The Perks of Being A Wallflower

The Perks of Being A Wallflower is another one of those movies that, if watched at the appropriate moment in one's life, becomes a treasured friend. The narrative - recounted via letters written by the narrator, Charlie, to an anonymous friend - follows typical contours: the introverted teen starting high school who first struggles to fit in until discovering his own groups of friends. In this instance, this group is composed of a bunch of seniors who undoubtedly once felt alone like he does, but now have accepted their position as punks, outcasts, and outsiders.

The Perks of Being A Wallflower is a classic coming-of-age movie. Still, it distinguishes itself with a matter-of-fact attitude to the most distressing parts of adolescence, such as melancholy, homophobia, suicide, and domestic violence, without being maudlin or preachy. Director Chbosky offers Charlie a disarming sincerity that wins over not only the seniors who befriend him throughout his first year, but also the audience as well.

Year of Release: 2012

Stars: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%