The Fault In Our Stars Review

I saw The Fault In Our Stars on June 6, 2014!! Now, I hadn't read the book prior to seeing this, but I knew the gist of the storyline from students telling me about it in school, and interviews with cast members. I couldn't believe how packed the theater was already to see this, and it was only early afternoon. I have never been in a theater where so many people just lost it with the raw emotion taking place on screen. I tend to get emotional when I watch movies, and obviously, this was no exception. I don't know how one couldn't feel something watching this.

It is probably too early to be considered for any award nominations, but I firmly believe that Shailene Woodley deserves a Best Actress nominee. Her role as Hazel Grace Lancaster was excellent!! Woodley showed great range throughout the movie whether it was Hazel's courage in dealing with her disease, her emotional attachment/romance with Augustus Waters, her humor with her parents, or her frustrations with Peter Van Houten. She is such an amazing actress, and I've believed this since I saw her in The Descendants.  Hazel Grace Lancaster is her breakthrough performance. I was just so impressed with how she took the audience into her world. The cinema disappeared, and we followed her along her journey. Through her highs & lows, we see how strong of a person she really is. I really loved her attitude-she believes in living in the face of death. I think Gus, played wonderfully by Ansel Elgort really helps to bring this side of her out more. It's always in her, but she just needs the push to know she isn't alone.

This movie constantly delivers in bringing believable performances for all the characters. Along with Woodley as Hazel & Elgort as Gus, there's also great supporting roles by Willem Dafoe as Peter Van Houten & Laura Dern as Hazel's mother. Many scenes like the courage to continue climbing the stairs in the Anne Frank house, or standing up to Van Houten, I just smiled at how incredible this character is. While her disease may hinder it, she won't let it define her.

The Anne Frank house, the eulogy scene (everybody in the theater just lost it), the conversation with her parents about staying strong when she passes, and reading Van Houten's/Gus's eulogy for her are some of the most emotional moments I've seen in a movie. These are memorable for symbolism, great dichotomy between happiness/sadness (each of these scenes has a silver lining), and for simply crafting a beautiful story. This is one of the best movies I've seen this year. Shailene Woodley's performance as Hazel Grace Lancaster is my favorite female performance in a movie since Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine-I truly enjoyed it that much. This is a definite 5/5 for me. I felt everybody put their all into this movie.

I truly hope to see some nominations for this, but awards consideration isn't shown until August releases. I don't agree with that, since movies from January 1-December 31 should always be the selection period for awards consideration. The Fault In Our Stars takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, but as Hazel is lying in the Grace at the end of the movie, you see her smile as the audience does, because her life is meaningful.