The Perks of Being a Wallflower
2012, Drama/Gay and lesbian, 1h 43m
168 Reviews 100,000+ RatingsWhat to know
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a heartfelt and sincere adaptation that's bolstered by strong lead performances. Read critic reviews
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Charlie
Sam
Patrick
Mary Elizabeth
Mother
Father
News & Interviews for The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Critic Reviews for The Perks of Being a Wallflower
All Critics (168) | Top Critics (58) | Fresh (143) | Rotten (25)
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This is boring, and it's partly that believability thing. How many alienated outsiders do you have to gather together before they become insiders? Alternatively, they are all so good-looking, smart and well-heeled, they are winners, surely.
September 1, 2018 | Full Review… -
"Like real teenagers, Watson and Miller convincingly move from glowing objects of desire to comic relief to deeply troubled human beings."
June 28, 2013 | Full Review… -
I think for a first film this guy who wrote the book and has adapted it for the screen has done a terrific job and I really found these characters sympathetic.
November 29, 2012 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
Even making allowances for a certain amount of Hollywood gloss, there's something wrong with a film about misfits where everyone is this good-looking and poised.
November 29, 2012 | Rating: 1.5/5 | Full Review… -
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.
October 9, 2012 | Rating: 8/10 | Full Review… -
Chbosky directs the movie with the care and conviction of someone who knows that this is his big story being told once and for all.
October 5, 2012 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Perks of Being a Wallflower
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Jun 28, 2020"I just want to make sure that the first person who kisses you loves you." If you haven't seen The Perks of Being A Wallflower yet, I'm sorry for giving away a priceless line from one of its great scenes. But, don't worry. I haven't ruined the moment for you.Aldo G Super Reviewer
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Apr 01, 2017While 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.Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
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Jan 25, 2015Dealing 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.Jens S Super Reviewer
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May 22, 2014Solid film. Wish that this had come out when I was younger so I could have had it as kind of a guide to the tempestuous years of high school. Any teenager can relate to the lessons taught in this film (except for the Rocky Horror Picture Show stuff, which was really fucking weird). The story is relatively interesting, and the characters grow on you surprisingly quickly. The messages sent by the film are important and clear. The only real issue that I had with this movie was the ending (SPOILERS) involving Charlie's aunt. The film just basically glosses over the most depressing part of the story like it was close to nothing, just a time when Charlie lost it for a bit. She nearly ruined his life, but she was so fucked up mentally and do desperately in need of help, implied by the movie to some extent that she was being abused, either physically or sexually, and so she took it out on Charlie. Even though she becomes a monster, she didn't have anyone around to help her out, so in the end, to some extent, it wasn't even her fault, so it's hard to hate her. Her death was almost merciful compared to her torturous existence. Plus Charlie ends up finding out that the person he loved and respected above almost all others, a pillar of his life, isn't who he thinks she was, and that she nearly ruined his life. But the film barely talks about this, and leaves a surprisingly upbeat film with a much darker and depressing ending segment. The film doesn't end after this revelation, of course, it has a couple of scenes later to wrap the film up, but the gravity of Charlie's Aunt's actions completely overshadow this. The viewer is probably still stunned until the ending credits roll. So this film would've been amazing if it had handled the ending better. As is, it just remains a great, very likable and watchable film.Stephen S 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. |
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