Today, Monday 14th December, Paper Towns is released on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK. I saw the film in the cinema in August but didn't review it at the time, so I thought I'd share my thoughts now!
This is a John-Green-book-adap, the mastermind behind the soul-crushing The Fault in Our Stars (also made into a film, in 2014). I have read both books and seen both films, but I'll try not to compare the two too much.
Overall, I really quite enjoyed this film. It's quite hard to describe the plot so here it is summarised from IMDb:
After an all night adventure, Quentin's life-long crush, Margo, disappears, leaving behind clues that Quentin and his friends follow on the journey of a lifetime.
Adapted from the bestselling novel by author John Green, PAPER TOWNS is a coming-of-age story centering on Quentin and his enigmatic neighbor Margo, who loved mysteries so much she became one. After taking him on an all-night adventure through their hometown, Margo suddenly disappears - leaving behind cryptic clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his quick-witted friends on an exhilarating adventure that is equal parts hilarious and moving. Ultimately, to track down Margo, Quentin must find a deeper understanding of true friendship - and true love.
This film I would say was lovely for a bit of escapist fun, while also making you think a little existentially and being unexpectedly unpredictable in the end.
Nat Wolff fills another odd-ball role, and admittedly he does it well, but I fear a little he'll be typecast... Be interesting to see what he does next. He's brilliant as Quentin, bringing Green's character to life just as he appears in the reader's imagination. As the eager ring-leader of this band of merry adventure-makers, he gently brings together this group of unlikely friends, and as the people fall into place so do the pieces of Margo's puzzle. (Hats off to you, John Green.)
Speaking of - Margo. Played by the widely-considered wildcard choice for casting, Cara Delevigne, she is the elusive target of Quentin's affection, the light at the end of the highway so-to-speak: did I mention it's a road trip movie, on top of everything else. Anyway, Delevigne is incomparable as Green's free spirit, lost to the winds and happily so.
Now, I don't want the legions of hardcore TFIOS fans to bite my head off, but I find TFIOS emotionally exhausting and to be honest, a little over-hyped. Don't get me wrong, I love it so much, but I found Paper Towns a much lighter, quieter and as a result more enjoyable affair.
Why not pick this up a pressie for your bestie or sister and stocking-stuffer?
Or you could get it a few days in advance of Christmas to cosy up with on Christmas Eve!
RK.
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