The phenomenal bestselling book by John Green, “The Fault In Our Stars,” adapted to film starring today’s most talented young actors Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort is now a certified blockbuster film on its opening weekend across the globe.

Like fate, the movie’s success has already been written in the stars when it opened to a lustrous P52 million  in just four (4) days after it opened (June 5) in the Phils., likewise, it also earned a brilliant $48 million in the U.S. on its opening weekend.

Benefitting from its massive fan base and impressive word-of-mouth, cinemas have noted a repeat in the views, not just twice but as much as reaching a fourth recurrence.  This phenomenal draw in the Philippines had Google’s analytics gone bonkers as reported in Time Magazine when it found out that not India, not Spain and not even the United States where John Green is based had the most voracious of readers but is actually the Philippines that grabbed the seat.  As stated in Time Magazine, “According to Google data, it’s actually the Philippines, whose search volume index (normalized as a score of 100, the highest) for the term “The Fault In Our Stars” is more than double that of the U.S. (44, the second highest). The three next most starry-eyed countries are Singapore (38), Australia (37) and New Zealand (36).”

Like all great love stories that have come before, “The Fault In Our Stars,” both book and movie is the current one to beat in terms of endearment to the young adult demographics the world over who cried, fell in love and journeyed with Hazel and Gus’ little infinities.  Considering the popular young adult blockbuster movies that have been released such as Woodley’s and Elgort’s “Divergent,” “Twilight” films and “The Hunger Games,” “The Fault In Our Stars’” opening weekend gross had already closed in to the lifetime estimates of the previously mentioned comparative titles.

                From its modest 137 screens, “The Fault In Our Stars’” admissions have managed to reach 283, 680 over its opening weekend.  With sold out tickets on its first day in the Philippines, it was Ayala Malls Cinemas’ Trinoma that landed the top spot amongst theaters with P2.3million in receipts.  Second best recorded box-office comes from SM North Edsa/The Block at 2.13 million followed by Glorietta4 (P1.9M); SM Mall of Asia (P1.8M) and SM Megamall (P1.6M).

                Indicating a nationwide and wider market demographics appeal, “The Fault In Our Stars” have also recorded highs in the following cinemas that are within the film’s top 20 list  – Ayala Cebu (P1.6M); Eastwood (P1.5M); Greenbelt (P 1.4M); Powerplant (P 1.35M); Shang Cineplex (P1.31M); SM Cebu (P1.29M); Greenhills TheatreMall (P1.28M); Gateway Cineplex/Ali Mall (P1.22M); Alabang Town Center (P1.1M); Robinson’s Magnolia (P.916M); Robinson’s Ermita (P.888M); SM Southmall (P.842M); Bonifacio High Street (P.788M); Newport (P.776M); Festival (P.726M) and Market!Market! (P.723M).

“The Fault In Our Stars” centers on two engaging teenagers, Hazel (Woodley) and Gus (Elgort) who meet at a cancer support group, immediately connect and form a powerful bond. We join the pair on an incredible quest, which takes them thousands of miles away from home, to Amsterdam as they take on the journey of a positive celebration of life.

Still showing in more than 100 screens nationwide, “The Fault In Our Stars” is from 20^th Century Fox distributed by Warner Bros.   Like 20^thCentury Fox (Philippines) on Facebook, 20thcenturyfoxph/Youtube and 20centuryph/Twitter for more updates.

Having seen a lot of movies that butchered the books that I love when it were adapted to film, I learned to lower my expectations. It is very rare that the movie is better than the film, in this case: The Fault in our Stars.

The film follows Hazel and Gus, played by today’s well-loved pair – Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, as their relationship develops from their first meeting at a cancer support group until the time they set off on a surprising and exciting journey to Amsterdam.

Shailene Woodley is a force to reckon with. I can’t help but smile whenever I see her portray Hazel Grace as I envisioned her in the book. It was her quiet confidence, yet strong performance that glued all the pieces of the film together. I will look forward to seeing this girl become one of the most sought after actresses of this generation.

Ansel Elgort was all charm. Just the right ingredient to support Woodley’s character. Being a fan of the book, it was a dream cast specially seeing Peter Van Houten come to life thanks to Willem Dafoe. What can be felt in the book is the overflowing love of the characters to each other, the good news is this love is felt throughout the movie.

They gave justice to the most memorable scenes on the book,  the Anne Frank House, the restaurant where they had their first date, the “literal heart of Jesus” where the support group is held. It was a faithful depiction of what was in the book that I am sure the fans will love.

Overall, the film was worth a watch whether you have read the book or not. It is a breath of fresh air after watching all of the computer graphics heavy movies that are available in theaters.

The Showbook Rating : 4 out of 5 stars

“The Fault In Our Stars” opens June 5 in cinemas from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

   One of this generation’s most remarkable heartthrob, multi-talented young actor Ansel Elgort takes his most challenging role yet in the most-awaited love story of the year in “The Fault In Our Stars.”

