The year 2012 has been at an end for about 2.5 months now, and I have yet to hear more gratifying reviews of Stephen Chbosky's movie adaptation of his own successful novel.
While David O'Russell's Silver Linings Playbook was nominated for multiple Oscars, that movie and Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower have to be my favorites of 2012...
But where were the nominations for Perks? WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE-
Oh look at that suddenly I feel a whole lot better.
But seriously, this book-to-movie adaptation has to be one of my all-time favorites, and most of it has to do with the fact that it's made by the author of its book counterpart.
Perks earned over $17 million at the box office, only about $4 million more than its original budget. A lot of it might have to do with the fact that it wasn't a wide release.
BUT STILL- COME ON.
The story centers Charlie, who never fit in until he met the eccentric step-siblings, Pat and Sam. They let him in and show him what it is to truly live.
And by live, I mean take him to parties at which he will take acid and black out.
Oh, high school...
This was me in high school:
Anyway... Perks is a heartwarming tale of friendship, being a teenager, and finding oneself. The performances are excellent- Chbosky couldn't have picked himself a better cast. Ezra Miller KILLS IT as Patrick, being as ridiculously hilarious as he was in the book; Logan Lerman makes up for the train-wreck that was Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief with his portrayal of the introverted Charlie, and Emma Watson is the right amount of enchanting and flawed as Sam was in the book.
Although it was kind of funny hearing her try to pull off an American accent. She is just fine, but she's no Hugh Laurie...
Okay, I forgive you, Hermione.
This film not only offers comedy and heartfelt family/teenage drama, it also delivers a twist that throws everything off-kilter, but in a good way.
I hope everyone gets the chance to see this film and/or read the book, because it's surely one that is genuine.
Also, this:
You're welcome.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is on DVD, Blu-Ray and digital copy now.
