The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is based on a novel written by Stephen Chbosky. Unlike the Hunger Games, I read this book before I saw the movie. Apart from a few minor scenes, the film essentially follows the novel. The movie is about a freshman in high school, Charlie (Logan Lerman), who is guided through the halls by two seniors: Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller). Charlie is an nervous, awkward, eccentric teenager with poor social skills. With Sam and Patrick's help, Charlie is embraced by a new group of friends for the first time and is introduced to typical senior partying. As the year goes by, he quickly falls in love with Sam and grows closer to Patrick. Although his social life expands, Charlie is still haunted by an incident of the past. When he was seven years old his Aunt Eileen died in a car accident. When times get difficult with his friends, his mind is clouded by vivid flashbacks of his Aunt. Eventually  Charlie's flashbacks turn into nervous breakdowns. He now has to control his mental state while dealing with the drama of his friends. This all happens as the secrets of his family unfold.

"We accept the love we think we deserve."

After watching numerous Harry Potter movies, I have grown particularly fond of Emma Watson. This is the first movie I saw where Emma was not playing the part of Hermione Granger. It was different but I really liked watching her in a new environment. She was just as cute and interesting as always. I'm still trying to decide if I liked Logan Lerman's performance. Although he isn't a bad actor, I expected a different performance from Charlie's character after I read the book. This is the problem with reading the book before the movie. I casted the entire film before I even saw a preview. I was bound to be disappointed with at least one of the choices Hollywood made. Nevertheless, I still thought the film was well thought out and extremely nostalgic. The typical high school scene makes viewers miss the past and embrace the naive ways of a young freshman. In addition, one of my favorite aspects of the film was the soundtrack. Each song matched my vision perfectly. I was really happy with the way the music and images tied together to send messages and portray feelings. Overall, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is defiantly a feel-good film with a spontaneous twist.

Silver Linings Playbook

Oscar nominee of 2012, Silver Linings Playbook, is a complex film based on the novel Silver Linings Playbook written by Matthew Quick. Quick, like myself, went to Collingswood High School. His book often references to places in Collingswood that I am clearly familiar with. Viewing this film was truly magical because I could relate to countless details incorporated in the production.

The film is based on Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper), a Philadelphian who is battling bipolar disorder. Pat was put in a mental institution in Maryland after he attacked his wife's lover. Through careful examination, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. After spending time away , he moves back to his parents house and attempts to turn his life around. His biggest goal is to reunite with his ex-wife and fix what he has broken. To cope with his disability, and to stay positive, he exercises often and constantly tries to dodge negativity. After he meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), who is mentally unstable and depressed, he starts to face his problems head on. The two develop an unorthodox bond that ties the story together.    

I think this film captures the true meaning of the novel Silver Linings Playbook, which is not easy to accomplish. It successfully displays various difficulties that one with depression or  bipolar disorder may face. Although we only see the disorders that Pat and Tiffany suffer from, the audience can really feel the strain that a mental illness can put on a person. The role of a family is also analyzed in this film. Pat's parents play major roles in his healing process. The disputes that take place in the Solitano household are vivid, heart wrenching, and essentially enlightening. I really love the way Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence portray their characters as well. In addition, little aspects of my neighborhood were tied into the film. I was highly impressed.