The Perks of Being a Wallflower REVIEW OF MOVIE ADAPTATION

 
Dear Friend,

Oh my God! This is actually one of those! a movie adaptation that is actually better than the original novel!

I cannot believe how good this movie was!

Firstly, all of the characters came alive in the movie. My complaints about the novel (i.e. conflicts between Charlie's personality and his voice in his letters and etc. Read prev. post for more) became nonexistent! THe Charlie I expected and felt was not properly portrayed through his letters came through in movie format. The story is obviously better suited to movie form than episolary form. The letters vastly narrowed the scope of Charlie's experience. His friends also became more interesting and beleivable. This is Sam and Patrick as they were meant to be!

In addition, the telling of his past traumas was much more powerful with the use of flashbacks in the movie. We also get a more believable and enjoyable hint of Charlie's sensitivity without the constant crying like in the novel. I was almost afraid that they would make Logan Lerman actually sob every 20 minutes!

The movie also gives viewers a clearer picture of Charlie's role as a wallflower and what exactly that means. Patrick says, "You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand." It's not until the very end, (of the movie) however that you realize that Charlie also takes in all of the pain he witnesses in others. THAT is what makes him special.

The ending was absolutely perfect! It was fascinating, powerful, and heart-warming. It's the epitome of the kind of friendship that makes life worth living, and makes its crap just a little bit less crappy. You are either thankful that you have friends like Sam and Nothing, I mean Patrick, or hoping that you find some clones of them someplace. It makes YOU feel infinite.

Final Verdict: An amazing movie that's better than the book. It Should be added to the list of movies to watch before you die. I'm sure such a list exists. Perfect movie to portray the trials of adolescence and the glory of true friendship. So go give it a watch...NOW! But read the book first...just because.

Oh. Did I mention that the soundtrack is absolutely freaking awesome? No? Well, it is! Only thing I like the book better for? It contains a list of songs on pages 61-62! EDIT: Found a playlist on youtube. Gotta love these youtubers for making things easy. Charlie's Xmas Mix Tape for Pattycakes

Love Always,
Charlie Fatuma
Book Rants