Good movie... I had issues with certain parts though...

Rating: 6/10 (22 October 2014)

I wanted to really love this movie, I heard people rave about it. It's good, not great in my opinion. It is a touching love story but overall a bit too contrived. I mean, we know from practically minute one that someone will die by the end. I thought the Europe trip was sweet and lovely. Oh and I loved the soundtrack too--thought the songs used were beautiful. But I can't get over certain parts of this movie that were just weird/strange/over-the-top. First, as others have pointed out the scene in the Anne Frank house where Gus and Hazel kiss for the first time and everyone claps. Oh my gosh, really??? I actually said that out loud to my friend while watching this. Come on, how on earth do total strangers know (or care, even) that that's their first kiss??? I'm still shaking my head at that part. And the writer they visit because they love his book so much. I don't really know what was the point of that subplot. It goes nowhere because the writer is rude to them, then they all start yelling and Gus & Hazel leave. What? They accomplish nothing. And speaking of the writer--I'm so tired of the stereotype that artists/writers/etc are depressed, MAJOR loners, dependant on alcohol or drugs and are just plain weird. I'm a visual artist and I don't appreciate this crazy stereotype. You could tell from practically the instant Gus and Hazel meet the writer at his home that it's not going to go well. And how he randomly shows up at the funereal is just weird and creepy. I mean, he came all the way from Europe, who would do that?? Of course he tries to be nice to Hazel and explain stuff and she just screams at him. Again, nothing is accomplished with this scene. What's the point? I know he gives her the letter but still--could have been a better & more believable scene. And the last scene I can't get my head around is the part where they show up (in broad daylight!!!) to throw eggs at the (gorgeous green!) car of the one guy's ex. Seriously--this part bothers me to no end. The woman comes out of the house, sees the eggy car and-- just GOES BACK INSIDE??!!!! Ummmm, what about calling the cops or at least threatening to?? Especially after Gus tells her this is basically revenge. The kids don't seem to get in the slightest trouble at all for doing this to the (beautiful green!) car. I have seriously mixed feelings about this movie. I'd give the book a shot though, generally I find the books are better than the movies they're based on.