(L to R) Erin Wilhelmi, Adam Hagenbuch, Logan Lerman, Mae Whitman, Exra Miller and Emma Watson star in THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER Photo: Courtesy of Summit Entertainment © 2011 Summit Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved.

Click here to listen to Hollywood 360 Radio Network podcast with Sarah Adamson.

Make Room for Charlie

If you ask someone over the age of 30 to name their favorite literary figure from their high school reading list chances are Holden Caulfield of J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye will be the answer. But if you ask someone younger, don’t be surprised if the response is Charlie, the central character in Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Now, luckily for moviegoers, Charlie will be introduced to those who missed out on the 1999 coming of age novel.

Chbosky wrote a wonderful and memorable novel and now, not only has he penned the screenplay but directed the movie, as well. Thank goodness! Chbosky has seen to it that the essence of the story did not get lost during its journey from page to screen. A large part of the success is due to the excellent casting of our hero, Charlie. Logan Lerman (“Percy Jackson and the Olympians”) triumphantly embraces his character and gives an outstanding performance. Whether you’re struggling through your teens now or you struggled one, 10 or even 50 years ago, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a relatable tale of navigating the rough terrain to feel comfortable in your own skin. It encompasses several aspects of love and acceptance. Charlie’s observation that he is, “both happy and sad, and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be,” may well be how audiences will feel as the credits roll.

(L to R) Ashley (Shelly Regner), Stacie (Alexis Knapp), Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson), Aubrey (Anna Camp), Cynthia Rose (Ester Dean), Beca (Anna Kendrick), Lilly (Hana Mae Lee), Denise (Wanetah Walmsley), Chloe (Brittany Snow) and Jessica (Kelley Alice Jakle) are the Barden Bellas in "Pitch Perfect," an out-loud comedy that's loaded with new takes on old favorites to hits of right now that are seamlessly mixed together, mashed-up and arranged like you've never heard before. Photo Credit: Peter Iovino © 2012 Universal Studios. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Click here to listen to Hollywood 360 Radio Network podcast with Sarah Adamson.

Bring It Aca-On!

You may find yourself scratching your head and asking, “What the heck was Anna Kendrick thinking, starring in a silly comedy about college a cappella groups?” The answer? She was being one smart cookie by continuing with her wise script choices. Kendrick has dazzled audiences in hits such as “Up In the Air” (in which she received an Academy Award nomination), last year’s “50/50,” and the recently released “End of Watch.” In “Pitch Perfect,” she flexes her vocal chords along with her acting chops for a winning combination. The remaining ensemble cast is also impressive, giving the humorous script (written by Kay Cannon) just what it needs to hit a high note with audiences.

“Pitch Perfect,” based on the book by Mickey Rapkin, is a formulaic comedy much like the competitive cheerleading movie, “Bring It On,” only with the added musical factor. Formulaic is not always a bad thing, for as the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It has all the necessary elements for an entertaining comedy: outsider, nice guy, love story, funny sidekicks, mean girl, arrogant boy, competition, gross-out scene, and many laughable moments. Blend in some fun music and a couple of snarky emcees (in the tradition of “Best in Show” and “Dodgeball”) and we are left with a satisfying 112 minutes of screen time. This is the first feature film directed by Jason Moore and, although not as perfect as the title suggests, “Pitch Perfect” is solid.

“10 Years” – As Long as The Movie Feels

We all struggle to grow up. Sometimes, it is nice to know that you are not alone. In the latest high school reunion comedy, “10 Years,” writer and director Jamie Linden (“Dear John” and “We Are Marshall”) follows a group of friends who put their lives on hold for a night and travel from opposite ends of the country to celebrate 10 years since high school. Some change and others stay the same. Temptations are tested, hearts are yearned and truths are (eventually) told.

This unpretentious flick is loaded with a charming cast dealing with believable problems. We would find these characters more relatable if they were further developed, however. Handheld camera work and actual camcorder footage during the reunion capture the authenticity. Although unoriginal with melancholy reflections, “10 Years” is a feel good film that reminds us that growing up isn’t exactly a walk in the park. There is an unforced, low-key feeling throughout that perhaps goes a little too far. The lack of compelling drama makes it seem slow. 

In a story about twenty somethings, Jake (Channing Tatum) is on the verge of proposing to his girlfriend, Jess (Jenna Dewan-Tatum). Jake brings Jess to his high school reunion where he runs into his high school sweetheart Mary (Rosario Dawson) among many other personalities, a word I will use loosely. Married couple Cully (Chris Pratt) and Sam (Ari Graynor), who are living life in suburbia with kids, have been an item since high school. Cully was a bully to just about everyone back in the day and cannot wait to apologize to those he hurt. After a few too many vodkas and a drop of coke, Cully has apologized to just about everyone in the room, more than once. A couple of whisky shots later and this hot mess is on stage at the local bar ‘singing’ “Lady in Red” and back to shouting insults. Meanwhile, Marty (Justin Long) and A.J. (Max Minghella) are trying to impress Anna (Lynn Collins), the most popular girl at Lake Howell High, but find that their competitive personalities get in the way. The now famous musician Reeves (Oscar Isaac) is still too shy to talk to his high school crush, Elise (Kate Mara), but eventually finds an unconventional means of communicating with her.