Review of Paper Towns (2015) by Matthew D — 21 Apr 2018

"A Paper Town for a Paper Girl".

Cara Delevingne is a force of nature as Nat Wolff's foil to his so human and relatable everyman character. John Green is a master of showing the disconnect between teenagers and their parents as well as questioning how teenagers value life and friendship. I found myself totally enamored with Cara & Nat's performances.

The side characters are very fun & funny while adding depth to the main characters. If The Fault in Our Stars developed 2 main characters into meaningful symbols of dealing with cancer, then Paper Towns develops 6 characters into well rounded young adults living with growing up.

A wonderful modern take on the coming of age tale. The film is actually beautifully shot. Long panning shots that capture suburban Orlando, FL with interior shots of homes and close ups that linger on the face that give so much emotion to Paper Towns. The soundtrack really added to the positive, but contemplative vibe to the film. Energetic and airy indie rock is layered into the drama shoves the fresh thoughts and feelings of these youths.

This movie is a mature take on the teen romance genre and subverts expectations all the way to the end. John Green and Paper Towns made me rethink what is important in life and who we should really cherish. What is a miracle could just be an opportunity to make a new choice in life. It's all rather clever hidden behind a fun, coming of age story that delights as well as reflects our society. These kids are so empathetic, you might just find your looking back on your own life with nostalgia thinking of Paper Towns.