The Fault in Our Stars

DIRECTOR: Josh Boone

STARRING: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Laura Dern

GENRE: Romance/Drama

RATING: M

RUNNING TIME: 126 minutes

 

The Fault in Our Stars is the movie adaption of John Green’s novel of the same name. Hazel Grace, a cancer sufferer, is forced by her parents to attend support groups. Here she meets to enigmatic Augustus Waters and the two become close friends. Together they travel to Amsterdam to meet the reclusive author of Hazel’s favourite book and their relationship becomes something more.

This really is a movie for the book lovers. It wasn’t amazing, but it was very on par with John Green’s novel – characterisation, dialogue and plot – and you’ll get more out of it if you’ve read the story. 

Shailene Woodley was a wonderful Hazel and is very easy to engage with onscreen. Ansel Elgort did a good job of portraying Augustus and his bravado. Laura Dern as Hazel’s mother was perhaps a tad too eager in her optimism but in that way was faithful to the books. However the best character to watch was Isaac, portrayed by Nat Wolff, and the easy friendship between Hazel, Augustus and Isaac was one of the highlights of the movie.

This film was gorgeously shot. Whether it was a scene in Hazel’s house, or in support group or even Amsterdam there was a beauty to the filming and the colouring of the movie.

The film falls down a little in that there are quite dramatic mood swings. This could perhaps be read as a reflection of teenage life and emotions, but attempts to draw the humour into the darker sections of the film were not always effective. The first hour is the happy love story and the second hour is filled with cancer, death and struggles for the characters.

A notable mention goes to the soundtrack. Well chosen mostly contemporary pop songs to elevate the mood.

The Fault in Our Stars was a pleasant film. Not wonderful but well done and easy to enjoy. I am sure all of the book’s readers will walk out of the cinema very happy. Bring tissues though and prepare to be surrounded by sobbing cinema goers.

my rating: 3 out of 5

Until next time.