Paper Towns: Movie Review

“Paper Towns” is the second book from author John Green to be adapted into a feature film in just over a year. 2014’s “The Fault in Our Stars” was definitely a hit with its’ core audience. I think much of reason for that was due to the casting. The stars in “Paper Towns” may not be as well known, but they are equally as talented. Nat Wolf was one of the best things about the 2014 movie and this time around he is front and center.

Quentin (Wolf) has spent his life never leaving his comfort zone. He focuses on his studies. Spends time hanging out with his friends and pines for his childhood best friend and neighbor Margo (Cara Delevingne) who he hasn’t talked to in years. Quentin has never stopped thinking about Margo, even though she has moved on and has a life of her own.

All of that changes one night when Margo comes into Quentin’s bedroom through the window and asks him to help her get revenge on her cheating boyfriend and one of her friends. The two wind up spending an amazing night together. Life couldn’t get any better for Quentin, but the next day Margo runs away from home and Quentin decides to follow clues that will help him find her.

Let me be clear. I was not a fan of “The Fault in Our Stars” and for me, “Paper Towns” is only slightly better. I have a weakness for films about teenagers with heart and great characters. “Paper Towns” has both. However, the story just limped along at a snail’s pace. No matter how much I liked the characters on screen (especially Austin Abrams and Justice Smith as Quentin’s best friends Ben Radar respectively), I just couldn’t find much to enjoy about the movie itself. “Paper Towns” is a road trip movie that rarely goes anywhere interesting.

By: Marc Ferman