Movie Review: Paper Towns

Movie Description: 

Adapted from the bestselling novel by author John Green ("The Fault in Our Stars"), PAPER TOWNS is a coming-of-age story centering on Quentin and his enigmatic neighbor Margo, who loved mysteries so much she became one. After taking him on an all-night adventure through their hometown, Margo suddenly disappears--leaving behind cryptic clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his quick-witted friends on an exhilarating adventure that is equal parts hilarious and moving. Ultimately, to track down Margo, Quentin must find a deeper understanding of true friendship--and true love. 

Release Date : 2015-07-24
Casts : Hannah Alligood, Cara Delevingne, Justice Smith, Drew Matthews, Nat Wolff, Cara Buono, Jaz Sinclair, Jim R. Coleman, Austin Abrams, Caitlin Carver, Meg Crosbie, Griffin Freeman, Halston Sage
Duration : 109 minutes runtime

There is only one way for me to describe this movie that is TEEN AWKWARDNESS AT ITS FINEST! 

This is the first book to movie I watch this year. I am really a fan of watching in a cinema but cause this is something I was anticipating I was willing to drag myself to the cinema and was not disappointing by!

Also this is a book to movie adaptation I'll suggest if you have yet to read to book, go ahead and watch the movie first as the movie cut out some unnecessary I was not a fan of in the book.
 

Book vs Movie???

Can I just say I LOVE THE MOVIE more tHan the boOK???

I meant this is how I want my books to movie adaptations to be. It was faithful to the plot of the book but they change things up (and yes guys change is good if done right) to make the story better and more satisfying.

So its kinda obvious I favor the movie over the book. They improved the plot of the story and characters (which I got annoyed with some) and changed up a lot of the scene I assume for visual and timing reason but it all works well.

I also like how they gave a bit more attention to some of the side characters like Radar, Lacey and Angela and even developed a cute side story for Radar and Angela's relationship.

The Story

In the book it mainly focuses on Q's obsession on looking for Margo which if I recall after a while I kinda got bored of Q going on and on about looking for Margo like a broken record.

The movie changes up a lot of stuff that Q missed out on in the book like parties, prom and graduation and mainly focuses on his friendship with Ben and Radar as well as Q discovery of self confident, taking risks and enjoying the last of high school before the all go away for college.

Also the most important part of the story was the road trips and they were done perfectly! I was smiling like an idiot during Q and Margo's midnight joyride and actually was on the edge on my seats during some of the scenes!

Also the 'main roadtrip' was my favorite part of the book so I was excited to see how I pictured it but more! In fact TFIOS fans might want to keep your eyes peal as there is a cameo (that is not John Green unfortunately) that made the whole cinema yelp of excitement (including me and the middle age couple next to me).

So Gus reincarnated to the dude with the dragon tattoo... GUSSSSS!!! Wait Gus??? The dude's dead (oops spoiler for TFIOS) still *fangirl scream and swoon in the corner!!!*

So Gus reincarnated to the dude with the dragon tattoo... GUSSSSS!!! Wait Gus??? Dude's dead (oops spoiler for TFIOS) still *fangirl scream!!!*

Mostly what I like about the movie was how they wrap up the story. If you were to read the book and felt not so satisfied with it, I promise they improved the ending, warping Q, Margo and the gang's story nicely with a satisfying but bittersweet bow. Mostly what I like about the ending was how Q's character move on with his life ending the story in an optimistic note.

Writing/Look/Sound

While the writing was at times cheesy and cringe worthy, its still forgivable as like I mention this movie has teenage awkwardness at its finest. I kid you not I actually facepalm at some of the awkward moments in the movie as I too might have said/did something similar to them.

The pacing of the movie was fast pace and while I did like the pacing I wish that it was slightly longer. 

The it has same look and feel to TFIOS which should not be a surprise since its coming from the same team ( and author). I also love the transitioning scenes especially that final shot.

I love the soundtrack to the movie and like TFIOS I'm definitely getting the soundtrack. In TFIOS I was hoping that Nat Wolf will sing for the soundtrack so I was excited that Nat & Alex had a song in the soundtrack for the movie. 

