The problem with being a wallflower is that wallflowers can come and go virtually undetected. So while I generally liked The Perks of Being a Wallflower when I saw it a few weeks ago, it didn’t resonate for very long. It’s certainly a decent psychological drama/coming-of-age movie that takes some interesting turns, but I suspect that this wallflower will have a hard time getting noticed amid the bigger, louder and dare I say, more mainstream offerings hitting theaters this weekend and beyond. That said, if you’re a fan of 80s music and mixed tapes, it may be worth seeking this one out for the totally awesome soundtrack.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower stars Logan Lerman as Charlie, a charming but introverted freshman who finds acceptance, friendship and even romance when he’s embraced by his high school’s merry band of misfits. The oddball group revels in their outcast status (often to the aforementioned soundtrack of “old” songs from the likes of The Smiths, Air Supply, Dexys Midnight Runners, and David Bowie). And while they all have ‘issues’ of some sort, Charlie’s, we come to discover, run rather dark and deep.
Ironically, the weakest link in casting is probably the film’s most notable star, Emma Watson, looking to escape permanent typecasting as Hermione from the Harry Potter franchise. Despite her shorter ‘do and (inconsistent) American accent, Watson lacks the kind of edge that made Ally Sheedy’s quirky character work so well in The Breakfast Club.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is funny and sad, sweet and sardonic, and may have been a word-of-mouth darkhorse if it had come out earlier this month, when the studio offerings were weak at best. But alas, timing is everything. And the box office is getting crowded with some really good stuff.
I just watched it and it is too bad it did not get the audience when it was out. It is a sweet, somewhat different coming-of-age tale. I agree about the accent and Hermione’s lack of edge. But I do think it would make a good rental and the soundtrack is quite good!