For years, my friends had been telling me that I needed to read Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

I kept putting it off, buying newer books that I thought I would find more interesting or exciting, constantly moving Chbosky’s work farther and farther back on my bookshelf. I figured that I would get around to reading it eventually.

But then it was announced that a movie was being created with a cast filled with some of my favorite actors and actresses (Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Paul Rudd to, literally, just name a few) and I knew that I couldn’t leave the book any longer. So I hunkered down and spent two days with Charlie.

Now I’m more excited for this movie than I have been for a film in quite some time. And sure, the cast plays a part in my excitement, but it’s so much more than just knowing that the actors and actresses can deliver the lines they are given. It’s seeing these words come to life.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (in theaters Sept. 21) follows Charlie (Lerman), an introverted freshman who is befriended by seniors Sam (Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller), and his experiences with love, fear, loss and hope as he and his friends travel the terrifying inevitability that is growing up.

One of the reasons I’m excited for this movie is because I hope to understand Charlie a little more. I had trouble seeing his character for what he was as I flipped through the pages of Chbosky’s novel. I knew as I was reading that there was a great character hidden somewhere within the words of his letters, a life-changing character, and I hope that Lerman’s performance can bring me closer to that level of understanding.

Another flare of excitement on my part comes from Watson herself. As a huge fan of the Harry Potter franchise, I’m excited to see what the young actress can bring to the table in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, her first major role since she retired her wand. I think she has just the right amount of depth, attitude and grace that’s needed to pull of Sam.

Lastly, there is one moment that I am waiting for with bated breath to be immortalized on screen. One moment, one small phrase, that is capable of sending chills up my spine and making my heart ache a little at the feeling of completion I get every time I read those words. And to hear them actually come from Charlie will be amazing.

“And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.”

So sure, there are about a hundred things that I won’t be able to relate to when this movie comes out (none of which I’ll name for spoiler purposes, just in case you haven’t read the book). But there are certain things that anyone can relate to, like growing up, making mistakes and falling in love. And that’s what I think will make this movie great. I hope some of you will agree with me.

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