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The Perks of Being a Wallflower

  • 2012
  • PG-13
  • 1h 43m
IMDb RATING
7.9/10
571K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
739
15
Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller in The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
An introverted high-school freshman is taken under the wings of two seniors who welcome him to the real world.
Play trailer2:26
19 Videos
99+ Photos
Coming-of-AgePsychological DramaTeen DramaDrama

Charlie, a 15-year-old introvert, enters high school and is nervous about his new life. When he befriends his seniors, he learns to cope with his friend's suicide and his tumultuous past.Charlie, a 15-year-old introvert, enters high school and is nervous about his new life. When he befriends his seniors, he learns to cope with his friend's suicide and his tumultuous past.Charlie, a 15-year-old introvert, enters high school and is nervous about his new life. When he befriends his seniors, he learns to cope with his friend's suicide and his tumultuous past.

  • Director
    • Stephen Chbosky
  • Writer
    • Stephen Chbosky
  • Stars
    • Logan Lerman
    • Emma Watson
    • Ezra Miller
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.9/10
    571K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    739
    15
    • Director
      • Stephen Chbosky
    • Writer
      • Stephen Chbosky
    • Stars
      • Logan Lerman
      • Emma Watson
      • Ezra Miller
    • 906User reviews
    • 393Critic reviews
    • 67Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 20 wins & 51 nominations total

    Videos19

    No. 1
    Trailer 2:26
    No. 1
    The Perks of Being a Wallflower
    Trailer 2:15
    The Perks of Being a Wallflower
    The Perks of Being a Wallflower
    Trailer 2:15
    The Perks of Being a Wallflower
    "A Toast to Charlie"
    Clip 0:47
    "A Toast to Charlie"
    The Perks Of Being A Wallflower: Let's Go Be Pyschos Together
    Clip 0:46
    The Perks Of Being A Wallflower: Let's Go Be Pyschos Together
    The Perks Of Being A Wallflower: A Toast To Charlie
    Clip 0:47
    The Perks Of Being A Wallflower: A Toast To Charlie
    The Perks Of Being A Wallflower: Come On Eileen
    Clip 0:56
    The Perks Of Being A Wallflower: Come On Eileen

    Photos211

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    + 204
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    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Logan Lerman
    Logan Lerman
    • Charlie
    Emma Watson
    Emma Watson
    • Sam
    Ezra Miller
    Ezra Miller
    • Patrick
    Paul Rudd
    Paul Rudd
    • Mr. Anderson
    Dylan McDermott
    Dylan McDermott
    • Father
    Kate Walsh
    Kate Walsh
    • Mother
    Patrick de Ledebur
    • Senior Bully
    Johnny Simmons
    Johnny Simmons
    • Brad
    Brian Balzerini
    • Linebacker
    Tom Kruszewski
    • Nose Tackle
    Nina Dobrev
    Nina Dobrev
    • Candace
    Nicholas Braun
    Nicholas Braun
    • Ponytail Derek
    Julia Garner
    Julia Garner
    • Susan
    Tom Savini
    Tom Savini
    • Mr. Callahan
    Emily Marie Callaway
    • Mean Freshman Girl
    • (as Emily Callaway)
    Chelsea Zhang
    Chelsea Zhang
    • Shakespeare Girl
    Jesse Scheirer
    • Freshman Boy
    Justine Nicole Schaefer
    • Twin Girl
    • (as Justine Schaefer)
    • Director
      • Stephen Chbosky
    • Writer
      • Stephen Chbosky
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews906

    7.9571.1K
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    Summary

    Reviewers say 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' deeply resonates through its portrayal of adolescent struggles, mental health, and friendship. High school themes like loneliness and identity strike a chord. Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller deliver authentic performances. The soundtrack and nostalgic elements enhance its appeal. Sensitive topics like abuse are handled with realism. The film is celebrated for its heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    9stanhdeeks

    Saw this at TIFF 2012

    Saw this movie at TIFF and after watching the trailer was thinking I was going to enjoy this movie. Those expectations now are so very low, this movie is amazing. It speaks on many different levels of being a teenager, dealing with death, loneliness, and how awkward it can be trying to fit in. I haven't seen a move like this in a very long time and was very refreshing. The highlight of the film for me at least from a acting stand point is Ezra Miller really funny, but very heartfelt at the same time. Don't get me wrong the whole case is amazing (Emma Watson was perfect for this after HP) but Ezra really stands out. Stephen Chbosky really cared about this book, and it really shows in this film. Him Directing and writing his own book was a amazing idea.

