Saturday, June 7, 2014

The Fault in Our Stars





"I'm in love with you and I'm not in the business of denying myself the simple pleasure of saying true things. I'm in love with you, and I know that love is just a shout into the void, and oblivion is inevitable, and that we're doomed and that there will come a day when all our labor has been returned to dust, and I know the sun will swallow the only Earth we'll ever have, and I'm in love with you."

That my friend is a perfect line to deliver if you want to get laid after a romantic dinner in Amsterdam. Courtesy of Augustus Waters played by the dreamy Ansel Elgort, who by now made his way to a million girl's hearts just as Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner did after Twilight, you'll never go wrong winning the girl of your dreams while saying these lines with a lopsided grin.

But enough silliness as 'The Fault in Our Stars' which opened last June 6 has proven once and for all that a book about teenage romance and cancer can be a sure fire hit. A little heads up to those who'll attempt to watch this film by their lonesome. Don't make the same mistake I did dragging my lonely ass in a movie theater if you don't want to be caught sitting and sobbing alone while around you are a dozen smooching couples.

Just try your best not to pay attention to the love birds seated to your left and right because this movie is one hell of a cry-fest and a must-see for all you crazy romantics out there. You don't need to read the book to understand that this is a story of two teenagers who fall in love while having cancer. The film captured all of Gus's humor and Hazel's cynicism in a narrative so faithful to the beloved novel which every young people easily fell in love with (although I kinda feel it misses something I can't quite figure out, yet).

Augustus was a real treat to the girls. I can sense all girls and girls at heart (wait, I belong to that sub-specie) now wanted an Augustus for a boyfriend. Who wouldn't want a boyfriend who looks like this?


And Hazel? Well, Hazel narrates the story and young actress Shailene Woodley was as honest and vulnerable as her book version. Jennifer Lawrence, you better watch out because here's one who'll give you a real run for your money, or Oscar trophy.



On a more serious note, I feel that the film and the book begs to answer our own heart's questions, or more like our soul's struggle to understand: understand the infinity of the Universe, the mystery of Life, the tragedy of Death, the wisdom of God and the joys and sorrows of Love.

Anyway, after watching this movie or reading the book, I encourage you to fall in love like Hazel Grace and Augustus did. Love after all, is the sweet spice of Life and it never grows old. Okay?

Okay...