The Perks of Being a Wallflower2012
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a heartfelt and sincere adaptation that's bolstered by strong lead performances.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower Photos
Movie Info
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Cast
as Charlie
as Sam
as Patrick
as Mary Elizabeth
as Mother
as Father
as Candace
as Brad
as Mr. Anderson
as Alice
as Craig
as Dr. Burton
as Aunt Helen
as Bob
as Susan
as Mr. Callahan
as Chris
as Peter
as 7-Year-Old Charlie
as 9-Year-Old Candace
as Ponytail Derek
as Rocky MC
as Senior Bully
as Linebacker
as Nose Tackle
as Mean Freshman Girl
as Shakespeare Girl
as Freshman Boy
as Twin Girl
as Twin Girl
as Policeman
as Emergency Room Policeman
as Emergency Room Doctor
as Young Mom
as Priest
as School Principal
as Sam's Mom
as Sam's Dad
as Candace's Friend
News & Interviews for The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Critic Reviews for The Perks of Being a Wallflower
All Critics (158) | Top Critics (40) | Fresh (135) | Rotten (23) | DVD (1)
Perks seems like the work of a much more experienced director, maintaining fidelity to the source material without sacrificing any cinematic qualities, triggering genuine sentimentality and nostalgia through interaction between sound and image.
Sensitive teens and their older kin who pine for the '90s may want to take it for a spin on the dance floor.
Regardless of the viewer's proximity to his or her own high school experience, "Perks" seems to get it right, precisely because it's not about a specific time or place.
Watson holds her own with a character more annoying on paper than in reality, but it's the boys who most impress ...
It's an earnest indie about a troubled teen, Charlie (Logan Lerman), and his various troubled confederates -- but it does demonstrate that Watson can stand on her own.
High school can be hell, but Stephen Chbosky's engaging new film argues that anyone can get by with a little help from their friends.
Audience Reviews for The Perks of Being a Wallflower
While a toast to those surviving not-fitting-in while in high school and to nerds everywhere, this is at heart basically a message film warning about what it is in life that makes outsiders feel the way that they do (i.e. usually victimization). Take away the message and what remains is another coming-of-age drama, one decently actualized. Expect lots of classic rock dance tunes.
Super Reviewer
Dealing with the problems of approaching adulthood in high school, friendship, love and a whole bunch of themes more could make for a horribly dry or self-important film. This one has its pretentious moments that make you wonder if there ever were three friends with such a glamorous gang doing such "crazy" things. But overall it works, thanks to a script that is taking its characters and their problems seriously without forgetting the humor. It also helps that the young actors are excellent, even Lerman who was mostly really dull in other films. There are moments of genuine truth, catching the hopes, fears and opportunity of adolescence rather perfectly, and a pretty surprising twist towards the end, that thankfully doesn't ruin the film's ultimately optimistic attitude. Viewed at the right age this could be a long-time companion, much like the friends in the movie. Well done.
Super Reviewer
A beautifully sad yet brilliant masterpiece. I might have preferred a little more depth to my characters rather than simply scratching the surface. But wonderfully powerful with a great young cast. Emma Watson excelled in this role!
Super Reviewer
The Perks of Being a Wallflower Quotes
| Charlie: | He begins every night really excited. He always says he feels free, and tonight is his destiny. But after awhile, he runs out of things to keep himself numb. ... the words leave him, and we can see how sad he really is |
| Charlie: | I don't know if you've ever felt like that. That you wanted to sleep for a thousand years. Or just not exist. Or just not be aware that you do exist. Or something like that. I think wanting that is very morbid, but I want it when I get like this. That's why I'm trying not to think. I just want it all to stop spinning. |
| Charlie: | I am very interested and fascinated how everyone loves each other, but no one really likes each other. |
| Charlie: | There's nothing like the deep breathes after laughing that hard. Nothing in the world like a sore stomach for all the right reasons. |