    It's going to get many comparisons to a John Hughes film, and rightfully so this movie is heart felt and just amazing.

    I will definitely being seeing this film again.
    8EmmaDinkins

    Chix Chat on Film Review: Not your typical teenage angst tale.

    The Perks…as it were, was a bit of a marvel when discussing what teenagers have to contend with. Anyone that decides to see this film expecting a run of the mill high school drama or teenage angst tale will be pleasantly surprised at the depth with which this story delves. This adaptation of Stephen Chbosky's novel seemed to take the difficulties facing one young man embarking on his high school journey through one extreme situation after another. I could visualize a totally different version of this tale of misfit toys being played out where all is right with the world and Charlie (Logan Lerman) is the most popular freshman in school for the simple fact that all his friends are seniors. The immediate infatuation that Charlie had with Sam (Emma Watson) was no surprise, what did surprise me was the challenges that she and her step brother Patrick/Nothing (Ezra Miller) had to endure. Even I started to get annoyed as the school year progressed and the running 'Nothing' joke persisted. It's always surprising when a story focuses on well to do young people whose lives would be expected to mimic a fairytale. This story gives insight into the fact that some young people have the same if not even more struggles than others and having money can't really fix that. I found it interesting that there was no clear indication in the story as to the school year, even at graduation there was none of the typical 'Class of '92' or whatever to show how proud of their time graduates are. It may be that Mr. Chbosky wanted to steer clear of associating the story with a specific year, but it was obviously the early 90's when the primary mode of sharing and exchanging music was via cassette. I recall so very clearly the good old days when the 'mix tape' ruled. I have to say that I liked Emma Watson as an American teenager, she can cross the pond and put it down any time. Yes there were a few moments in her dialog that she sounded like Hermione, but this role did a great deal to paint her in a different and mature light. I am not drawn to tales of the human condition unless there is a deep truth to be gleaned from the story, so if I had to say the moral of the story is… It would be 'you gotta have friends'. This story worked because of what the three key characters gained from getting to know each other. I give it a green light.
    9TheLittleSongbird

    A beautifully blossomed wallflower

    Stephen Chbosky's 1990s-set very young adult-oriented book is brilliant, being funny, touching, insightful, thought-provoking and relatable. Hearing that Chbosky also directed and screenplay-adapted, as well as being attracted by the involvement of Paul Rudd and Joan Cusack, expectations were high...and although the book has more depth to the characters and situations those expectations were met.

    'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' may not break new ground and it may be clichéd, which may be reasons enough for people to hate it, but considering the main target audience and being based around coming-of-age, teenage angst and high school life these were inevitable. Nonetheless, 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' did a great job making an emotionally varied film that will resonate with most people of all ages and gender.

    It is much more than just another high school/teenage angst film, and is a believable depiction of coming-of-age, friendship and hidden torment that makes one nostalgic and remember the fun and difficulties of school life. It's not flawless, some scenes and transitions like the blackouts end rather abruptly, it occasionally descends into schmaltz like with the past flashbacks and the Charlie and Mary Elizabeth relationship while charming is rushed and makes Mary Elizabeth less likable compared to the rest of the film.

    However, 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' is beautifully shot and clearly loves the scenery. The music is suitably melancholic and the choice of songs infectious and nostalgia-inducing especially David Bowie and an excerpt of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' in one of 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower's' most entertaining scenes, that made me love that film all over again and captured the immense fun, wildness and danger of seeing it in theatres with an audience.

