Reviewing Movies

So it’s a tear-jerker, how could it be other. It’s also confirmation of the challenge of making a decent movie from a half-decent book. Young love is one thing but add the fact that both young stars are dying of cancer and it ups the ante. Ansel Elgort is as pretty as billed. Laura Dern who played the teacher who was dying in October Skies plays Hazel Grace’s mother. Willem Dafoe Van Hoeten the much vilified author. That the young pair visited Anne Frank’s attic home adds additional irony. Nat Wolff plays Augustus’ friend who loses his eyes and emotes enough for all three. If nothing else this movie illustrates that challenges facing those who surround and support cancer sufferers and the injustice of hospital rules that restrict visits to immediate family.