REVIEW: The Fault in Our Stars

One of this summer's highly-anticipated movies doesn't seem like a summer tentpole. You know what I mean -- the big action movies where buildings blow up as frequently as a character actually shows some kind of development. It's not a laugh-out-loud comedy starring some of your favorite comedic actors with a plot synopsis that concludes with "and hijinks ensue." No, one of the biggest movies of this summer, and one you'll be hearing about for months to come now, is the kind of movie that usually doesn't work in the summer, but every once in a while, it connects with an audience and becomes a surprise hit. It shouldn't be a surprise, however, to anyone familiar with the original source material for this movie. For moviegoers who like heading to the cineplex to be swept up in an original story that makes them feel something rather than awe of pyrotechnic explosions or a half-hearted laugh at a fart joke, this is the movie for you. For those who want to feel something and want to have a conversation about the power of film, one of this summer's biggest films will do just that. If that is the kind of movie that you want to see, then I can promise you will not be disappointed by the film adaptation of John Green's "The Fault in Our Stars."

By now, you've probably heard more than enough about this film's "surprise success," but if you read the book, or even just know that mainstream audiences will flock to quality entertainment, it should not come as any surprise. That the film opened to $48 million in its opening weekend is a testament to its strong fan base, but how much exactly comes from just an audience that has read the book? And can the film extend to audiences outside of those who haven't read the book and, more importantly, an older crowd that might be dissuaded to see a movie based on a young adult novel. The good news is that the film, while focused around two young teenagers, does not feel like it is geared toward teenagers. This is a story sure of its tone, mostly thanks to the original book by John Green, with lead characters who speak far beyond their years and tackle a subject matter that is often tricky, but in a unique manner.

It's a risky premise for a major studio film, let alone a summer release, that the story revolves around Hazel and Gus, two teenage cancer patients who fall in love after meeting in a support group. In the summer, we escape to the cineplex for laughs and explosions, but above all, we go to the movies for the stories, the characters, and the emotional response we feel as a result. We don't cheer at the end of an action movie if we aren't invested in the hero's journey. We don't laugh as the credits roll if we don't fall in love with the main characters. So it's easy to see why a movie like this works: it strikes everything we look for in a film.

The story is a risky, but unique one. For those who have been directly affected by cancer at any age or any kind, the views of Hazel might be relatable, and for others who don't know what cancer can be like, Hazel gives a good idea of how affecting it can be. In contrast, Gus has more of an optimistic, worldly view that anyone can get behind. It doesn't take long for audiences to fall in love with both characters, not to mention other supporting characters like sarcastic and emotional Isaac, and Hazel's supportive and loving mother Frannie. The emotional response, as you've likely heard, is strong. The movie does not expressly aim to squeeze tears out of its viewers, but rather builds up the stories and characters so well that the proper emotional response is shedding a tear or two (or sobbing through the latter half of the film, for some audience members I was with).

Shailene Woodley is nothing short of masterful in this film. It's hard to believe this is the same girl who garnered so much press back in 2008 for playing a pregnant teenager on the ABC Family drama, "The Secret Life of the American Teenager." But with supporting performances in "The Descendants" and "The Spectacular Now," Woodley has proven herself over the past couple of years to be so much more than Amy Juergens. She was easily the highlight of this spring's "just okay" action franchise launchpad "Divergent" and now, she easily leads the film with grace, honesty, and complete devotion, earning herself a place among the greatest actresses of her generation. Woodley not only disappears into her character, but she sucks you in as well. You forget that you're watching a movie in a movie theater and that this story is all fiction. Woodley demands the viewer's attention and boy, does she grab it. June is too soon for Oscar talk, but I'll be waving the Woodley frag proudly come this fall and praying she is not forgotten.

The other actors, of course, also have a lot to contribute to the story. Readers of the book have contrasting views of Gus Waters, and played here by Ansel Elgort, he comes off as charming, with just the right amount of cocky. Elgort really perfects making sure that Gus is self-aware of his attitude, but keeping it in line so that it is never overkill. Nat Wolff's role as Isaac could easily have been a sad affair, but the character finds light in every situation, much to the audience's relief, and is a spotlight of the film for it. He is brash and unwavering in his humor, and the film's strongest moments of humor revolve around his character. As Hazel's parents, Laura Dern and Sam Trammell bring emotional honesty, easily showcasing their desire to provide a normal life for their daughter, while still balancing their worry for her condition. Dern, in particular, gets a few moments to shine and parents in the audience will cling onto her character.

The screenplay was adapted from Green's novel by Michael Weber and Scott Neustadter, screenwriters of my all-time favorite film, (500) Days of Summer, and last year's adaptation of "The Spectacular Now." They walk the line between heavy-handedness and honesty very well and go 3-for-3 in the young audience film arena. Josh Boone's direction isn't risky, and doesn't have to be, but he strikes the right cords, going big when he can, but excelling on the quieter moments. The film's soundtrack shot to #1 on iTunes after its release, and it is no surprise. The movie showcases quite a number of original and underground songs, ranging from the upbeat "Boom Clap" by Charli XCX, to the quiet and powerful "All of the Stars" by Ed Sheeran.

The success of "The Fault in Our Stars" means a lot of things for Hollywood. Surely, this will encourage major Hollywood studios to take a risk on young adult films as there is a proven audience there. It means we will be seeing a lot more of Woodley for years to come, which should be a treat for audiences who will grow up with this magnificent actress. This movie will encourage studios to pay attention to the stories that are being told and encourage stories that have a real emotional impact, ones that remind audiences why it is they go to the movies. The impact of "The Fault in Our Stars" will be felt for years to come, hopefully, and it should have a delightful impact on the original, honest, emotionally-captivating stories that audiences so clearly desire.