Movie Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Let me say this first. I, of course, read the book before the movie happened. And I loved the book then. The way the letters are written, the language used, the characters...this book grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go. When I heard it was being made into a movie, I instantly groaned. I just knew that it was going to be flawed someway somehow. That's just how adaptations go. But then history was made. Stephen Chbosky wrote the screenplay. And produced it. AND directed it. How could it not be absolutely perfect? I began to get disappointed as it seemed the release date was pushed back and pushed back. Then it didn't open in my hometown. So we drove an hour north to go see it this weekend. And let me tell you.. I was floored by just how accurate it was. I guess having the author in charge of all creative decisions can truly make a difference. I'm pretty sure I now believe all authors SHOULD at least write the screenplay for their adaptation.  So on to my review...
Logan Lerman was the perfect Charlie. He has the subtle anger towards society, obvious self sacrifice, and that brokenness that makes you fall for him everytime.
Emma Watson...she can do no wrong! Except for a few blips here and there with her American accent, she did wonderful as Sam. She was heady, invigorating, and loyal.
Ezra Miller as Patrick/Nothing was probably the best cast part in the entire movie. He nailed everything.
Each event that occured, from the parties to the football games, the fights, the kisses, everything was perfectly executed. One complaint I have is that Charlie's family dynamic wasn't drastic enough. They seemed to be putting on the "perfect family" show more than the book said. They each had their problems and the movie briefly touched on Candace's problems, but no one elses. The characters definitely brought you into their lives, especially Charlie.
The biggest complaint I have was that the language wasn't too terrible until the family scene at the end, when Dylan McDermott said "God D***" 3x. And the sister said it once. It was absolutely unnecessary, as it always is. Overall, I give the movie an A++. Having Chbosky direct was a novel, unprecedented idea that made this movie into something worth loving and buying.

"and in this moment...I swear we were infinite."