (Watson). Charlie easily falls in love with the charming, beautiful Sam, and the three become best friends.
Charlie begins becoming more actively involved with his friends and his school, not as focused on his sad past as he used to be. His Aunt Helen died when he was just a little boy, and because she died in a car crash on her way to buy Charlie more Christmas presents, he always blamed himself. There was more to his relationship with Aunt Helen that you do not discover until the end of the movie.
The film covers topics that Charlie begins to go through that many teens go through as well, such as drugs, sexual encounters, abusive relationships, and all relationships in general. The fact that Charlie’s story was based on a series of letters that he sent to one girl who he thought might understand him because she did not sleep with a guy when she has the opportunity to makes Charlie all the more lovable. He opens himself up to this person so much because there are those moments when you really have no one else to rely on.
Both the viewers and readers of “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” never find out the receiver of the letters, but their concept has a huge impact.
“There truly are no words to describe this movie. The actors were the perfect fit for each role. I simply can not wait for it to be released on DVD,” says sophomore Lindsey Frankel.
All in all, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” was a great teen drama, definitely one of the best movies to come out this year. I highly recommend it to anyone above the age of 13, along with the book. Kudos to you, Mr. Chbosky.