The Perks of Being A Wallflower

This is one of those films where, if you haven't read the book, it's probably best not to know too much. I'd seen the trailer a couple of times and though it looked interesting and, boy, was I in for something unexpected.
Without going overboard, without a doubt The Perks of Being A Wallflower is the movie of the year.
The basic plot sees a very reserved Charlie (Logan Lerman) about start freshman year of high school. He's been through a lot, most notably the death of his favourite aunt when he was younger and the suicide of his best friend.
He's determined to make friends this year but gets off to a slow start when he tells his Literature teacher (Paul Rudd) that if ''my English teacher is the only friend I make today it will be a truly depressing day'' (words to that effect, anyway).
He soon strikes up a friendship with Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Emma Watson), two seniors who quickly embrace the shy Charlie and introduce him to their world.
I won't go any further that that. It might sound plain but it there is certainly a lot more to the story than the early synopsis.
Firstly, the performance of Lerman has the 'wallflower' Charlie is almost Oscar nomination worthy I think. I hadn't heard of him before but he has to carry the movie and he does it with ease and charm. You can't help but love Charlie, he's sincere and unassuming (certainly to start), but you also have to be aware that with what he's been through comes quite a bit of baggage and watching him deal with it is both heartbreaking and uplifting.
Emma Watson, best known as Hermione from the Harry Potter films, surprised me a little. For an actress who will always be known for the HP films she's taken a bit of a risk with playing Sam and she's outstanding as well.
The third of the trio is Patrick, an openly gay teen who really takes Charlie under his wing after they meet while watching a football game. Patrick enthusiastically supports the football for reasons which become apparent a bit later on.
Why is Perks a great film?
I was absolutely entranced. I couldn't look away from the film, it may have been a little slow in parts but I didn't notice with Charlie's narration and the revealing of what he's been, and is going, through. It's funny, moving, a little sad, shocking and uplifting and I'll admit to welling up a little at the end.
As I thought about it afterwards I couldn't fault it. It held me for the entire 100 minutes or so and I went along for the ride wholeheartedly.
Definitely the best movie of 2012 for me and I gave it an unprecedented 10/10. Others may disagree but it's brilliant and I'd encourage you to see it for yourself - but I advise to watch the trailer, and if you think it might be for you then go for it. Now, I want to read the book!