Posted by Eric Stumpf
Stephen Chbosky's "The Perks of Being at a Wallflower" plays at the Saratoga Film Forum at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6 and Friday, Dec. 7, and again at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9.
Based on the bestselling novel and directed by its author, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" captures the spirit of youth and romanticizes enduring friendships.
In high school, you might have been a cool kid or an athlete, a drama kid or a geek. Regardless of which group you belonged to (or didn't), this film will surely resonate with you. It accurately captures the general feelings and moods of young adulthood: confusion, frustration and exhilaration.
The film centers on a shy high school freshman named Charlie (Logan Lerman), who has a tough time meeting new people. Although his teacher Mr. Anderson (Paul Rudd) tries to console him, Charlie feels lonely and invisible - like he doesn't belong. But when Charlie runs into two seniors, the mysterious and alluring Sam (Emma Watson), and the eccentric Patrick (Ezra Miller), his life is turned around. Laughs are had, love and fighting ensues, and Charlie is finally able to feel comfortable in this new group of friends, who refer to themselves as "Island of Misfit Toys."
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" allows Watson to show her polished abilities as an actress outside of the Harry Potter franchise, and Miller and Lerman also prove to be excellent performers. Furthermore, Chbosky demonstrates that a novelist with a vision can be an equally skilled director in an excellent and unexpected breakout performance.
Andrew L. Urban of Urban Cinefile proclaims "Chbosky's adaptation from his semi-autobiographical best selling novel is a zinger of a screenplay, and he directs it with verve and sensitivity. Charlie's journey is beautifully conveyed and it's done without sentiment."
Relevant Majors: English, Dramatic Arts, Psychology and Education.
Stay tuned for next week's review of "Diana Vreeland," which comes to the Film Forum on Dec. 16.