What to know The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a heartfelt and sincere adaptation that's bolstered by strong lead performances. Read critic reviews Rent/buy Rent/buy Rent/buy The Perks of Being a Wallflower Photos Movie Info Socially awkward teen Charlie Logan Lerman is a wallflower, always watching life from the sidelines, until two charismatic students become his mentors. Free-spirited Sam Emma Watson and her stepbrother Patrick Ezra Miller help Charlie discover the joys of friendship, first love, music and more, while a teacher sparks Charlie's dreams of becoming a writer. However, as his new friends prepare to leave for college, Charlie's inner sadness threatens to shatter his newfound confidence. Rating PG-13 All Involving TeensA FightSexual ReferencesDrug and Alcohol UseMature Thematic MaterialSexual Content Genre Comedy, Drama, Romance, Lgbtq+ Original Language English Director Stephen Chbosky Producer Lianne Halfon, Russell Smith, John Malkovich Writer Stephen Chbosky Release Date Theaters Oct 12, 2012 wide Release Date Streaming Feb 12, 2013 Box Office Gross USA $ Runtime 1h 43m Distributor Summit Entertainment Production Co Mr. Mudd Cast & Crew News & Interviews for The Perks of Being a Wallflower Critic Reviews for The Perks of Being a Wallflower Audience Reviews for The Perks of Being a Wallflower Jun 28, 2020 "I just want to make sure that the first person who kisses you loves you." If you haven't seen The Perks of Being A Wallflower yet, I'm sorry for giving away a priceless line from one of its great scenes. But, don't worry. I haven't ruined the moment for you. Super Reviewer Apr 01, 2017 While a toast to those surviving not-fitting-in while in high school and to nerds everywhere, this is at heart basically a message film warning about what it is in life that makes outsiders feel the way that they do usually victimization. Take away the message and what remains is another coming-of-age drama, one decently actualized. Expect lots of classic rock dance tunes. Jan 25, 2015 Dealing with the problems of approaching adulthood in high school, friendship, love and a whole bunch of themes more could make for a horribly dry or self-important film. This one has its pretentious moments that make you wonder if there ever were three friends with such a glamorous gang doing such "crazy" things. But overall it works, thanks to a script that is taking its characters and their problems seriously without forgetting the humor. It also helps that the young actors are excellent, even Lerman who was mostly really dull in other films. There are moments of genuine truth, catching the hopes, fears and opportunity of adolescence rather perfectly, and a pretty surprising twist towards the end, that thankfully doesn't ruin the film's ultimately optimistic attitude. Viewed at the right age this could be a long-time companion, much like the friends in the movie. Well done. Super Reviewer May 22, 2014 Solid film. Wish that this had come out when I was younger so I could have had it as kind of a guide to the tempestuous years of high school. Any teenager can relate to the lessons taught in this film except for the Rocky Horror Picture Show stuff, which was really fucking weird. The story is relatively interesting, and the characters grow on you surprisingly quickly. The messages sent by the film are important and clear. The only real issue that I had with this movie was the ending SPOILERS involving Charlie's aunt. The film just basically glosses over the most depressing part of the story like it was close to nothing, just a time when Charlie lost it for a bit. She nearly ruined his life, but she was so fucked up mentally and do desperately in need of help, implied by the movie to some extent that she was being abused, either physically or sexually, and so she took it out on Charlie. Even though she becomes a monster, she didn't have anyone around to help her out, so in the end, to some extent, it wasn't even her fault, so it's hard to hate her. Her death was almost merciful compared to her torturous existence. Plus Charlie ends up finding out that the person he loved and respected above almost all others, a pillar of his life, isn't who he thinks she was, and that she nearly ruined his life. But the film barely talks about this, and leaves a surprisingly upbeat film with a much darker and depressing ending segment. The film doesn't end after this revelation, of course, it has a couple of scenes later to wrap the film up, but the gravity of Charlie's Aunt's actions completely overshadow this. The viewer is probably still stunned until the ending credits roll. So this film would've been amazing if it had handled the ending better. As is, it just remains a great, very likable and watchable film.