Everyone can use a great Breakfast Club reminiscent coming of age story. Which is why The Perks of Being a Wallflower is destined to be a hit. The Breakfast Club feel definitely came from the retro vibes the movie radiated from start to finish; driven by details such as the characters listening to vinyl, Ponytail Derek’s enormously long hair, and many of the clothes worn. When walking into the theatre it was hard for me not to feel apprehension to a certain extent; would the book be butchered, leaving Emma Watson spotlight-theif, front and centre? Luckily this was not the case. The character of Patrick was portrayed very well, and Emma herself played an excellent SUPPORTING roll. The movie was engaging and entertaining, definitely a story for a young crowd, while laughing and crying made a perfect marbling effect; yet the message of the movie is ultimately hopeful, rather than depressing. The end is excellent, with the full scope of events being hidden until the last, when the audience finally basks in that “ah-ha!” moment. I won’t tell you what it is however, its much better to experience it for yourself.
I have to warn you though, this movie does have its sad parts. which left me “inconspicuously” wiping my eyes on my scarf. Although I thought this movie was awesome over all (I’m definitely buying it on DVD) I thought it portrayed high-school very stereotypically; in one scene Charlie is physically bullied by some jocks. I honestly don’t think high-school is ever as bad as it is portrayed in movies, or perhaps I’m simply too tired to notice.
All in all I thought The Perks of Being a Wallflower was fabulous, totally relatable, and a perfect coming of age story that will be soon to find a home next to my extensive collection of John Hughes films.