Chris Kavan's Movie Reviews (2615)

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The Perks of Being a Wallflower 
On the Outside Looking In
3.5/4 stars

Rarely does a cast come together as well as they did in Perks of Being a Wallflower. When you get such amazing performances out of young actors - it makes me think that the future of Hollywood is in good hands. Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller all give outstanding performances - and the supporting cast, from Paul Rudd as the inspirational English teacher, Tom Savini as the put-upon shop teacher and Dyland McDermott and Kate Walsh as dad and mom - all work in smaller parts. Mae Whitman, Johnny Simmons and Nina Dobrev also shine in supporting roles.

This is a coming-of-age story that doesn't skirt around some tough issues. Sure you have the pressure of navigating the minefield of High School - but things like relationships, drug use, dealing with grief and trauma, suicide and homosexuality are all touched upon. The great thing is, the movie isn't preachy or sentimental - thanks to author/screenwriter/director Stephen Chbosky - it is all played pretty much how I could imagine it actually turning out. Again, the young actors really were key and did not disappoint.

Besides the story and characters - the music provides an excellent backdrop - from The Smiths to David Bowie to Sonic Youth to... The Rocky Horror Picture Show? - Yes - it all works and is one of the best soundtracks to come along in awhile. In this film, the music is just as much a character as the people in it - and it shows.

I highly recommend this to adults and teens - it works on so many different levels and it's that good. Blockbusters and superheros may get all the attention - but it's films like this that make me remember how good movies can get.

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