Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong
Everything has changed and nothing has changed. One of the oldest stories ever written is about a boy who goes off to become a man. Nearly three thousand years later we are still charmed by it. This is the beauty of narrative, it can be threaded through time, time and time again.
Paper Towns is the Story about a boy who goes off to become a man. His name is Quentin “Q” Jacobson, and he is played by Nat Wolff. Quentin acts as Narrator and begins Paper Towns with childhood recollections of his neighbour, Margo Roth Spiegelman. Fast-forward to his senior year in high-school: Quentin is an over-achieving outcast, and Margo is a mythical beauty too big for her town.
One night, Margo steals Quentin away, and the next morning everything is different. Margo has run away and Quentin is determined to find her. The journey that Quentin and his friends take to follow Margo‘s trail is the heart of the Story. One that reminds us of the struggles of youth.
Margo is played by It-Girl Cara Delevingne, and though her role isn’t substantial it is still poetically-played. She is the type of girl a boy chases after, beyond borders, beyond reason. And Nat Wolff is a great boy to follow into the unknown. He is familiar and capable of kindness. The type of leading male you hope will overcome his obstacles. Nat is supported by Austin Abrams (Ben), Justice Smith (Radar) and Halston Sage (Lacey). Three young Actors who prove themselves capable.
The writing however is the most deserving of attention. It was a John Green Novel first, the same man who penned The Fault in Our Stars. The same men that adapted Fault for the screen, are the same men who adapt Paper Towns. Their names are Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber. Their first Film was the memorable 500 Days of Summer, and to this present day, they have proven capable of crafting a contemporary plot. Since the days of Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club we have bitched about our privilege; failed to see our fortune; and lacked the confidence to change. Margo Roth Spiegelman inspired Quentin to right a few of those wrongs, and wrong a few of those rights. Sure the lines can be corny at times, but youth inspires theatrics.
Our youth should enjoy it. Those in love will like it too. As well as those who are looking for something sweet to escape this heat. 20th Century Fox release PAPER TOWNS, in theatres now.
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