    Chbosky adapts his book admirably, not everything is included which is not unexpected due to it being an adaptation and not every detail can translate to a just over an hour and a half film. The spirit however is there, there are funny moments, thoughtful moments, insightful moments, inspirational moments and poignant moments balanced beautifully. For a film director debut, he also does a more than competent job, actually very impressive and puts directors who did it for years to wildly variable success to shame.

    When it comes to the story, it is not perfect in execution but made me care for the characters and their situations and made me laugh, smile, cry and inspired in equal measure. The daring ending is shocking and brought tears to my eyes and credit is due tackling such mature themes with sensitivity and never preaching. The characters are compelling.

    Logan Lerman has never been better and being a fellow shy introvert in school it was easy for me to relate to him, while Emma Watson (even with the variable accent) gives one of her better non-Hermione Granger performances and overall. Mae Whitman shows strong comedic chops and Ezra Miller is a real standout on a flamboyant and hilarious role.

    Not that the adults are less good. A long way from that, even with less screen time. Paul Rudd is particularly great as the teacher that inspires Charlie the most, again having had an inspirational teacher in school and an even more inspirational head of department at music college that also resonated with me. Joan Cusack only appears at the end but she is very good at being sympathetic yet firm. Again Melanie Lynskey has very short screen time, but she also excels at making us hate her for being the catalyst for Charlie's torment. Kate Walsh and Dylan McDermott have very little to do but fare well too.

    Overall, an excellent film that blossoms beautifully despite its faults. 9/10 Bethany Cox
    8ferguson-6

    We are infinite

    Greetings again from the darkness. Brace for gushing. Last evening I attended a screening that included a fascinating Q&A with writer/director Stephen Chbosky. It reminded me of how personal and intimate and observant and incisive a well-made film can be. A well written script is so refreshing, and an exceptional script can be truly breath-taking. Mr. Chbosky takes the unusual step of directing his own screenplay based on his own novel (a 1999 bestseller), and he left me stunned and enthralled.

    The popularity of the novel would typically make the film version a disappointment for its fans. Not so this time. Mr. Chbosky remains true to the spirit despite the need to edit for the sake of continuity and brevity. The key characters spring to life thanks to the efforts of four strong performances from young actors: Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson, The Three Muskateers) plays Charlie, Emma Watson (Harry Potter films) is Sam, Ezra Miller (We Need to Talk About Kevin, City Island) is Patrick, and Mae Whitman (Arrested Development) is Mary Elizabeth.

    If you have read the book, you know the story ... you know the characters ... you know the themes. If you haven't read the book, I will spoil nothing. The brilliance is recognized only as you get to know these characters and slowly uncover their stories. What we discover is that, regardless of our age, we recognize these characters from our high school days. We know the introverted, observant Charlie who so desperately needs a support system. We surely recognize the attention-starved, lacking in self-esteem Sam who is the epitome of "We accept the love we think we deserve". And we all knew a Patrick ... the flamboyant one who sheaths his pain with an over-the-top act of public confidence. What Chbosky does is shine the spotlight on these characters to ensure that we really SEE them this time.

    The themes reminded me a bit of a darker John Hughes film (that's a compliment). There were also pieces of two other really good films: Stand By Me and Almost Famous. The formative years of a writer determine the depths to which his or her work will reach later in life. Admittedly, the film is substantially autobiographical, so when Mr. Chbosky says it's a personal story, we begin to understand the foundation of his remarkable writing style.

    "Welcome to the island of misfit toys." When this line is spoken, we realize that most every high school kid has thought the same thing at some point. These are painful and difficult times and as Mr. Chbosky stated, we should encourage kids to fight through this stage and get on to the next ... then able to find their true self. Clearly, the film made a strong impact on me. My favorite reaction to a movie is profound thought, and this one caused this in waves. The decision to release as PG-13 was wise. There is no excess of profanity or nudity to divert attention from what really matters ... the characters. I can think of no finer compliment to a writer and filmmaker than to cite them as the cause of my internal discussions related to their film. My hope is that you have the same reaction. (http://moviereviewsfromthedark.wordpress.com/)
    10billygoat1071

    Being Infinite

    The Perks of Being a Wallflower is another story about a simple guy living in a cruel life of high school. The difference is he's not ought to save the day, wants to lose his virginity, seeking to be popular, or revenge on his bullies. The story is about a shy kid who wants to get along with people and can't wait to leave high school. Behind it is the genuine pain and emotion of the characters which makes it more than just another story about teenagers. Stephen Chbosky tells his own story on screen pretty well and the performances are quite excellent. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is often heartbreaking, charming, and wonderful.

