Movie Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky is one of my favorite books ever. I even have a tattoo dedicated to it. As such, I was super scared that turning the book into a Hollywood movie would ruin its essence.

Since I cried every time I watched the trailer, I didn't expect the movie to bomb. However, I didn't expect to like it as much as I did, either.

via Wikipedia

As a movie on its own, Perks did a great job in making an impact on me. It probably has something to do with the fact that the actual writer of the book also wrote the screenplay, but it unfolded very nicely. I even liked the ending - the only bit of the book that I really hated with a passion.

Unfortunately, they did ruin my two favorite scenes:

The Typewriter Scene

via Durance Magazine

Spoilers (highlight to read): In the movie, Sam gives Charlie a typewriter and types, "Write about us." He replies with, "I will." WHY, CHBOSKY? WHY?

In the book, Sam types, "Write about me." This might seem like a super small change to you, but it was the first time I felt kilig while reading the book and I absolutely loooved it when Charlie went back to the typewriter and typed "I love you." Scene ruined. :(

The Tunnel Scene

via IB Times

If you've known me for quite a while, you should know that I worship David Bowie. David Bowie is my God. It even says so in my signature on When in Manila. So, you'd think I'd love that they used "Heroes" for this scene. Well, I didn't.

First of all, out of all of Bowie's songs, "Heroes" is probably one of my least favorite. Second of all, it definitely doesn't sound infinite.

In the book, the tunnel song is "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac. If you don't know it, YouTube it. And then close your eyes and imagine the tunnel scene. That is what infinite is supposed to sound feel like.

via Perez Hilton

The good news is that they did pretty well with the rest of the soundtrack. I have a Perks playlist on Speckles (my Mac) and it is aptly named "One Winter" and I am glad that they were able to get "Asleep" into the movie. Even "All Out of Love" worked for me despite it not being in the book.

Another thing that the movie did well in was the cast. There is not a single cast member I would change. And that's saying something since I used to envision Justin Bieber with long hair as Charlie. Although Emma Watson clearly had difficulties keeping her American accent, it still worked. And I wouldn't change a single thing.

via Time

As a whole, I believe everybody will be able to relate to Perks on some level. It is touching, sad, heartfelt, funny and inspirational - just like life itself. Although it is lacking a lot of great quotes from the book, it still has enough of them for me to say that it did the book real justice.

Sure, it missed a few parts and didn't expound too much on certain things, but it did what a Hollywood movie is supposed to do: make me not regret watching it. ;p Is "Looking for Alaska" up next? ;)

I guess it also helped that I watched the movie with people who actually make me feel infinite in real life. :) 4 out of 5 stars. I'd watch it again.

What did you think of the movie? And have you read the book? :) Let me know your thoughts!