Friday feed
TGIF! Friday feed features a variety of articles with no specific category. You'll never know what you could read about next!
by Asma Gaba ![]() 1) The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a movie adaptation of the novel by the same name written by Stephen Chbosky. It follows Charlie (played by Logan Lerman) as he navigates his first year of high school. He’s the very definition of socially awkward, and is bullied mercilessly. He’s beginning to hate high school in earnest when two seniors, Sam and Patrick (played by Emma Watson and Ezra Miller, respectfully) take him under their wing. This movie is emotional, tangible, and carries in it spectacular meanings. In this coming-of- age film, Charlie is forced to confront his intense personal struggles all while attempting to enjoy the world of new music, friendship, and love that Sam and Patrick introduce him to. This is a wonderful watch for young adults, especially high schoolers. It teaches us that no matter the hardships one might face, there will always be a way out. Personally, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is an all-time favorite movie of mine. 2) It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010):
It’s Kind of a Funny Story is a movie adaptation of the novel by the same name written by Ned Vizzini. Ned Vizzini wrote the book after his stay in adult psychiatric, which explains the air of authenticity the movie provides. This film explores mental health in teens, something that isn’t given much screen time. Sixteen year old Craig Gilner (played by Keir Gilchrist) checks himself into the hospital after attempting to commit suicide. Craig is stressed about everything- school, friends, and his family. It seems to him as if the only way to get rid of all these thoughts is by killing himself. As it goes, the youth wing of the mental health facility is closed for renovations, so he is forced to spend his time- five required days- with the adults. The only other teen in the facility seems to be a quiet girl with obvious scars on her face, Noelle (portrayed by Emma Roberts). In the hospital he meets adults who have been struggling as well, and through therapy, medication, and newfound friends, he learns that life maybe isn’t so bad after all. It’s Kind of a Funny Story is a raw look into mental health without sugarcoating a thing. It’s hilarious, it’s sad, and it’s hopeful. It seems as if as the years go on, young adults have more and more things to stress over. Craig Gilner tells us all that no matter how hard it may seem, there’s always a way to get help. 3) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015): Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a movie adaptation of the book by the same name written by Jesse Andrews. Greg (played by Thomas Mann) is forced by his mother to spend time with his old childhood friend, Rachel (played by Olivia Cooke), who had been diagnosed with leukemia. Despite the two of them adamantly refusing to get to know each other, Greg’s quirky and weird personality wins Rachel’s friendship. Greg and his best friend Earl (portrayed by RJ Cyler) make short films. They get their material from movies they’ve watched and exaggerate the plot wildly to make it their own. Although they have tons of homemade movies, they don’t show it to anyone. Earl, on the other hand, wants to share them with Rachel. After a heated debate, Greg relents and agrees. Soon after, Earl and Greg decide to make a film dedicated to Rachel. One aspect I loved about the film is that there was no love interest. Don’t get me wrong- romance films are lovely. But sometimes, you just need a movie about pure, unadulterated friendship- which was what Rachel, Earl, and Greg had. Seeing Rachel’s succumbing to her disease and the effect it had on Greg was heartbreaking. He cared for her so much that he lost track of his schoolwork, putting his college plans in jeopardy. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is the movie to watch if you’re looking for hilarious (sometimes vulgar) comedy, an incredible portrayal of friendship, and a heartwarming finale. This movie is a work of art. 4) The Art of Getting By (2011): George Zinavoy (portrayed by Freddie Highmore) is a senior at one of the toughest high schools in Manhattan. He has nothing but apathy towards school, and his attitude might just keep him from graduating. He would much rather live life without the burden of school. He’s the stereotypical angsty, nihilistic teen. One day, he bumps into Sally (played by Emma Roberts), and as he finally makes a friend, he slowly falls in love with her. The Art of Getting By is perfect for introverts and self- proclaimed loners, the people who feel as if they don’t quite belong anywhere. It tells us that opening up, and caring even just a little can lead to the best memories ever. The film has a wonderful soundtrack to boot, featuring songs like “We Will Become Silhouettes” by The Shins and “Spitting Fire” by The Boxer Rebellion. 5) The Spectacular Now (2013): The Spectacular Now is a movie adaptation of the book by the same name written by Tim Tharp. It tells the story of Sutter Keely and Aimee Fineky (played by Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley, respectfully) after a chance meeting. Aimee is a quiet, lonesome girl. She likes to read and hates to engage in social settings. So when Sutter, after a long night of substantial drinking, wakes up on Aimee’s lawn- well, it’s odd. Sutter is everything Aimee isn’t; he parties all the time and everyone knows him. It seems as if opposites really do attract, and the two teenagers begin dating. Sutter doesn’t have any hope in himself; he believes that he’s destined to live the rest of his life working at his part time job at a clothing store. He purposely self- sabotages himself and engages in risky behavior, completely indifferent to how it might hurt him and others. However, after seeing how motivated and positive Aimee is, he tries his hardest to change his ways. He applies for college, and he writes his essay about what he learned- or didn’t learn- from Aimee and himself. Aside from the Sutter and Aimee being an adorable couple, I loved the way that Aimee influenced him to at least think of becoming a better person. Their relationship dynamic was unique and wildly relatable to people who have been in similar positions. Sutter is a remarkably three- dimensional character- despite his popularity; he’s far from a happy person. The Spectacular Now is perfect for young adults who want to change themselves for the better, whether it is for themselves or their loved ones.
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