The Perks of Being a Wallflower

When Stephen Chbosky's young-adult novel was published in 1999, some book critics compared it with J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye for the way it sensitively captured teenage confusion and angst. Beginning his freshman year in high school in suburban Pittsburgh, troubled Charlie (Logan Lerman) is recovering from the emotional aftermath caused by his best friend's suicide and the death of his aunt. Confiding only in an anonymous pen pal, Charlie fervently hopes that this will be the beginning of a new chapter in his life. While his first few days are wretched and lonely, he's soon befriended at a football game by Patrick (Ezra Miller), an audaciously gay senior, and his inseparable stepsister, Sam (Emma Watson). Welcomed into their eccentric group of rebellious, self-proclaimed “wallflowers,” introverted Charlie earnestly confronts issues related to sexuality (straight and gay), experiments with mind-altering drugs, and becomes the reluctant crush of a self-described Buddhist/punk rocker (Mae Whitman). As the year progresses, Charlie slowly but surely struggles toward conquering his demons while also discovering his own identity. Helping out along the way are his concerned parents (Kate Walsh, Dylan McDermott) and sister (Nina Dobrev), as well as an encouraging English teacher (Paul Rudd). Directed by Chbosky, this is a compassionate teen film that rises above many other coming-of-age dramas. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include two audio commentaries (the first by writer-director Stephen Chbosky; the second by Chbosky and costars Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller, Johnny Simmons, Emma Watson, Mae Whitman, and Erin Wilhelmi), deleted scenes with optional commentary (24 min.), dailies with optional commentary (7 min.), a "Best Summer Ever" production featurette (5 min.), trailers, and bonus digital and UltraViolet copies of the film. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a bonus DVD copy of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a solid YA film.] (S. Granger)