The perks of a wallflower (2012) rating: 8/10

Charlie (Logan Lorman) is a bit too tall, sufficiently good looking and having too fine a voice to realistically be an unpopular freshman in high school. Still there are some things to like about this movie. Probably a lot of real people have the idea that they weren't popular in HS, that they were outsiders. And this movie is an ode to those wallflowers. But Charlie here promises to be an extreme case, though his early high school isolation actually lasts exactly one whole day. On the 2nd day he meets very mature teenagers in step-siblings and seniors, Patrick and Sam, the latter in a fine performance by Emma Watson. In essences these two are more like adults, but with their own unique problems and challenges. They are not popular, but they are strong enough to stand on their own. They sort of take Charlie under their wings and help out the friendless kid and he starts to gain confidence. He has an obvious crush on Sam, but Sam already has a boyfriend. You can guess parts of what happens next. Overall it is well acted and the story while unrealistic in many aspects can be related to.

** spoilers **

Charlie also has a lot of problems. His aunt was killed when he was little, but
he was also molested by her as a little boy. Yeah, that part is a little unbelievable in that I don't think women are that way in general. They tend to like older men right? But even more unbelievable, the aunt supposedly had been sexually abused when she was younger. So, uh, she decides to visit the same problem on her nephew. Kind of defies belief. Also Charlie's best friend killed himself some 18 months ago. These two events are apparently the cause of his blackouts where afterwards he doesn't remember what he has done.

What about Patrick? Patrick is not physically bullied even though he is gay. Perhaps it's because he doesn't act stereotypically gay. I did like the portrayal of Patrick's attraction for Charlie which I think is within the realm of possibility. Overall the feeling for the gay part of the story is that Patrick is a more modern gay high schooler than the time when this movie is set (80's). The gay sensibility of the movie is I think more tolerant than the reality of the time with the exception of Patrick's closeted boyfriend Doug who gets beat up by this father when he is found with Patrick.

One of the main story lines of the movie is that people keep boyfriends and girlfriends that treat them badly (Sam) because that is what they think they deserve. The solution given is to build up the beautiful girl so that she realizes she deserves better. These days assortative mating theory is that 10's date 10's and 2's date 2's. I guess this part of plot somewhat makes sense.

There is the underdog, revenge of the nerds element of this story. Except that the nerds are portrayed as fully capable and highly intelligent people. And one does get the feeling they actually do deserve their time in the sun.

** personal remarks **

Personally my memory is that high school could often be a 'dumb' jock and cheerleader -- in my case often cheerleaders were very smart -- dominated place. Yet on the other hand, at my HS those who put forth effort and did well academically were at least respected. But growing up is always a struggle and can be full of drama for 'outsiders' or unpopular. Perhaps I truly didn't deserve to be included in either category, though as a not unpopular closeted gay boy who never had a girlfriend, I think I might try to sneak into the 'outsider' category. Overall this movie is a well told coming-of-age story, and, despite the contrivances of Charlie's character, is interesting addition to a large and continually growing genre.