 Characters

Quentin or 'Q' played by Nat Wolf was exactly how I pictured in my head (actually that's how I picture all the main guy character in John Green books). I really like how his character is portrayed from this shy outcast guy to being more confident by doing things he'll never do for the sake of finding Margo. I love his acting in TFIOS as Issac, I'll admit I was not  fan of Nat Wolf as I hated that Nickelodeon show he was on as a kid but I'll admit, he has improved over the years. Looking forward to seeing what's next for him.

I love the way Cara Delevingne's portray Margo! It reminds me of a tone down version of Effy from Skins. I'll admit I was one of them who didn't think she'll be able to live up to the role but she did better than I expected. While I occasionally hear a slip of her accent I still like the way she talk and carry herself as like Margo in the book she gave this air of mysteriousness. With this being her breakthrough/debut role I'm looking forward to seeing more of her on the big screen.

Coming out of the cinema, my friend Puj (who has yet to read the book) went on about how Ben's her favorite character. I freaking love Ben in the book and was looking forward to his character in the movie. While sadly the number of times Ben say the word 'Honey Bunny' can be count on one hand (yes i counted), his character in the movie is my favorite and is freaking hilarious and adorkrable.

Radar was another fun character to watch and was looking forward to him shouting 'ITS NOT MY FAULT MY PARENTS OWN A COLLECTION OF BLACK SANTA'.

The bromance between Q, Ben and Radar were some of the best moments in the movie! This is 'squad goals'. I crack up every time the guys did something goofy and feel for them when something awkward happened to them.

I really like how they Lacey and Angela's characters were more in the story, making me care for their characters more.

Overall

Paper Town is a hilarious and smart movie with a hint of teen romance along with a good ol road trip. The movie improved not only the book but elements that I felt off with TFIOS and to be honest I actually preferred this over TFIOS. 

You'll see me snooping around JB-HIFI for the dvd when it comes out and while I still am not a fan of the poster, I still highly recommend watching Paper Towns Movie and watching this with a your friends.

Check out Paper Towns if you are a fan of High School drama and friendship, a fan of John Green's stories and random yet fun road trips.

To describe my feeling when I walked out of the cinema, I was smiling like an idiot, feeling happy and satisfied with the story and how it wrapped up.

Book To Movie News: Looking for Alaska, Paper Towns, The Scorch Trials & Insurgent!

Okay so if any of you guys are Facebook and Twitter addicts (like the person typing this post) you will have seen A LOT of AWESOME book to movie news so let's discuss!

1) Looking for Alaska MOVIE

So John Green first novel Looking for Alaska is finally going to be a movie! I'm looking forward even though the book is probably my least favorite John Green book, I'm still intrigued to see how it looks like on the screen! The same team for TFIOS and PAPER TOWNS are returning to make the movie adaptation.

I'm planning to put up my Dream Fancast in the next couple of weeks so look out for that!

2) Paper Towns Movie Poster

Speaking of John Green, THE PAPER TOWNS MOVIE POSTER IS OUT AND...um.... ah...

I have mix feelings to the movie poster... like A LOT OF MIX FEELINGS!

I like the 'Get Lost' 'Get Found' tag line. It sums up the movie! 

While I like the mysteriousness of Cara and Nat on the poster... I kinds hate it because it's not relevant to the movie. Also WHY IS CARA'S HAIR SWEEP UP TO NAT'S FACE? I DON'T GET IT!

I feel like they were trying top hard to imitate the iconic TFIOS poster and while THAT WORKED because 1) it was sort of imitating the book cover of the two clouds if you flip the cover side ways 2) you see the close up of Hazel Graze nasal cannulous which of cause its significant for the character 3) its sweet and fluffy just like the movie.

I wish they had something like a map background or even them sitting on a mini van, JUST SOMETHING more relevant to the story (apart from Q's fascination with with Margo!) and not that blue background!

Its meh and very stereotype which  kind of a let down but who knows, I might like it the more I stare at it or not... ask me in 3 months! Anyways its just a poster, its the trailer and movie I should be anxious about!

 
UPDATE: Credit the person who made this awesome poster that I found on John Green's Tumblr.

