Emma Watson wearing a corset and performing in The Rocky Horror Picture Show? We're not in Hogwarts anymore, Harry.

In The Perks of Being a Wallflower, the Harry Potter star proves she’s got a big career ahead since leaving Hermione Granger and her teenage years behind.

Watson is superb alongside Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson and The Olympians) and Ezra Miller (We Need to Talk About Kevin) as three misfit teenagers and stars of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, based on the acclaimed book of the same name.

Written and directed by the novel’s author Stephen Chbosky in a solid feature film debut, the film screams coming-of-age, with the naive, shy main character Charlie (Lerman) going through all the typical highs and lows of adolescence.

There’s the school dances, first relationships, falling in love and taking drugs, but even though these are cliches, they work because The Perks of Beinga Wallflower is so sincere, often heart-breakingly so.

The book was a personal one for Chbosky and he’s crafted it into a personal movie that's likely to tap into the memories of anyone watching it.

It’s one of the many perks about The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

It might be set in the 90s and have lots of American references, but it doesn’t matter.

Whether you’re going through adolescence or already have, it’s hard not to get swept up by the story.

Charlie is starting high school as a freshman (equivalent of our Year 9) and has no friends, save his journal entries and his English teacher (Paul Rudd).

That is, until he musters up the courage to speak to two creative, free-spirited seniors (our Year 12) - the pretty Sam (Watson) and her gay stepbrother Patrick (Miller) - who take him under their wing.

It's nostalgic, with the right balance of angst and authenticity, and encapsulates that fleeting window of time, when you're figuring out who you are and anything seems possible.

In one memorable scene, at a school dance Sam and Patrick break out into an impromptu routine to Come On Eileen that's infectious in its joy and fun.

For those who went to high school pre-iPhone and when cassette tapes were cool, you'll love the mix-tapes, as well as their pursuit of ‘that song from the radio’ before the days when you could just Shazam something.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is surprisingly dark in parts and ends up taking some unexpected plot turns, which add depth, drama and teenage angst.

They’re completely aware of it though, one saying, “my life is like an after school special”.

Lerman nails the portrayal of innocent teen Charlie, who's trying to overcome some past demons and fit in and his scenes with Watson (sporting a flawless American accent) are particularly sweet.

But it’s Miller who's the scene-stealer as the witty, flamboyant Patrick. He just jumps off the screen.

One of his most recent film roles was playing the disturbed killer in We Need to Talk About Kevin, so it’s amazing you warm to him so quickly in his latest role.

An honest coming-of-age drama, The Perks of Being a Wallflower might feel familiar in parts, but Chbosky and his three leads deliver a moving film, which will resonate will teens and adults alike.

See The Perks of Being A Wallflower in Australian cinemas from today.

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