REVIEW

DIRECTOR: Stephen Chobsky

STARRING: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Dylan McDermott

RATING: 5/5

If youÔÇÖve spent any amount of time perusing a Tumblr dashboard, you will have undoubtedly heard of The Perks of Being a Wallflower in some way, shape or form.

Based on Stephen ChobskyÔÇÖs bestselling novel, itÔÇÖs safe to say this isnÔÇÖt your classic coming-of-age movie. Centered around CharlieÔÇÖs (Lerman) freshman year at high school, we journey through the trials and tribulations experienced by the socially awkward teenager- though this may sound reminiscent of every other chick-flick/drama/rom-com released over the past few years, I urge you not to formulate an opinion too quickly…

Affected by a difficult past (and far too many unfortunate events for your average fifteen year old), Charlie finds refuge in his friendship with a group of seniors and his love of books.

If youÔÇÖre expecting American Pie come Mean Girls, you may want to quickly reassess what you want from the film. The emotional turmoil experienced by Charlie, Sam (Watson) and Patrick (Miller) will not have you leaving the film in a better mood.Though it may give you hope that it will at some point get better even if it does, like the sequence of events, at first, get worse.

Directed by Chobsky, the author of the original novel, fans of the book will not be disappointed- the film stays incredibly true to the plot, even down to the opening lines of the movie. However, what may have initially been intended as quirky and cute in the novel can sometimes come across as cheesy and forced in the film (not helped by the image of Hermione that appears in your head every time Watson speaks). Yet if youÔÇÖre looking for an overridingly depressing few hours and stellar performances from all included, Perks is the film to see. Expect this, and it will easily become one of the best films you see this year.

Charlie Mock