Paper Towns is based off the book written by John Green of the same name. Book adaptations can go either way, with films leaving out certain moments and themes for a normal runtime. Paper Towns is no different to this formula and even makes it an overall better film. This review will be a comparison between the two and why the film is better.
The focus on certain themes are vastly different. The book is very romantic, one teen's will to find the love of his life since early childhood. That is the sole book's focus. However the film merely uses Q's love as a plot medium and substitutes the film's center as a coming-of-age, tumultuous journey for Quentin and his friends.
The film takes a classic formula of teen, 'growing up' films as it touches on particular themes with certain characters. For spoiler reasons, I won't name who with what themes, but expect themes about virginity/sex, self-image, closure, discovering one's self, life after high school and the bond of friendship. Of course love is in there but as I said earlier, it's merely a plot device to expand on the other themes. The book does not touch on these themes as much and that's why I believe the film in it's own right is an improvement on the book and a romance novel turned coming-of-age film was a big pay off.
The film's flaws are with the book adaptation. To be honest, the adaptation after the first act was messy, as certain pinnacles and big reveals in the book are merely brushed over within 5 minutes (book readers will know what I'm talking about). Certain character's relationship with Margo are never seen, we only see Q's. With the book expanding on every important character and their connection with Margo, the film simply does it through quick exposition, which makes it confusing and sometimes makes characters seem insignificant.
Other than those weaknesses without going into spoilers, the film is a very enjoyable ride. The characters are very likable and seeing these friends grow closer and closer is a journey worth watching. The writing finds balance between very funny and sometimes very serious. The soundtrack is perfect and teenagers/young adults will find relatable qualities through out. Turning the romance-driven book into a coming-of-age tale I felt was a bold choice that bettered the film overall.
The focus on certain themes are vastly different. The book is very romantic, one teen's will to find the love of his life since early childhood. That is the sole book's focus. However the film merely uses Q's love as a plot medium and substitutes the film's center as a coming-of-age, tumultuous journey for Quentin and his friends.
The film takes a classic formula of teen, 'growing up' films as it touches on particular themes with certain characters. For spoiler reasons, I won't name who with what themes, but expect themes about virginity/sex, self-image, closure, discovering one's self, life after high school and the bond of friendship. Of course love is in there but as I said earlier, it's merely a plot device to expand on the other themes. The book does not touch on these themes as much and that's why I believe the film in it's own right is an improvement on the book and a romance novel turned coming-of-age film was a big pay off.
The film's flaws are with the book adaptation. To be honest, the adaptation after the first act was messy, as certain pinnacles and big reveals in the book are merely brushed over within 5 minutes (book readers will know what I'm talking about). Certain character's relationship with Margo are never seen, we only see Q's. With the book expanding on every important character and their connection with Margo, the film simply does it through quick exposition, which makes it confusing and sometimes makes characters seem insignificant.
Other than those weaknesses without going into spoilers, the film is a very enjoyable ride. The characters are very likable and seeing these friends grow closer and closer is a journey worth watching. The writing finds balance between very funny and sometimes very serious. The soundtrack is perfect and teenagers/young adults will find relatable qualities through out. Turning the romance-driven book into a coming-of-age tale I felt was a bold choice that bettered the film overall.