“The Fault In Our Stars” celebrates the power of young love in all its magic, power and complexity where Elgort takes on the role of Augustus ‘Gus’ Waters, a teenager who is in remission from his osteosarcoma who met Hazel (Shailene Woodley) at a cancer support group in their community. Based on the bestselling novel by John Green, the movie is the story of two remarkable teenagers who fall in love and embrace life despite the strong odds against them. Both are smart, funny and sarcastic. When they meet at a support group, Hazel Grace Lancaster is instantly smitten with Augustus Waters. The feeling is mutual. Despite dealing with serious health concerns on a daily basis, health doesn’t dominate life for Augustus and Hazel. Far from it. They are normal teenagers, excited about first love and getting to know each other. It’s clear from the start that there is strong chemistry between this attractive pair. They don’t see eye to eye on everything, but their connection is powerful and they both have a great sense of humor about their circumstances.

Gus, played by Elgort, is someone who believes in big, heroic gestures. He’s brash and tough, but also possesses an appealing intelligence. According to John Green, Hazel and Gus’ attraction to one another stems from the fact they possess a similar wit and intelligence. “There’s a line in the Philip Roth novel The Human Stain, where a character says, ‘The pleasure isn’t in owning the person. The pleasure is this. Having another contender in the room with you.’ I think Hazel is someone who doesn’t have a lot of contenders in the room with her, and when she meets Gus she realizes, ‘Oh, this guy can hang with me.’ For Gus it’s the same thing. He’s used to being able to attract women, but he’s never encountered someone like Hazel before.”

Gus is a complicated figure: he’s a former high school basketball star, and his favorite book – until meeting Hazel – is based on a videogame. At the same time, he’s an intellectual who enjoys giving long, thoughtful monologues.

Ansel Elgort already had a connection with Woodley, with whom he stars – as her brother – in Divergent. Woodley notes that this previous onscreen pairing was “a blessing for our work together in “The Fault In Our Stars” because we already knew each other and had this on-screen chemistry, so it was easy to connect as Hazel and Gus. Ansel’s like my brother; he’s so curious about the world and everything excites him.”

“With love stories it’s all about chemistry,” adds producer Wyck Godfrey. “Shailene dominated many of the actors we had tested with her, because she has that kind of intimidating strength of character. But then Ansel came in and he had this charisma, exuberance and energy that put Shailene back on her feet a little bit, which is exactly what you want her to feel.”

For Elgort, Gus was exactly the part he was looking for. Like so many others, he was a fan of the novel. “Above all, the book is full of beautiful ideas that make you think about life and love,” he notes.

“The Fault In Our Stars” opens June 5 in cinemas from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

John Green’s global bestseller struck a chord not only with young adults, but with readers of all ages, when it came out in 2012. The film, starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort is equally compelling, bringing Green’s indelible characters to life on screen. It tells the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster (Woodley) and Gus Waters (Elgort), who are immediately drawn to each other when they meet at a cancer support group. Friendship and a shared sense of humor turn into something much deeper for the pair and we are swept along on their extraordinary journey as they embark on a quest that takes them thousands of miles away from home, to Amsterdam.

Ostensibly centered on two teenagers with cancer, at its heart “The Fault In Our Stars” is moving, funny and upbeat, about the joys and heartache of first love. In short, the film is an insightful celebration of life. There is powerful chemistry between the two stars of the film. Directed by Josh Boone (“Stuck In Love”), the consummate supporting cast includes Laura Dern, Sam Trammell, Nat Wolff and Willem Dafoe.

The British musician Ed Sheeran whose music videos in YouTube and songs are widely followed and anticipated, watched an early version of “The Fault In Our Stars” and was immediately inspired and affected by the remarkable movie. Sheeran signed on to write a song for the film: ‘All Of The Stars’.

“Julie Greenwald, who runs Atlantic Records, my record label, kept saying: ‘have you read this book, “The Fault In Our Stars”? You need to read this book, it’s amazing. They’ve made a movie of it.’ She just kept saying it and then eventually I watched the film and it is amazing! I had a bit of an emotional breakdown and tweeted about it, and I saw the huge reaction just from one tweet. I cracked! I was like, ‘cool, let’s do it.’ I realized there was a pretty sizeable fan base for the book and the upcoming film. I was so excited that I was asked to write a song for the film. I wrote ‘All of the Stars’ and I’m very glad to be involved,” shares Sheeran on how his song for the movie came to be.

When he was only 20 years old, Ed Sheeran’s highly praised EP ‘No. 5 Collaborations Project’, reached number 2 on the iTunes chart. His multi-platinum debut album called ‘+’ (plus) established him as a global presence. In 2011, Sheeran won two Brit Awards, [one for British Breakthrough Act and another for British Male Solo Artist]. He performed with Elton John at the 2013 Grammys, toured with Taylor Swift on The Red Tour and played at the 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony. He was nominated for a Grammy for ‘The A Team’ in 2013. This year he was nominated for another Grammy, for Best New Artist. Sheeran has contributed to many film and television soundtracks. He wrote the original song ‘I See Fire’ for “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.” He wrote two songs for the popular group One Direction, which were in the film “One Direction: This Is Us.” His songs have been featured in TV shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Vampire Diaries.”