    Charlie is palpably just another teenage protagonist, but he is not one of those who tries to prove everyone who mistreated him wrong. His goal is to get away from being anti-social and be like anyone else in high school. We may have heard a story like this before, but what makes this one extraordinary is when it mostly depicts the darkest aspects of their lives. Expressing the most heartbreaking truths about these teenagers. Knowing their problems easily makes it reasonable for us to care about them. The romance is rather credibly lovely than a mainstream claptrap. In the joyous moments, it's pretty delightful and plays a quite nostalgic soundtrack.

    The film gives the actors some nuance. This is probably a good thing for Logan Lerman. He usually plays the simple charming guy in movies. Since he's good at those, he adds some credibility to Charlie. Emma Watson is likable enough as Sam. The best among the three is Ezra Miller. One might hams it up for Patrick, but Miller gave the character a genuinely wonderful personality.

    The director and author, Stephen Chbosky, didn't try anything else than to bring his book to life. He tells it straightforward on screen with plenty of strong, effective emotions. The cinematography is bright and beautiful enough. The tunnel scene has the best shots. While the soundtrack is too conspicuous, the music score is noticeably melancholic.

    The Perks of Being a Wallflower is best if you can actually relate to the lead character or have experienced the struggles of being an adolescent. When it's not depressing, the film goes to those blissful moments that make us remember the good times in high school. Overall, it's a great film. It's a film adaptation that replaces the cliché mainstream swagger with some painful realities and simply let the audience understand the whole point of it. In the end, it's quite a remarkable film.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Stephen Chbosky wrote the book that the movie is based on. He also wrote the screenplay and directed the movie.
    • Goofs
      Mr. Anderson claims that it was Charles Dickens who left a character literally hanging by his fingers in a serialized story, thus contributing to the term "cliffhanger." In fact, the author was Thomas Hardy, in his 1873 serial novel A Pair of Blue Eyes.
    • Quotes

      [last lines]

      Charlie: [voice-over] I don't know if I will have the time to write any more letters because I might be too busy trying to participate. So if this does end up being the last letter, I just want you to know that I was in a bad place before I started high school, and you helped me. Even if you didn't know what I was talking about or know someone who's gone through it, you made me not feel alone. Because I know there are people who say all these things don't happen. And there are people who forget what it's like to be 16 when they turn 17. I know these will all be stories someday. And our pictures will become old photographs. We'll all become somebody's mom or dad. But right now these moments are not stories. This is happening. I am here and I am looking at her. And she is so beautiful. I can see it. This one moment when you know you're not a sad story. You are alive, and you stand up and see the lights on the buildings and everything that makes you wonder. And you're listening to that song and that drive with the people you love most in this world. And in this moment I swear, we are infinite.

    • Connections
      Featured in Chelsea Lately: Episode #6.135 (2012)
    • Soundtracks
      Could It Be Another Change
      Written by Sean Kelly

      Performed by The Samples

      Courtesy of W.A.R.? - What Are Records? Ltd.

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    FAQ28

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    • What did Aunt Helen do to Charlie?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 12, 2012 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official Facebook
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Las ventajas de ser invisible
    • Filming locations
      • Fort Pitt Tunnel, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA(Tunnel scenes in the back of the pickup truck)
    • Production companies
      • Summit Entertainment
      • Mr. Mudd
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $13,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $17,742,948
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $228,359
      • Sep 23, 2012
    • Gross worldwide
      • $33,384,127
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 43 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
      • Datasat
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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