I was stalking tumblr and saw this fanmade poster! This is what I pictured in my head for the poster! WHY CAN'T THIS BE THE REAL POSTER? IT RESEMBLES THE TFIOS POSTER BUT STILL RELEVANT TO THE STORY! 

Anyways its just a the poster and we should not judge a movie by ts poster like how not to judge a book by its cover.

What are your thoughts on the poster for Paper Towns? Love it? Hate it? Mehhhhh? Don't Care?

3) The Scorch Trials Movie Stills

Excuse me while I fangirl my excitement!

Pictures taken from this SITE

I AM FULL OF ADRENALINE JUST LOOKING  AT THE STILLS SO IMAGINE ME WHEN I AM WATCHING THE MOVIE! I'm talking BOUNCING OFF THE WALLS EXCITED!

From the looks of the pictures, like the first movie its gonna diverge a bit from the plot and once again expand Theresa's role (which I don't mind as I love Kaya who plays her!).

This I'm okay with as it worked very well for the first movie and if they do it right it should work for this movie!

I'm super excited for this movie as The Scorch Trials is my MOST FAVORITE James Dashner's book to date and from the looks of the pictures IT LOOKS EPIC AND BADASS!

Also is it bad that I'm mostly looking forward to this scene of them upside down hooked on the leg? Its not in the book BTW so I'm intrigue to see what that scene is about!

THEY BETTER NOT HURT MY MINHO!

What are your thoughts on the stills??? 

(Click Here) for my review on 'The Scorch Trials'.

(Click Here) for my review on "The Maze Runner Movie"

4) I'm ready for Insurgent movie!

Insurgent movie is being released NEXT WEEK!!!

I marathon the rest of the Divergent series so I finally read Insurgent and love it! Looking forward to the movie which is coming out next week and nope I still have yet to watch the trailers!

So that's my book to movie news round up and am super excited to see all of them!

Let me know any book to movie news and up and coming book to movie adaptations you guys are excited about in the comments!

Also check out my Anticipated Book To Movie Adaptation of 2015 for the adaptations I'm excited for!

Till next time!

Anticipated Book To Movie Adaptation 2015!!!

I am not a big movie buff but and I'm very picky with what I invest my time with the movies I watch. Same goes for book to movie adaptations as I only watch those I know I will enjoy. In 2014 I saw 3 book to movie adaptation and they were all so.freaking.good!!!

So this year there are a handful of movies I'm anticipating and am probably gonna watch including some movies based on books that I love!

Grab some popcorn as I list my top anticipated book to movie adaptations of 2015!

1) The Duff (Based on The Duff by Kody Kiplinger)

Released Date: February 20, 2015 (USA)

I love the book and am super excited to see this on the big screen!

I actually did a trailer review and discussion (click here) and from the looks of it its not gonna be a faithful book to movie adaptation.

They borrowed the ideal of 'The Duff'' but changed the story and tone down the content to make it "PG-13 Disney Channel-ish friendlyish", which I don't blame them if they want to widen their audience as the original story is a bit... mature?!?!

Still I can't wait to watch the movie as Meg Whiteman looks exactly like how I picture Bianca in the book and I freaking love Robbie Amell from True Jackson VP and Picture This!

Check out the book as its one of the most refreshing and unique I've read and keep in mind its VERY different from the movie.

Click Here for my review on "The Duff".

2) Insurgent ( Based on Insurgent by Veronica Roth)

Released Date: 20 March 2015

I feel kinda guilty adding this to the list as I have (at time of uploading this post) yet read Insurgent.

Still I enjoyed both the first book and movie so I'll pick up the Insurgent (I have a month ++ so I'll be fine) before I watch the movie.

Till then plzzzz don't spoil the story for me!

I have only seen the poster and some stills. Not letting myself see the trailer till I READ the book!

3) Paper Towns ( Based on Paper Towns by John Green)

Released Date : 5 June 2015

After the success of The Fault in Our Stars, the same team is back with this adaptation of Paper Towns and I'm excited to see this on the big screen!

To the TFIOS fans who have yet to read Paper Towns, keep in mind that this is VERY different from TFIOS.

