It has been some time since I enjoyed a high school set movie as much as I enjoyed 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'. Stephen Chbosky adapted his own novel for the screen and directed it, ensuring that we get what he wanted to put across. The 1999 novel set in the suburbs of Pittsburg during the early 90's, deals with tough subject matter and was banned from some schools. There is a nice mix of lighthearted and poignant here leading to a meaningful whole, the movie does some tricky things incredibly well, and there's a likable group of character.
Logan Lerman stars as Charly, going into his freshmen year of high school friendless after the suicide of his best friend that May. He winds accepted by an eccentric group of seniors (including Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, and Mae Whitman), and the movie progresses through the ups and downs of friendships and the high school year, ultimately ending in a manner that I found very satisfying. The movie evokes a subtle acke even as it serves as wish fulfillment fantasy, you wish these people were your high school friends. I was surprised by this film and super impressed, I would recommend it highly to those who might be compatible with its spirt, which isn't everyone. I'd like to read the book this was so good, and there are one or two dangling plot threads I'd like a fuller story on as well. ***1/2
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