The Perks of Being a Wallflower

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Release Date: October 3rd 2012

An introvert freshman is taken under the wings of two seniors who welcome him to the real world.

Director: Stephen Chbosky

Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Paul Rudd

'1,385 days until graduation'. 

There are certain aspects of high school (Americans equivalent to our college) that clearly differ from British colleges, but also similar. The way students behave is a big factor, there will always be bullies and there will always be the bullied. Freshmans are forever picked on. Parties are plentiful and sex is discovered (if you're a popular kid). Students learn a lot at this point in their lives and learn from their mistakes.

One will understand, like myself, what it's like to go through the hardship of making an impression and gaining friends. Perks of Being a Wallflower is no different. Logan Lerman plays Charlie, a freshman who's about to start high school, wandering if he'll ever make friends after a summer long seclusion. After what feels like an embarrassing first day leaving school with the English teacher (Paul Rudd) being the only friend he made, Charlie engrosses himself in writing letters to his "friend" and tells him everything which also acts as a narrative for us the audience.

After suffering harassment from other students and sitting alone during lunch times for seemingly a long time, Charlie finds companionship with two seniors, Patrick (Miller) and Sam (Watson), an unlikely duo. Mishaps and adventures ensue. Charlie is happier in life and romance, drugs, alcohol, homophobia and various other things surround him.

Lerman's acting is superb. He is charismatic and flawless as this misunderstood teen. Emma Watson seems to be at present the most successful of the Harry Potter trio and lives up to her potential as a young actress. Miller plays Ezra, the eccentric performer of the group... dramatic at times but whose heart is in the right place.

Expect the unexpected during the course of the film. Things are not what they seem.

Overview: Lighthearted and easy to watch. Aimed more for the younger audience, ready to take on the big wide world.