Welcome to the Island of Misfit Toys
Cred to Time Entertainment
Let me start by saying, I have never seen an indie movie nor been to an indie theater so it is fair to say I had my indie cherry popped today. And what a way to go! Perks of Being a Wallflower was an unexpected delight and to make the day even more memorable, Logan Lerner star of the movie, made an impromptu appearance and had a brief Q&A session with the audience. I have new found love for independent movies. These actors and directors are people like you and I who genuinely appreciate ever fan.
Impromptu Q&A setup
“Perks of a being A Wallflower” has set the bar for modern day coming of age movie. Charlie, a naive, wide eyed freshman meets Patrick and Sam who take him under their wing and give him something he has been desperately looking for, friends. Patrick and Sam introduce him to the rest of their misfit crew and the stage is set for a roller coaster ride of emotions and teen angst. All this while Charlie battles with his own inner demons as he’s still bothered by the deaths of his aunt and best friend.
Stephen Chbosky, director of the film, truly keeps you entertained. He establishes a connection with viewers and his characters so you genuinely feel for what they’re going through. We learn through Charlie’s eyes, or rather his ears, as his friends confide in him. These subtle situations enhance the films charm and reveal essential details of each character. From Sam’s bleak past with past relationships and Patrick’s dirty little secret there is definitely no end to the drama.
As much as I tried to find some flaw in the movie, I thoroughly enjoyed “Perks” . I pride myself on being a action, blow’em up movie lover so I was hesitant at first to embrace Perks. However, there really is something that spoke to the inner teen inside of me. It is worth seeing the emergence and transformation of these characters from beginning to end, Charlie especially. Surprisingly, Logan Lerman (Charlie) steals the show from his co actors, Emma Watson (Sam) and Ezra Miller(Patrick), with his meekness and naivety.
Narration of the story is provided by Charlie through a series of letters he writes to an anonymous individual. He writes for no reason in particular, just in the hope that there is one good person out there who is willing to listen. The movie unfolds as a diary almost, an intimate account of Charlie’s daily interactions. Do not be fooled though, amongst the sappy mix tape gifting (recording music on cassettes and given to admirers), Chbosky packs some raw and edgy situations.
Reminiscent of a Peter Parker/Bruce Banner, Lerman deals with family matters, chasing the girl he loves, and suppressing these “bad thoughts.” He seems to be silent for a bulk of the movie but that somehow shines through more than any spoken lines could. He starts as a budding bulb and, sprinkled with friends, love, and a dash of drugs, he blooms into a full grown wallflower.
2 responses so far ↓
elizabeth griffin // Oct 9th 2012 at 12:56 am
a dash of drugs, you are killing me. Great insightful and concise review jesse. Were we not the luckiest people on this earth?
ay083951 // Dec 17th 2012 at 1:28 am
I had my misgivings as to whether I’d like this movie based on the initial description, but after reading your review I do see the appeal now, especially given how recent my own teenage years were. This is definitely different, but based on your review perhaps different can be good.
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