Er..lovely....but not a lovely 8.3

Rating: 7/10 (30 July 2014)

I tried to avoid the book because of all the hype. That doesn't immediately make sense but what I mean is, I have a sister who reads and watches what other people suggest, but never me, her older sister, who previously suggested many of those books, films etc. Basically reading and watching things that are a craze. However, when I was invited to go see the film i felt inclined to read the book (everyone knows the book is always better) I decided this too late and it was film first. I was impressed by the 8.4 rating for a "tear-jerking romance" but was let down. I don't know whether to feel bad for not finishing the book or glad that I didn't already know the ending. It was sad yes...but in a morbid, pessimistic way. Although I will admit that I teared up when Hazel hears the news about Augustus and is believably heartbroken. However, I felt more compelled to produce tears by my friends and the rest of the cinema! Everyone glancing at each other through watery eyes clutching tissues to their faces and smiling in an embarrassed "it's so sad omg isn't it?!" way. Initially I wasn't keen on Elgort as Augustus, I imagined him completely differently and he seemed much too cocky and then "I'm a Virgin" shy. Woodley is suitably pessimistic and I later warmed to her realistic portrayal as the cancer patient who needed someone like Augustus to make her life consist of more than just illness. Dafoe is great as the moody, alcoholic author who is angry and bitter and wants to be left alone. It was refreshing to see how the wrath of this bitter man brought out the best in the actors and allowed you to feel for the characters rather than just feel sorry for them. The parents, much too smiley/sad/smiley that's the best way to describe it really. I liked it, it was cute, I think I should have read the book and maybe I could have imagined the left out parts together with the film adaption and felt stronger about it. I think that it is a lovely romance but not a great one. For me, I preferred The Notebook.... so 7.7 maybe a 7.8 because it's better than a lot of recent romantic films that miss the mark so often.