By Liz Lopez
Rating: B+
John Green is the New York Times bestselling author of four books, including The Fault in Our Stars that was adapted into a film last year. The film with talented cast was successful and well received, and now another of his books, Paper Towns, has been adapted for a film directed by Jake Schreier. The script, by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, features a cast of characters who are planning for prom and the end of their senior year in high school.
This story is a drama and while there is a sense of loss for some of the friends, they gain plenty from their journey with the chances they take outside of their comfort zones. Although I have not read the source material, I left the theater satisfied with the story. Each character’s life is engaging to me and it had me wonder more about each one’s background a little more. I also like that this coming of age story was not as predictable as this genre can possibly be.
Quentin (Nat Wolff) has a real bond with two friends, Ben (Austin Abrams) and Radar (Justice Smith). Although they have been friends since childhood, their tight friendship does not mean they stifle each other’s individuality because they each have their distinct personality that is part of the charm for this film. Quentin also has another childhood friend he is close to and fond of, his neighbor Margo (Cara Delevingne). Close, but yet distant, because Margo has grown up and has another as her love interest who she is taken with, leaving no time for Quentin. Although he loves Margo’s love of mystery and sense of mystery, Quentin plays it safe. That is, until one night that she comes to his window.
The cast also features Halston Sage and Jaz Sinclair, among the large cast of teens and infrequently seen adults. I enjoyed all the performances by this young cast of acting talent and have no doubt they have a good career ahead of them in more feature films.
The film is rated PG-13 and arrives in theaters July 24, 2015.