"the perks of being a wallflower" - A brief review

"the perks of being a wallflower" scores high despite some
minor let-downs

Hey there all in internet land. Franc here with another film review. Today's victim, "the perks of being a wallflower". Directed and written by Stephen Chbosky, and starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller.

First, let me begin by saying that overall, it was a pretty decent film. If Paul Bettany were to have been offered a role in this movie, he would have turned it down. That is because Paul Bettany only makes doo-doo brown movies, and this one, is pretty good.

I decided that I wanted to read the book this week, before watching the film. I found this to be both a blessing and a curse. It was a blessing because I had already developed an understanding of the characters and seeing them brought to life in the film was awesome. I think the casting for this movie was the best part. Lerman killed it in the lead as Charlie, and honestly, I felt every other role was equally well cast.

The story line itself is also brilliantly developed. This is a story, that on many levels, all of us can relate to. Maybe not some of the darker notes, but I think this movie (but especially the book) do an incredible job of depicting what high school life was like, and what it felt like to be a part of it.

However, here comes my rant, here is what I did find disappointing. Why, why, why do movies insist on making so many changes from the book. Now, let me explain. I'm not talking about removing or changing a major arc that you simply don't have time to delve into within the constraints of 120 minutes. I'm talking about minor arcs and minor details. I was so excited to see this movie after reading the book, because the author of the book, wrote and directed the film.

As I turned the last page (digitally that is, on my Kindle, I don't actually turn "paper pages" anymore, since I'm not a caveman) of the book, I set it down and walked to the mirror and said,

"Chocolate Bear, this is it, your big day. Finally, you will have read a book, then watched the movie of said book, and it will be exactly the same story. No changes, no surprises, none of that nonsense. Because, finally, an author of a simple novel, with easy to depict characters, and a series of plot lines that can easily be told within a 2 - 2.5 hour feature, has decided to write and direct the movie themselves. A man standing on his own two feet, a slave to none, and master of his own creative destiny. Brace yourself sweet Mocha Cub, brace yourself for glory."

I had no idea at that time, that I was a bold-faced liar. Why you ask? Because the same nonsensical adjustments, tweaks and outright changes exist in this movie as they do in every other novel adaptation that proceeded it. And I imagine it will be the same for all time. This was particularly frustrating considering that the movie ran just over 1.5 hours. Plenty of time to add in a wee bit of story to keep it more consistent. Very disappointing Chbosky...very disappointing.

Is it the worst book to film rendering I've ever seen, no, not by a long shot. If you are a huge fan of the book, do not be turned off from watching the movie. It's amazing how well they captured the characters, and you'll love watching the people you loved in your mind come to life before your eyes on screen.

They also did a more than fair job, telling the story on screen. Just be prepared for some differences. Differences that for some may seem negligible, but to me where huge moments in the book. Moments I found to be beautifully written, and was more than upset that they were omitted from the film. But, that's just me.

So, now to my final rating. On the Paul Bettany scale, where 10 is the highest and Paul Bettany is an extra value meal that you order with no pickles and no mayo, then drive all the way home, park, walk up 6 flights of stairs, sit down in front of the TV, open your burger to find no pickles and 8 pounds of mayo (in short, a disappointment), "the perks of being a wallflower" gets a 7.5.

This one is 100% worth the watch, and for fans of the book, despite the annoying changes, it's even worth the buy. The Bluray has some pretty cool featurettes that you will enjoy.

Thanks for reading, and remember to shoot us a message on Facebook, or via email with any and all of your thoughts on this, or any other reviews.

Let us know what you're watching, we are always looking for recommendations and would love to share your ideas on the next podcast!


- Franc