Review of The Fault in Our Stars (2014) by Forrestgump1 — 30 Jul 2014

Life comes at us in full swing.. 24/7, we never know the boundaries of our limitations always taking things further and beyond anything we, as society, imagine. I'm not a typical schultz when it comes to sappy romantic novels, or love stories of any genre. To be honest, they inflame me. Setting up unrealistic approaches to how "love" is supposed to be.

In the end, someone is left dead or crying. Now, before I start to sound like a weeping school girl, I give you the film "The Fault In Our Stars" which I must say.. is a rare, rare exception. A film that never exploits itself too much, and has relentless humor that perfectly balances the fatal backdrop. I have not read the acclaimed novel from author John Green. However, In the days leading up to this screening, I had heard nothing but positive things about the book. It's clear now after seeing the film, what a tremendous band of characters, and a touching story that Green has vastly created..and to him I say well done.

The movie chronicles the events of Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen year old, dealing with the everyday struggle of living with her terminal (but treatable) cancer. With no friends and nothing look to forward to in life, The film also follows the unforgettable journey of love when she meets Augustus Waters, a likeable and pretentious eighteen year old that is persistent and charming. The two instantly hit it off, and form a bond that is unbreakable. To the point that nothing can separate them. Co-existing in each others lives, and finding the true meaning of each other.

We can't have this film, if not for our stunning and talented leads. You may remember the pair as on screen siblings in the film adaptation of "Divergent" that came out earlier this year. But, "true" audience members are going to remember them for playing, Hazel Grace Lancaster, and Augustus Waters. I'm talking about Shailene Woodley, and her trustful leading man Ansel Elgort. The two are miraculous to watch on screen together, easily the best chemistry between any romance since, Rachel McAdams & Ryan Gosling in "The Notebook". (Yes I've seen that movie too...shocking I know). Ansel Elgort is truly coming into his own as a delicate performer. However, this time around the film belongs to Woodley and her mastery of Hazel Grace. So much passion, so much raw material infused into her grief stricken performance, that ..dare I say.. brought me to tears. Hazel is such a fragile character, and you understand this within the opening credits. The mental stability and such all seemed to come natural to Woodly, whom made me feel so much within a two hour time frame. Great supporting work also comes from long time favorite Willem Dafoe, as well as, Laura Dern, Nat Wolff and Sam Trammell. They round out the film and make it feel whole.

Woodley was undoubtedly good...yes, but we can't say it's nothing without Ansel Elgort and his charismatic charm, memorable metaphors and wit he brings to the character of Augustus Waters. In addition, this film is only going to be as good are your two leads, and that's usually where the problem lies, this is never the case in this film. Director Josh Boone gets the most out of his performers and writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Webber do the justice (I believe) is deserved. Of course, as history would have it, I assume the book is better.

In Comparison we look at other films like "The Vow", "Safe Haven" and even "Endless Love" ..was there anything here to create a likeable basis?..that didn't stumble into a crate of dumbfoundedness..and horrendous stupidity?. Those films are not love stories..there simply are films attempting to create one. Besides a film like "The Notebook", and "The Fault In Our Stars" only come along every so often.. It's sad that a film like "The Vow" was based on an actual true story..and. do in heavy to the belligerents of the director and cast, I didn't believe it for a second. Our Director, Josh Boone takes these giant cliches and simply washes away with them, inflicting some strong emotional damage, and a film you think about long after leaving your local multiplex.

Anyone that has ever dealt with cancer, the loss of a loved one, anything tough of this latitude in general will feel a resounding connection with this film. Even for folks that haven't read the book (like myself). "The Fault In Our Stars" is deeply moving and swiftly upbeat all the same, which is saying alot for me. The movie perfectly balances it's tough subject matter. The only problem I couldn't get over..was that Shailene Woodley did look a little too older to be playing a quote on quote "sixteen year old", which didn't ruin the film..it just hurt the credibility a little bit.

As stated earlier, it's extremely rare to come across such a love story that can evoke a genuine feel that doesn't seem dated or overly excessive. A story that is entertaining but not preachy. You either buy into it, or you don't. Thanks to strong leads, a bunch of talented crew members, writers and directors that brought this all together. "The Fault In Our Stars" works on a grander scale as a whole, and if this film doesn't pull on your heartstrings. I don't know what will.

A.

By: Nate Adams.

Directed By: Josh Boone.

Rated: PG13.

Runtime: 126 mins.

Studio: Fox.

Release Date: June 6th 2014.

Thanks For Stopping By.