Special thanks to Brad and Kelli Barron, on YL staff in the UK, for sending the email below.
My wife and I just saw the screening of “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and we were blown away by the response afterwards. As the credits began to roll we noticed clusters of kids standing up, group-hugging and crying together (both guys and gals). I don’t believe we have ever been to a film with such an immediate response. My wife and I looked around and then back at each other knowing we had the same thought… “Young Life leaders need to see this movie!”
We have to admit the “Reality Bites” / “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” type movie poster of “The Perks of Being Wallflower” had us thinking the film would be quirky, fun, maybe a little strange and endearing, but we did not expect it to have any sort of depth. And certainly not create the response in people that it did. As a film we liked it, but as a look into the lives of teenagers who have been abused… it’s a great film! One that we’d encourage YL leaders to see and though we don’t necessarily recommend inviting kids to see this film… if kids are talking about it or have already planned to see it….go with them!!
*DISCLAIMER: I have not yet seen the film, and am going on Brad & Kelli’s recommendation. Before going, you can read a helpful review at Kids-in-Mind.com