This is more of a Sherlock Holmes mystery story. Questin aka Q has always fascinated with his childhood best friend and neighbour Margo and her wild adventures. One night dress as a ninja, Margo takes Q for a midnight joyride of revenge around Chicago only to disappear the next day leaving a series of clues of her whereabouts.

I'm looking forward to seeing Nat Wolf taking the role as Q and am interested to see Cara Delavigne acting skills as Margo.

At the moment there is no trailer or poster but it should be out soon so looking forward to seeing the anticipation leading up to the movie premiere.

4) The Scorch Trial (Based on The Scorch Trials by James Dashner)

Released Date: 18 September 2015

MY MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK TO MOVIE ADAPTATION OF 2015!!!

I LOVE The Maze Runner Movie and it was my favourite book to movie adaption of 2014!!!

It was sort of a faithful adaptation as they keep to the plot of the book but how they translate to the screen visually was so much better! Heck in my opinion they made the storyline better!

If the acting, cinematography, and action sequences is just as good or better than the first movie this will franchise will be a hit!

I love the scorch trials book! There was always something happening in the book which made it nerve biting, WTH IS HAPPENING GOOD!!!

If you like fast pace, unpredictable stories with wicked action sequences you will love this series!!! 

I could not put down that dang book and I marathon the series after watching the first movie!

I'm looking forward to seeing more of the amazing cast especially this guys (mostly Minho and his SASS which they better not tone down) and their friendship and bromance on the big screen!

(Click Here) for my review on 'The Scorch Trials'.

(Click Here) for my review on "The Maze Runner Movie"

What are your anticipated movies of 2015??? Let me know in the comments!

Till next time

Top 10 Influential books Tag

So this tag has been going on around Facebook, booktube and blogs for a while and a friend of mine recently tagged me on facebook to list my top 10 influential books.

The rule of the tag is to list 10 books which have influence you without saying much.

Now being the ramble person I am I though it will be fun to give a short description on how the book affected me and the way I read.

10. The Railway Children by E.Nesbit

My favorite children classic! I love reading about the siblings and their adventures near the railway train track.

I watched the Halmark movie years ago and love it, later learned that the movie was based on the book so obviously I had to read it.

Also... I like trains ;P lol

9. Mathilda by Roald Dahl

Surprisingly I read this in high school (and still hitting my head for not reading it sooner...) and this is my favorite 'Modern Children Literature' 

I love Roald Dahl writing! Very smart but also silly and fun.

Though I also enjoy his Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Series I love Mathilda more.

Mathilda will definitely be the best bookish best friend since she likes reading (like me!).

8. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

My parents used to send me for English Tuition where I would get assigned readings.

This was my favorite assigned reading and another great classic! I was probably Tenth when I read this and have since lost count how many times I've re-read this book.

 I enjoyed reading about Pip growing up, being trained to be a Gentlemen, his 'Play Dates' with Estella at Miss Havisham, his friendship with Joe.

Also the book talks strongly about friendship, materialism and redemption.

7.  Holes by Louis Sachar 

  Once again an assigned reading, this time for High School when I took an elective subject on Literature in English for SPM. The assigned reading in the 'regular' English classes were okay (except Phaethon of the Opera... was not a fan to the story) but THIS ONE is freaking thought provoking and really made me used my brains.

I read this in one sitting and was mind blow with the plot twist and the confusing time laps that makes sense at the end. In a way I view this book like a complicated puzzle and you know how happy and satisfied you feel when you complete the puzzle? That's what it feels like finishing this book!

I re-read this book dozens of times since I had to study it but even after High School I still read this as a random pick me up book though its not as fun as reading it the first time. In fact I bought another copy of Holes (of a different edition) to keep in my dorm's bookshelf here at uni.

I love reading about the friendship between Stanley and Zero. I also picked up the sequel, Small Steps which is just as good as Holes (so pick it up!).

If I could choose one book to forget about and re-experience reading if for the first time, this will be the book!

6. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

 

As in the entire series that has so far released... NEED WINTER LIKE YESTERDAY !!!

This series got me into loving YA sci-fi/dystopian which is something I was put off for a while due to the hype.

