The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Review in 2025
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age story about a shy teenager who finds friendship and acceptance in a group of outsiders.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for mature teenagers and adults due to its themes of mental health, substance abuse, and mature relationships.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or struggled with mental health. It's a powerful and moving exploration of the human experience, and its themes and characters will resonate with audiences of all ages.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Charlie, a introverted teenager who struggles to fit in after his best friend's death. He finds solace in a group of misfits, including Sam and Patrick, who introduce him to a world of parties, music, and first love. As Charlie navigates his relationships with his new friends and a mysterious girl named Sam, he must confront his own mental health struggles and the dark secrets of his past.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and relatable, exploring themes of mental health, friendship, and first love in a authentic and nuanced way.
acting9.50/10
The acting is excellent, with Logan Lerman delivering a standout performance as Charlie and the supporting cast bringing depth and nuance to their characters.
characters9.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Charlie's introversion and vulnerability making him a compelling and relatable protagonist.
direction8.50/10
The direction is thoughtful and sensitive, capturing the mood and atmosphere of the 1990s setting and the characters' emotional journeys.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is visually appealing, capturing the beauty of the Pittsburgh landscape and the characters' emotional states.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story that explores themes of mental health, friendship, and first love in a authentic and nuanced way. The characters are well-developed and complex, and the acting is excellent. The movie's themes and characters will resonate with audiences of all ages.
Cons
The movie's pacing can be slow at times, and some viewers may find the themes of mental health and substance abuse to be triggering. However, these elements are handled sensitively and thoughtfully, and the movie's overall impact is powerful and moving.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a vegetarian because I love animals. I'm a vegetarian because I hate plants."
"The most beautiful thing about true friends is knowing that no matter what happens, they'll always be there for you."
"We accept the love we think we deserve."
