On the Road (2012)

Some books were just not meant to be turned into movies.

There have been many attempts to turn one of the greatest modern novels of the 20th century into a film. Finally, director Walter Salles has conquered the impossible task, sort of. It seems that no one can do Jack Kerouac's book justice on the big screen.

A Special Presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival 2012, On the Road follows aspiring writer Sal Paradise (Sam Riley) whose entire life gets shaken and stirred after meeting Dean Moriarty (Garrett Hedlund). Dean, a free-spirit to say the least, brought new perspective to Sal's life after the latter's father passed. The movie is literally what it sounds like. On a search for inspiration for his book, Sal travels cross country with mostly Dean, but a few times Marylou, Dean's girlfriend, (Kristen Stewart) will join them, along with whatever hitchhikers are on the way.

Sam Riley and Garrett Hedlund. Source: TIFF

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Who in their right mind would attempt to turn this brilliant book into a movie? Oh yeah, the author of the book.

When I first heard that a movie was being produced, I wasn't sure what to think of it. Stephen Chbosky's book was absolutely masterful. I thought to myself, how could it be possible that the words on this page could translate into an equally amazing film? And who would want to take on such a project? Lo and behold, it was Chbosky himself. And boy did he do his own work justice.

Of course there were discrepancies between the original prose and what was depicted on screen, but the bulk of it was still the same. Logan Lerman plays the main protagonist, Charlie who has had some demons in the past that have been holding him back. We see him writing letters to an unknown friend, similar to writing a diary. Entering into his freshman year of highschool, he has a difficult time making new friends due to his introverted personality style. Basically his only friend on the first day of school is his English teacher, Mr. Anderson (Paul Rudd), who mentors Charlie and gives him advice through advanced literature assignments.

Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller, and Emma Watson. Source: TIFF.net

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Based on the namesake book by Matthew Quick, Silver Linings Playbook is a flick that is sure to make you smile. Just reading the plot you might not think much about it, but it deserves all the accolades and more.  Pat (Bradley Cooper) is released from a mental health facility and is finally starting to turn his life around. He was sent there in the first place because he walked in on his wife cheating on him, and beat the guy into a pulp. His wife Nikki told him to lose some weight, filed a restraining order on him, and has had no contact with him in the 8 months he's been in the hospital. Now that he's out, he's doing everything in his power to try and win her back.

In an effort to contact Nikki without violating his patrole, he makes a deal with one of her friends, Tiffany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence), who's fighting a similar battle with her inner demons, and enters into a dance competition with her. In exchange, she acts as a messenger between Pat and Nikki and delivers messages between the two.

Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper. Source: TIFF

Stuck in Love (Writers) (2012)

When Stuck in Love first premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, it was under the working name Writers. Written and directed by Josh Boone, who drew inspiration from his own life, especially when it came to his parents' divorce, it was recently picked up Millennium Entertainment.

Let it be known that this film was a complete shock to me. I walked in not knowing much about it except for the blurb I read on TIFF's website. When I say I was shocked, I mean it in a positive manner. The story line was delivered so well by the actors and for his first film, Boone did an excellent job of directing. 

Lily Collins and Logan Lerman. Source: TIFF.net