Review of Paper Towns (2015) by Chaires A — 23 Jul 2015

Fantastic film, only if you DID NOT read the book.

Paper Towns is definitely my favorite book by John Green. Yes, even better than the ever so popular The Fault In Our Stars. The story told by Quentin in the book was something that was so interesting and heart racing, overall a great read. Because I loved the book so much, I was very exited but also very skeptical about the movie. Little did I know I would be very disappointed. But first on a positive note, the actors and actresses used to portray the characters is spot on with my imagination (Although I did imagine Chuck to be much heavier). Their personalities and how the actors portrayed them on screen were spot on and I was very pleased to see that. What really bothered me though was that the only really accurate similarity to the book was the basic story line of Margo goes missing and they go on a road trip to go find her. For example, the beginning revenge spree Margo and Q did was different and missing amazing scenes. Also, I was really upset about how the whole Graduation scene from the book was not in the film. When they decide to literally last minute skip graduation and drive off in their gowns naked underneath and how that caused other things to happen on the trip was my absolute favorite part to read. And also, Q goes to Prom!? Totally surprised that he went in the movie. The other part that really really bothered me was the whole ending of the movie. Quentin's friends actually drive off and leave him there instead of waiting till the next morning to drive back together?! Q goes to a bus station!? Margo isn't psychotic and her hair isn't cut with bangs in the shabby abandoned gift shop!? The ending was so off point I was in disbelief. The film Paper Towns does not give the amazing book enough credit. Yes if you did not read it you probably would of thought the movie was amazing. But for those of us who actually take time to read the book and then watch the movie, our hopes for what a great film it had the potential to be were very crushed. It totally lacked the dark and twisty aspect the book was able to give off. The ride to the movie theater that is the closet to where I live is about 25-30 minutes and the whole ride home, my brother and I were able to spend that time talking about how different everything was. With all of this said I do suggest that you read the book and don't focus on the movie as much. For a final note, the Ansel Elgort surprise was very appreciated!