Turtles All the Way Down

I really hoped this adaptation wouldn't fall flat like Paper Towns (which was sad because it is my favorite of all John Green books).

Well, it didn't.

Most of what is important in the book is in this movie. I saw someone say it was disproportionately focused on the Picketts, but I totally don't agree.

The movie played out exactly as it should and better. I especially liked how it didn't give a happy, wrapped-up ending to a mental problem that probably sticks with you for life. It was every bit as relatable (to those who relate), sad, happy, and worth it as the book.

I see how those who have never read the book or don't really know John Green as someone other than Hank Green's brother or the guy from Crash Course might see this as falling flat. But for those who read it, this movie is a win for us.

I'd like to preface this by saying that my review is probably biased because I myself have OCD as well. The movie made me very emotional. I think I cried like 10 times because of the way I related so much to Aza during her bad moments. I have never felt so seen or heard while watching a movie. It is a truly authentic and respectful representation of someone who has OCD. We need more of this. I will say it is probably a movie better suited/relatable to teens in some ways, but this IS a YA book, so the cheesiness is acceptable haha. I personally think the cheesiness is a good thing in this. The acting was great, Isabel did a great job as Aza. Thought provoking, and I love that it doesn't aim to solve Ada's issues or make her being able to have a romantic partner the most important thing, but instead focused on helping her see that she can still live a good life despite it all, which is the true win when you have OCD. Not only that, but that she DESERVES a good life. Loved it so much.

I'll start by saying I'm a fan of John Green. I've read most of his books following the popularity of Fault In Our Stars and have enjoyed the movie adaptations. I can remember reading this book and not loving it - Likely in comparison to some of his others. But for what is maybe not his strongest story, this movie is a really good adaptation. I think it captures the character of Aza really well, and then changes made to the storyline help move the film along for the better. I think the young cast have done a great job, and whilst this isn't the type of movie that will win any awards, all in all it's a very solid film.

I'm honestly such a harsh reviewer when it comes to book to movie adaptations but I thought this was really good. Loved literally the whole cast too, the performances were great :) I do t super understand the 6/10 average rating for this, and I went into assuming that would be accurate. Love the John Green book and read it in high school, I thought this translated be try well narratively even given the limitations of the screen. I also just want to point out (and this is true to the book as well) how really good of a depiction of OCD this is. I don't think there are many very thoughtful depictions of the disorder.

I'm going to start off by just saying this was a good movie. Daisy, the best friend carries the entire movie. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have continued watching this. I haven't seen many depictions of the main character's disorder, which I really appreciated. I didn't know that OCD severely affected one's life like that.

The mystery that was of the rich boy's father fell EXTREMELY flat. I thought it was an interesting beginning, but the movie doesn't seriously come back to it until the end of the movie. It wasn't important at all. The romance plot is the same way. There was absolutely nothing special about this boy, other than he is rich and cute.

I found the best friend relationship between Daisy and the main character compelling. Their interactions are just so full of life. Especially the car scene, that's the best scene in the entire movie.

I don't recommend it if you want romance/mystery but this movie is for a good laugh on a relaxing day. 5/10. Praise Daisy.