The Spectacular Now (R)

If you’ve ever felt alone or uncertain, so has everyone else, and this movie understands that. It is the story of recent high school graduate Sutter who is refusing to move forward from his alcohol-fueled party lifestyle he knew in high school. Sutter meets Aimee, played by Shailene Woodley, and they quickly spark a relationship in which they both learn from each other. Sutter struggles with the absence of his father, the uncertainty of his future and his lack of self-worth, but like any good teenager, he deflects these emotions with dishonest jest. Everything from the setting to the actors breathes realism, which is rather refreshing for a teen drama.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (PG-13)

Charlie is a high school freshman alienated by his peers and recovering from a serious emotional breakdown. However, he soon befriends a group of seniors that show him a kind of love he’s never experienced before. Based on the book written by the director of the film, Stephen Chbosky, this movie presents a raw portrait of coming of age. It covers taboo subjects such as sex, abuse and depression. All of this culminates in an honest portrayal of teen life.