Plot: What’s it about?
With the success of last year’s The Fault in our Stars, it was only a matter of time before we saw another film from prima donna author John Green (that’s the first of many backhanded jabs against the author you’ll find in this review). While not the most uplifting film, I will admit that it was well made and well acted. And, more to the point, it took two stars in Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort and turned them into something much, much more. And, let’s face it, teenagers do get Cancer too so it’s about time that a movie showcased what they might be going through. While not nearly as downtrodden as its predecessor, Paper Towns seems to be more of a film of discovery rather than facing one’s own mortality. Granted, I’m not really the age group that this is geared towards, but in my viewings I’ve learned that I’ve got a very wide berth when it comes to what I like and don’t. Enough babbling, though.
Quentin (Nat Wolff) is your stereotypical “math geek.” He’s got friends, but no girlfriend. And a few years back he had the girl of his dreams move in across the street. Yes, the literal “girl next door.” They grew up together, but she, Margo (Cara Delevingne) now runs with the “cool kids” and has turned out to be a real beauty. However Margo learns that her boyfriend has been cheating on her and, as an act of revenge, she decides to play a few pranks on him. Climbing through Quentin’s window, the two embark on a nightlong journey. After all is said and done, this prompts Quentin to re-evaualte his priorities in life. He vows to ask Margo out fearing that if he doesn’t do it now, he never will. There’s only one problem…Margo disappears the next day. Quentin with friends in tow, find a few clues in which he obsessively tracks her to a “paper town” in New York state (the film takes place in Orlando, Florida). Putting common sense aside, he and his group of friends head north to see if his hunch is correct or if it’s all a pipe dream.
Admittedly, this is the kind of story you’ll probably only read about in a book or see in a movie. I highly doubt this series of well-choreographed events has ever happened in real life. The real message here is to seize the day, know what you want and go for it. I’m sure there are plenty of boys who have had a cute girl move in next door, they grow up together only to go to college and see opportunities missed. Clearly this is a more inspirational tale than The Fault in our Stars and I feel that I connected with it a bit more. That and I did learn something! I had no idea that a “paper town” was one that was created by map makers in order to ensure their maps weren’t copied. So if a town like Agloe, New York (the town used in the film) is on a map printed by a different map maker, then the original map makers will know it’s fake since that town would be one they made up. Sneaky. At any rate, I won’t say that this is one I’ll watch time and again, but I did find it more enjoyable and far more uplifting than its predecessor.
Video: How’s it look?
There’s no shortage of eye candy in this film and, oddly, a lot of dark scenes. The opening sequence in which Margo and Quentin do their “dirty work” is at night leaving the door wide open for any sort of compression artifacting or black crush. While not totally void of any errors, the darker scenes in the movie seem to be relatively free and clear of any aforementioned errors. Flesh tones are warm and natural and there are plenty of day shots that showcase Orlando’s beauty and sun-soaked skies. The 2.40:1 AVC HD transfer is certainly consistent with Fox’x major releases, but not quite to the level of some other studios’ efforts. It’s a good-looking effort for sure, but lacking in a few areas. Still, viewers shouldn’t and won’t be disappointed.
Audio: How’s it sound?
By and large, teen dramas aren’t really known for their soundtracks and this doesn’t break any new ground on that front. The included DTS HD Master Audio mix more than serves its purpose and save for a few select scenes, this is mainly a front-heavy soundtrack. Surrounds are present a few times to offer up some added ambiance, but nothing really too memorable. Like the visual presentation, this works and gets the job done but I wasn’t expecting much here.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentary – Author John “I’m God” Green and director Jake Schreier combine for, as much as I hate to admit it, a fairly involved and fact-filled track. Plenty is learned about the shoot, the casting and so forth. While I’m sure only die hard fans will give it a listen, it’s a nice inclusion to have nonetheless.
- Deleted Scenes – Four minutes worth which also feature optional commentary by Green and Schreier.
- Alternate Scene – An alternate scene, “Shake it Off” is also included.
- The Making of Paper Towns – Three shorter segments are included: “Playing Out the Strings,” “Building a Paper Town,” and “John Green on Set” most all of which are Green hamming it up for the camera, which annoyed me.
- John and Nat: Lightning Round – Author “rapping” with actor Nat Wolff and throwing out some self-deprecating questions in hopes that Wolff will tell him how amazing he is.
- John and Cara: Lightning Round – The same as above with Cara Delevingne.
- Gag Reel – Shenanigans on the set.
- Promotional Featurettes – Van Chats:
- Memorable Moments
Coming of Age
Road Trips
Lurlene
The Bottom Line
While not nearly as financially successful, but much more inspirational than The Fault in our Stars, I actually enjoyed Paper Towns. Yes, the plot is a bit far-fetched but I don’t really know what it was that drew me in. Still, I don’t think it’s one I’ll watch all too often, and the disc offers a smattering of worthwhile supplements as well as above average audio and video.
