Dear Friend,
I really would want to do a review of this film that I have previously seen, but I suck at making one. Or at least the formal one. So here, bear with me as I rave about "The Perks of Being A Wallflower" the April way. ;)
To be honest, being a true blue Harry Potter fan, what interests me most about this film adaptation is to see Emma Watson do something outside the Harry Potter bubble. She will always be Hermione Jean Granger to me. Just as Daniel Radcliffe and Darren Criss (no matter how successful as Blaine Anderson from Glee he is right now) will always be The Boy Who Lived, Harry. Funny how when the new James Bond film "Skyfall" trailer was shown in the cinema prior to this movie, I was like blurting out to my mates, "That's Voldemort!" (Ralph Fiennes) which is actually almost always the case whenever I see anyone that's in a way, Harry Potter-related. Maybe it is the after effect of living inside this Potterverse for quite some time. I cannot say I grew up with them, technically because I got hooked only four years ago, less than half the craze itself, but they have been always special to me. Not that I want to finally leave the fandom/family behind and move on. Actually, I really don't want it to end. I want it to stay for forever. I would want for J.K. Rowling to write more Harry in the future. But of course, it just won't happen. At least not yet. (J.K. once talked about the possibility of writing more HP stuff in the future. Yay). I still make Harry Potter references in my daily life. Uhm.... wait, wasn't this suppose to be a Perks review? Hah. See, this is what I meant when I said, the April way. When I get reminded of something I tend to elaborate on it, lose a bit of track.. and.. so.. yeah..
Going back.
About the book itself. I have searched a lot of shops just to find a copy, because it is usually out of stock. Found one and loved it right away after reading it. I am no wallflower during my high school years, or not ever. Not too shabby but I don't seek for attention even way back then, I just usually get it. Mostly, good. Sometimes, bad. There's something about Charlie that I could totally relate with. I am not a molested child of sorts, k. lol
But maybe, it is the sadness. Or whatever it is that I could not put into words right now and would not elaborate.
I was also excited to see Logan Lerman. He was the perfect Percy Jackson, at least for me and my demigod friends. He was... okay, fine. I have never really appreciated him fully. Not yet. Not until...
The Day.
I don't know what's gotten into my wicked mind, but I really was eager to see the film that rainy Tuesday night. So I basically dragged two of my friends from our office and I wouldn't mind paying for the tickets because I really want to and so off to the mall we go. One of my friends have read the book and loved it too so I didn't have a hard time, really for convincing them to come with me.
We went running and running... and came in an hour early which sucked a bit knowing that we practically rushed into the place and now we have to wait for some more because the movie won't start until minutes before 10. Anyway, killing time turned out to be fun. Maybe it is really like that when you're spending it with people who are really close to your heart namely your friends.
After the movie.
I felt... infinite. Okay, maybe not. Maybe it is just an overused quote from the book/film. But all I know then is that I'm satisfied with the outcome of the film. I could get sick from all the running and dancing in the rain before and after and still feel good about it. It is so worth it.
Emma Watson. Although I think she still acted very Hermione-ish, eyebrow/forehead and all, I was mesmerized by her "American" accent. She looked younger than the Sam in my mind, but for some moments in there, I saw Sam in her, so it is not bad after all. Especially whenever she's with Charlie. And I have to admit that they really looked real good together.
Ezra Miller. He is definitely fun to watch. I remember him saying his lines and most of the people inside the cinema, if not all, would laugh. His timing is really great. And not bad in the dramatic scenes too. I particularly loved his scene after the Brad brawl. When he "did something" to Charlie and caught him offguard. And yet Charlie understood, being the friend who would always be there. it was heartfelt.
Logan Lerman. Always gets the troubled kid part and nails it. At first, I thought he is too old for the role, but he gave justice to it. He was, indeed, the perfect Charlie. I could not think of anyone who'll do even better.
Maybe one of the reasons why the movie worked for me is because Chbosky wrote, produced and directed it. He knew his craft more than anyone else in the production so he could easily tell them the emotions which are required in its every scene. It has stayed true to the book.
Although there are some parts from the book that are omitted (lesser focus on his best friend Michael's death, lesser scenes for his sister and the likes) and changed (the christmas gifts' scene, the second tunnel scene, etc) , it still has worked for me. I did expect a lot from this film and it didn't disappoint.
I love the soundtrack. I am still looking for the complete list of songs that were used in the film at the moment. Thanks to my friend, I get to know the "tunnel" song, "Heroes" by David Bowie. I have been LSS-ing to Air Supply's "All Out of Love" ever since Charlie did a bit of it. Hahaha and of course, the song "Asleep".
I also liked the fact that they toned down the "sexual" part a bit. Though parts of me would want to see a more daring Emma for a change. But it was, well, just the right amount of sensuality, in my honest opinion.
Some of my favourite parts are the following:
• The whole Rocky Horror Picture Show. Patrick is just awesome.
• When Sam and Patrick danced their heart out at the party! It was so cool I felt like dancing with them.
• Charlie's awkward dance to the center.
• Charlie lipsynching to All Out Of Love.
• Whenever Charlie's family is having their meal together.
• When Charlie, Sam and Patrick first met.
• Who wouldn't love the "or call me nothing" part, yes?
• The Christmas kiss.
• The tunnel scene.
• The truth or dare dream scene. "Dying of cancer" part haha.
• The "stoned" Charlie.
• I have to admit I like Mary Elizabeth too. haha
• Brad seemed weaker in the film than in the book, but the fight scene is good, thanks to Nothing.
• To Charlie, who sees things and understands them.
• Charlie and brother moment.
• The hallucinations and the hospital scene. Logan got me on that one.
This post is so biased, I know haha, but these are my thoughts about the film. I just loved it and I cannot wait to see it again.
Love,
April
Credits to Tumblr peeps for the photos. (I don't know you, but you guys are awesome.)
Hi, I loved it as much as you do!
ReplyDeleteThis is an Amazing Movie,so much that I consider it as The Best Coming Of Age movie Ive ever seen in my life..
The story is Great, the Cast are irreplaceable,the quotes are unforgettable,you just cant imagine that the Life and thoughts of this Guy who never stood out can deeply touch you in one way or another..Ive never found a film that would really make me so helpless and desperate to see it again at the cinema..I want to see it one more time!I just wish Im a wallflower too during high school..I couldve enjoyed it as well..Great Review I wish I can do this in the future..Thanks April
Thanks, Tin! I had fun seeing the film the second time with you. We should definitely try that tunnel thing sometime!! Pick up truck and all. Sounds like a dang good plan!
Delete