The Perks of Being Emma Watson.

Rating: 9/10 (24 September 2015)

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): Dir: Stephen Chbosky / Cast: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Mae Whitman, Paul Rudd: Extremely dark yet deep teen flick about surviving the conflicts of life. It stars Logan Lerman as Charlie who is starting high school. He addresses a journal as his only friend, and suffers blackouts due to a severe trauma that stemmed from his childhood that he cannot quite piece together. He eventually encounters step-siblings Patrick and Sam who may be more intimate than necessary but at any rate Charlie strikes up a friendship with them. Patrick is gay and secretly courting someone from the football team. Charlie develops feelings for Sam that becomes one of the more complicated elements he faces. In the conclusion it becomes one odyssey of overcoming trauma with the aid of close relationships. Director Stephen Chbosky gives insight into the struggles of teenage identity and from various perspectives. The screenplay is well written with superb performances by Lerman and company. Lerman brings out Charlie's confusion as he searches for answers as well as companionship. Emma Watson plays Sam who is confused with her feelings towards Charlie as she awaits a scholarship. Ezra Miller plays Patrick who jokes in class while in tune with his sexuality. Mae Whitman plays one of the click whom Charlie has a fruitless relationship with that untangles at a game of truth or dare. Paul Rudd delivers a fine dramatic performance as an encouraging English teacher who shares literature with Lerman. It is a teenage desire to live, dream and flourish beyond trials. Score: 9 / 10