Review of The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) by Tom J — 26 Nov 2013

Sure, the movie has most of the cliches of most coming-of-age movies. But there is a reason why the "Perks of Being a Wildflower" (the book) is considered by some critics as a modern-day Catcher in the Rye.

The movie is less about coming of age and more about how an incoming freshman, who spent time in a mental institution, comes out of his shell with the help of good friends from "the island of misfit toys," slides back into depression then re-emerges.

Some solid performance, including Emma Watson in one of her first post-Harry Potter roles as the object of Charlie's (Logan Lerman) desires and Ezra Miller, as Charlie's best friend. A movie that is both nostalgic (it is set in 1991 Pittsburgh) and sobering at the same time.

One huge plot hole: How could the leads NOT recognize that the song they play in their triumphant ride through the tunnel is David Bowie's "Heroes?".