The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Right now we are alive and in this moment I swear we are infinite.

I saw The Perks of Being a Wallflower last week and it restored my faith in teen movies.

I am one of the few people who has not read the book. Oddly, the book came out when I was in high school but I was too busy obsessing over the Harry Potter series to notice.

Now, I'm kind of kicking myself in the ass for not paying attention.

Well, anyway, I saw the film and absolutely fell in love.

The plot revolves around a socially awkward high school freshman as he struggles to face the demons of his past and keep his head above water during adolescence.

Fortunately, he makes some fucking awesome friends in the process.

I think one of the main reasons I was so shocked I had not read the book yet is because everything about it screams "Jenny!". I mean, the main character, Charlie, is a writer. The Smiths are basically worshipped, with Morrissey posters everywhere. And nobody wastes time texting, because it's 1992. So, basically, it's like my perfect world.

What I thought was most interesting about this film is that the author of the book, Stephen Chbosky, directed it. How often does that happen?!

For me, that made the film more legitimate. Having the novelist put his own work to film really speaks volumes about its authenticity. This is how he wanted his masterpiece portrayed. And for someone who hasn't directed much else, I think Stephen did a terrific job.

I know many fans of the book were disgusted with the casting of the adorable British actress Emma Watson as Sam, Charlie's crush.

I actually thought Emma did a good job. And clearly, if Stephen wanted Emma for the role, that says something about his viewpoint of his own character. You just have to trust him.

In fact, I think everyone in the film did an impressive job. I think my favorite performance, however, was that of Ezra Miller, who plays Charlie's adorable friend, Patrick. I think he kind of stole the show, actually.

Nina Dobrev (who I adore in The Vampire Diaries) plays Charlie's older sister. I'm totally copying her curly, braided hairstyle from the film.

Anyway, I think this movie came out during perfect timing. The soundtrack is freaking amazing and will satisfy even the most slightest of hipster. It's a film very fitting for today's teenager. I hate to admit it, but I think if the film had come out in 1999, when I was a high school freshman, it wouldn't have done very well. My high school generation, obsessed with Britney Spears and Abercrombie & Fitch, simply wouldn't have gotten it at the time. The message and the "cool factor" would have been completely lost on us.

I highly suggest you see this film, if you haven't already.