The fault in our stars review

Really over rated and parents should know that a primary plot line is about teens having sex before they die. Over all it is a really depressing view of life and definitely not the moral foundation or life outlook I want my kids to be exposed to until they are adults.

January 26, 2018

okayish

the sexual images are not for young eyes, the violence might give nightmares but other than that it is really good.

What's the Story?

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS is about Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley), a 17-year-old book lover dealing with stage-four metastatic cancer that has spread to her lungs, requiring her to wear a cannula and carry around an oxygen cannister. Her worried but supportive parents (Laura Dern, Sam Trammell) encourage her to attend a local support group for teens with cancer; it's there that she meets Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort), who can't keep his eyes off her. After group, a clearly interested Gus tells Hazel that she's beautiful and invites her to hang out with him and his best friend, Isaac (Nat Wolff). Hazel is attracted to Gus but is hesitant to start a relationship when she knows she's dying. Ever persistent, Gus sweeps Hazel off her feet when he gives up his one "cancer wish" to make her dream come true: traveling to Amsterdam to meet her favorite author.

Is It Any Good?

While The Fault in Our Stars isn't a word-for-word translation (nor should it be), it's an adaptation that does Green, Hazel, and Augustus justice. Anyone who's ever loved a book knows the hesitance and wariness that mingle with excitement when a beloved novel is turned into a big-screen production. There's a sense of panic that the director, screenwriter, and cast won't capture everything you love about the words and characters the author created. But fans of the book needn't worry. Woodley, a Golden Globe nominee and veteran of YA adaptations (Divergent, The Spectacular Now), delivers a gentle, wickedly smart Hazel, who feels like a grenade about to go off but eventually realizes that she does deserve to be loved by Gus, even if their future is uncertain.

But as lovely as Woodley is as Hazel, the movie belongs to newcomer Elgort (who co-starred as Woodley's brother in Divergent), who has the tough job of being solicitous, sexy, smart, and sensitive all at the same time. He manages to pull it off beautifully, never letting the character spin out of control or seem false. The supporting characters also deliver laudable performances: Wolff as Gus' blind best friend, and Dern and Trammell as one of the most loving set of parents ever depicted on page or screen. Viewers will experience the wonder of falling in love but also the pain of knowing that someone you adore is dying. Still, to quote Hazel's favorite book, "pain demands to be felt." And feel it you will, which is more than okay.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

• Families can talk about whether The Fault in Our Stars is a successful adaptation. What changes did the filmmakers make, and you do you understand why they made them? What parts of the movie captured the book best, and what parts of the book did you miss not seeing in the movie?
• Do you prefer adaptations based on realistic fiction or based on genre fiction, like dystopian/paranormal stories? Why do you think there are so many YA adaptations in the works?
• What do you think the author and filmmaker are trying to say about literature and our relationship to books? Do books and movies need a happy ending to make them good or worthwhile? What are some other tales that don't end as you expected but are still among your favorite movies or books?
• How does the movie depict sex? How is it different here from how it's often portrayed in other teen movies/books? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.

Movie Details

• In theaters: June 6, 2014
• On DVD or streaming: September 16, 2014
• Cast: Shailene Woodley , Ansel Elgort , Willem Dafoe
• Director: Josh Boone
• Inclusion Information: Female actors
• Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
• Genre: Romance
• Topics: Book Characters
• Run time: 125 minutes
• MPAA rating: PG-13
• MPAA explanation: thematic elements, some sexuality and brief strong language
• Last updated: November 12, 2023

Inclusion information powered by

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

Where to Watch

Our Editors Recommend

Movies Based on Books

Drama Movies That Tug at the Heartstrings

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

Why is The Fault in Our Stars bad?

One thing I don't buy is that teens with cancer suddenly become magically wise. They become terrified, confused, depressed and angry. They DON'T magically gain great insight in life and go around puking long monologues about the meaning of life. This book made me roll my eyes in disgust.

Should a 14 year old read The Fault in Our Stars?

The Fault in Our Stars is a very sad but inspiring love story based on a popular young adult novel. Because of its disturbing themes of terminal illness and death, it isn't recommended for children under 14-15 years.

Does Fault in Our Stars have any inappropriate scenes?

There is swearing and underage drinking (they DON't get drunk) but surprisingly for John Green (the author) it does not go any further. Well okay, they do have sex, but only the kissing is described and the chapter ends quickly.

What kind of cancer does she have in The Fault in Our Stars?

Hazel was diagnosed with stage IV thyroid cancer at age 13 but treatment with an experimental (and fictional) drug saved her.