Being the huge Nerdfighter I am, I jumped on the chance to see the movie a few hours earlier than everyone else! Paper Towns is the story of Quentin and Margo Roth Speigelman, two Orlando teens, and the love, scandal, and mystery of their lives. As it's set in Orlando and something my best friend and I share, the book is incredibly special to me. I first read it my junior year of high school, but while rereading to refresh for the movie, the themes of leaving high school and the friends you have while you're there really hit home. It's a great read for anyone about to graduate; basically, it's wonderful.
Thursday afternoon, my mom and I went out for a bit of shopping before the movie started. Unfortunately, we overshot a bit on our time and ended up at the theater around 4:30. Seems fine, right? It would be, but the movie didn't actually start until 8:30. Oops. We killed time playing cards, chatting about college and what I have left to prepare, and just spending the afternoon laughing and hanging out while I'm still at home. A few other people began to show up around 6, and soon the queue was filling up and it was almost time for the movie to begin!
Also around 6, I tweeted a question into the Q&A. Hold that thought.
The doors opened around 8, and my mom and I snagged seats in the very back of the theater smack dab in the middle of the row. My mom went out and grabbed some snacks, and we tucked in for some popcorn, sweets, and the film. The film absolutely blew my expectations; I had my reservations about some of the casting and some doubts about whether or not the film would actually be Orlando-esque, but I am in love with the way it turned out. It gave the same feelings I got when reading the book, and the chemistry and relationships between all the characters was spot-on to how I'd imagined them. It had you giggling, questioning, and reflecting on what high school and friendship really mean.
After the film was over, we had about five minutes in between the film and the livestream, so everyone booked it to the restroom and back so as to not miss anything!
Hosted by Tyler Oakley and Jessi Cruickshank, the livestream featured most of the cast and some of the crew of the film, as well as musical performances from Saint Motel and Nat and Alex Wolff. Some adorable dancing by Cara and Nat, John's belly button cameo, and wonderful banter provided great insight into the behind-the-scenes of the movie.
Now, remember how I mentioned that I tweeted a question in? Well, about three questions or so in to the Q&A, I hear Tyler Oakley say "Our next question comes from @Secondbeckfast" and lets just say my heart absolutely stopped. That's right, Tyler Oakley read my twitter handle to a global audience. I told my mom, I told the girl next to me, I texted my friend who was also in the theater, and I was so excited I didn't even hear the answer to my question. All I know is I basically had a conversation with John Green, and that's probably one of the most amazing things in my life so far. Hopefully I can find the livestream online, because as of now I'm still not sure what the answer to my question was!
Overall, the night was just a wonderful experience. From spending time with my mom, to watching the film, to having my question selected for the Q&A, the whole evening was absolutely splendid. I can't wait to see what else comes from John and these producers, because if they make an Abundance of Katherines or Looking for Alaska as good as TFIOS or Paper Towns, I will be one happy Nerdfighter. As I go off to college, having these movies and books will remind me of where I've come from, giving me a sense of home, while inspiring me to push myself to explore and learn all I can while I'm still young and to carry that with me as I grow up.
To John and the whole crew, a million thank-you's for creating something so absolutely special to so many people and for making the Nerdfighter community proud.
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