(From syracusenewtimes.com)
The first time I saw Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort together, they were playing a futuristic and quite different brother and sister in “Divergent.”
OK was my reaction. About them individually. Collectively. The movie.
Saturday I saw the two young actors star as Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters in “The Fault in Our Stars.”
Amazing was my reaction. About them individually. Collectively. The movie.
What a difference a really compelling, emotional story makes.
If you’d like to read my review of “The Fault in Our Stars” on the Syracuse New Times site, click the link below.
http://www.syracusenewtimes.com/fault-in-our-stars/
Would you stay away from a movie because it is labeled from a book in the “young adult” genre? Would you stay away from a movie because it’s about two teenagers who meet in a cancer support group? Do you think 22 and 20, respectively, is too old to play characters that are supposed to be 18?
Mark Bialczak 
I absolutely loved the book and cannot wait to see the film. I feel no shame in admitting that I read a book that is arguably classed as ‘Young Adult’ – it doesn’t matter the genre, if it’s a good book I’ll read it.
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I think you might also still be a young adult, Heather, but that’s beside the point. I know you would read children’s books and seniors’ books, too.
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It depends if you class 31 and a half years old as being a ‘young adult’…. 🙂
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I am 56, so, Heather B. Costa, yes, I do. 🙂
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Ok, I see your point there….. 😆
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I am actually a huge fan of Shailene Woodley, from her “Secrets of a Teen Ager” television show. I watch several of the ‘family’ shows that are usually considered only for young adults. I guess, since the actors and actresses are good in them, along with the adults who play their parents. I also like many aged movies, like the movie, “The Best Exotic Marigolds Hotel” and “Duets,” (Dustin Hoffman directed that British movie.) I go both ways, but absolutely hated, “Neighbors!” There are several disheartening scenes, where the ‘adults’ who have a baby, use very poor choices in their behaviors. I will check this out, I loved the teen movie, “The Walk to Remember,” which reminds me of this plot line. Mandy Moore is dying in that movie. Thanks for the great review, wish I were able to comment, but am only on wordpress and LinkedIn. Take care and soak in the sun the rest of today! Smiles, Robin
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Thanks, Robin. I try not to let age labels from either side of the spectrum keep me from watching interesting movies, either!
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Excellent review, Mark. I just read an interview with the author, John Green, who grew up in Orlando. He was a nerd when nerds weren’t cool, but says his experience (miserable) in Orlando helped shape him as a writer. My students, 7th graders, were eagerly awaiting this movie’s opening. I will probably avoid it – not because it’s YA Lit, but because I prefer action movies, mysteries and comedies.
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Ah, it was great human drama, Judy. Thanks for your kind words.
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No, no, no to your questions, Mark; yes, yes, yes to your reviews. And, hey! You’re in my state!
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Physically, I am in your state, Ann. Metaphorically, since I started reading your blog!
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Those are two stars shining brightly for me, right now, Mark.
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My daughter, her friend and I all read the book and enjoyed it very much. We caught the movie on Sat night; it was very well done, we thought, and my daughter went to see it again tonight. There are multiple themes in it, and a lot to talk about: spiritual beliefs, quality of life, what we leave behind when it’s our turn. YA books are all the rage now, even with oldsters like me! Good post, thanks Mark.
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I agree, Ermi, this movie was very well done, with many layers. I’m glad it gave you and your daughter so much satisfaction. And thanks for your kind words about my post.
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I’ve been wanting to see this one, too. I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
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It’s very emotional, Rachel. Touching.
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Awesome! I just saw Maleficent last weekend and LOVED it! (And I’m not a Disney person.)
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Nice, Rachel. I should say sweet, to keep up our theme of the night …
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I don’t think they’re too old. And I would gladly see a movie based on a young adult genre, if it was a story to my liking. I’ve been looking forward to this one. It will probably be out on DVD by the time I get through all of these action hero movies!
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This one got my heart Colleen. The DVD will be worth picking up out of the red box.
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Consider it done!!! (Another quote, this time from Father Tim of the Mitford series by Jan Karon). I am on a roll with the quoting!
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Everyone says this is great. After being inundated w/ violence yesterday at Edge of Tomorrow, I would happily take a cancer flick. And I don’t think they’re too old; if I recall, Olivia Newton-John was 29 as Sandy, and Stockard Channing was already 30, playing a teenage Rizzo.
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Yes, I wanted to float the age question because actually, they are pretty young for Hollywood 18-year-olds. Good call on that one, Kerbey.
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Mark your reviews have always been spot on and I will surely catch this because of your review. I wasn’t planning to see it until I read your piece. And in answer to your questions: no, no and no.
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I think you will enjoy it, Chess. It is very, very human.
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great review, mark. i really want to see this. years ago, i saw ‘love story’ over and over again, with my sisters and friends, and wept each time. i’m a heart on my sleeve type, so i have no doubt the tears will flow with this one too. a young adult label never stops me, i read, ‘the book thief,’ which was marketed as a ya book, and it is one of my all time fav books. i think the actors need the age and maturity to play these kind of roles so no worries for me with their real age. can’t wait. and i’ll bring kleenex.
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Bring a whole box, Beth. It is a weeper, for sure. You are right about these actor’s being mature enough for these particular roles, just so. Enjoy the emotional depth.
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