From the world building to character development and narration, Marissa Myer has a unique way of twisting favorite fairy tales to suite this futuristic world and made the story her own!

Also she's probably the only author that I've read who managed to balance out multiple POV of the characters without confusing the story.

Expect a lot of fast pace actions, awesome cast of characters, great friendship, adventure and romance with never a dull moment in the series! 

There are two more books in the series that has yet to be release that is Fairest (Jan 2015) and Winter (Nov 2015) as well as a lot of novellas that I am hoping that she will make a bind up since that seems to be the new money maker in the book world apart from series/trilogy.

5. The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider 

A coming of age story about what's next for 'Golden Boy' Ezra when he gets into an car accident and couldn't continue playing tennis due to his injuries. I found the author on youtube and love her personality and humor so when I found out she has a book out I had to read it!

There are some laugh out loud moments with its witty and hilarious dialogs and beautiful poetic quotes. Also you'll fangirl/boy with the book when you read the awesome Doctor Who and Harry Potter references ( 50 points to that!) and Laugh out loud at the hilarious puns!

The character development in Ezra is definitely what made the book as we watch him grow from his athletic downfall on being his own person, not following peer pressure, who are his real friends and the aftermath of a tragedy.

Also last few pages of the book are beautifully written (lost count how many times I re-read just those few pages). This is one of the books I wished I had when I was still in high school as I really think it will have help me then and now.
 

*read this if you are a John Green Fan!!!*

Full Review (Click Here)
 

4. Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song and the Power of Perseverance by David Archuleta

 Okay I know what you're thinking...

1) Who the heck is David Ar-Chu-Leta?!?!

2) Why are you including a celeb memoir to your list 

3)... I can't think of a third reason... yet... lol

David Archuleta, runner up of Season 7 of American Idol came out with a memoir a few years back.

I've been a fan of David since I heard him on AI and have been supporting him, his music and projects for the past 6 years (gosh its been long!). Not only is he a great singer but he also have a great real yet humble personality.

His memoir is full of inspiration and empowerment. He talks from experience on chasing your dreams, have faith and overcoming hurdles that life gives you.

He also talks about the Behind the Scenes American Idol and recording his first album.

I mostly love reading this books because its very positive!

Think of 'The Other Side Of Down' ;P

3. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

I love both of Rainbow Rowell YA books however I related to Fangirl more (story of my life!!) than Eleanor and Park.

What's unique about her writing is how simple yet realistic her characters are and trough out the books I keep on thinking 'I could relate to this!'

In fact Cath is first year university me! Well kinda (i have no cute Levi to make me Starbucks)

Also Fangirl kinda sparked my mind and motivated me to try fiction and fan fiction writing (just for fun... don't think any of my works will ever see the light unless i ever finish and heavily revise the grammar and spelling! lol).

2. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

What is a book tag/recommendation without me talking about the Awesome John Green! anyone?! just me?! Okay... no pun intended

All of John Green's books (except Let It Snow as I have yet to read it... yet...) have influenced me in so many ways from how I think  to how I view YA contemporary genre. 

While this book didn't put me to tears (that honor goes to Looking for Alaska) it gave an overwhelming roller coaster of feels and impact

1. The Harry Potter Series by J.K.Rowling

Surprise?!?! :P

Long story short this is the first book series I was ever obsess with and what got me into reading.

Also the first fandom I was ever into (yes I used to stalk snitchseeker lol).The series will always have a special place in my heart as I grew with the series, the characters and story.

Also what's special about the series is that I actually started it in another language that was Bahasa Malaysia as my parents thought it will motivate me to improve myself in the language which kinda did... sorta... i am fluent in the language and have read all the Bahasa Malaysia translations xD

It also thought me to NEVER read a book series out of order as you will be very VERY lost and confuse. Did the mistake of skipping book four and reading book five. Boy was I very confuse with the missing chunk of the story and wondering who the heck was Cedric? what is this cup? why are Fred and George suddenly rich?! why does everyone hate Harry? etc etc etc...

Okay so that is my top 10 influential books! If you want to do this tag feel free to link it in the comments! 

Also shout out to Kak Mirah for tagging me in the tag! Better late than never :P

What's your most influential reads??