Sheeran continues to share that, “I wanted to make a very emotive song that would make people cry, I guess. For people who love the book and love the movie, I hope this song makes them cry. That’s the goal. You wouldn’t watch the film if you didn’t want to cry and have a good release. So I hope the song gives people a release. I wanted something very anthemic and euphoric to lead the audience out of the film and to give it emotion.”

“The Fault In Our Stars” opens June 5 in cinemas nationwide from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

“The Fault In Our Stars,” this generation’s widely read story of love and its infinities from scribe John Green will finally unfold on the big screen on June 5 in the Philippines from 20^th Century Fox. The “The Fault In Our Stars” celebrates the power of young love in all its magic, power and complexity.

The film follows Hazel and Gus, played by today’s well-loved pair – Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, as their relationship develops from their first meeting at a cancer support group until the time they set off on a surprising and exciting journey to Amsterdam.

For all the characters, it was paramount that every aspect of their lives felt authentic. Producer Wyck Godfrey notes that, “John Green said the reason he loves writing about teenagers is that they are not yet that cynical. In some ways they live very openly, haven’t yet been become jaded, and it’s a beautiful time for them. Teens are impulsive and will say and do anything. One of the most fascinating things about Gus, Hazel and Isaac is that their illnesses don’t change that.”

The filmmakers’ insistence on verisimilitude led them to visit cancer support groups. “When Josh Boone and I got together with the actors, the first thing we said is that we must represent this experience and situation in an honest way,” Godfrey explains.“The only way to do that was to spend time with young people who are patients and meet with the doctors treating them, as well as with the parents going through it all with them. When we got to our shooting locations in Pittsburgh, we reached out to the hospitals and the cancer centers and asked for their help with this.” The production made contact with several patients either going through treatment or in remission, many of whom became a valuable part of the production, appearing in scenes set at the story’s cancer support group. “These young people have been so important to the movie not only because they lent their talents on screen but because it’s given all of us an opportunity to talk about their experiences,” says Green.“What we found is that what started off as research questions, like, ‘Tell me what it’s like …”ended up with us talking about movies, cars, girls and whatever else. It was a joy just getting to hang out with them.”

Prior to and during production, Green’s book was a touchstone for everyone connected with “The Fault In Our Stars.” “My favorite thing about the book,” Godfrey says, “is when you put it down you feel like, ‘Every one of us should attack life with the energy that Hazel and Gus do.’ At their core, Hazel, Gus and Isaac are experiencing many of the same things that teenagers have gone through for generations.”

Adds Shailene Woodley: “It is an honor to have brought to the big screen one of the most powerful fictional characters I’ve ever met. “The Fault In Our Stars” rewrote the way I look at each breath.” Woodley’s views on the story, themes and characters mirrored those of her director and the producers. “The Fault In Our Stars” is a love story about two kids with cancer, but it’s not about cancer,” she explains.“I was so deeply moved by Hazel and Gus, who are able to see things that a lot of us are too busy living our lives to see.”

The object of Hazel’s affections, Gus, played by Ansel Elgort, is someone who believes in big, heroic gestures. He’s brash and tough, but also possesses an appealing intelligence. Gus is a complicated figure: he’s a former high school basketball star, and his favorite book – until meeting Hazel – is based on a videogame. At the same time, he’s an intellectual who enjoys giving long, thoughtful monologues.

For Elgort, Gus was exactly the part he was looking for. Like so many others, he was a fan of the novel. “Above all, the book is full of beautiful ideas that make you think about life and love,” he notes. Tackling his most challenging role yet, Elgort credits Woodley as a source of strength. “I’ve had some moments in this film that have been harder for me than any in my career, so having Shailene by my side made it a lot easier.”

May 7, Manila - In less than a month, the world’s most anticipated love story from the worldwide tearjerker book of the same title – “The Fault In Our Stars” will finally open in Philippine cinemas on June 5.

Already marked on everyone’s calendar who had been touched, moved and affected by the young adult bestselling novel by John Green, June 5 marks the larger-than-life infinites of Hazel and Gus’ (played by Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort) on the big screen.

“The Fault In Our Stars” is the story of two remarkable teenagers who fall in love and embrace life despite the strong odds against them. Both are smart, funny and sarcastic. When they meet at a support group, Hazel Grace Lancaster is instantly smitten with Augustus Waters. The feeling is mutual. Hazel is battling cancer; Augustus is in remission and has been given the all clear from his doctors. Despite dealing with serious health concerns on a daily basis, health doesn’t dominate life for Augustus and Hazel. Far from it. They are normal teenagers, excited about first love and getting to know each other. It’s clear from the start that there is strong chemistry between this attractive pair. They don’t see eye to eye on everything, but their connection is powerful and they both have a great sense of humor about their circumstances.

Shailene Woodley takes on the role of Hazel Grace Lancaster. The young star of “Divergent” and “The Descendants” says “The Fault In Our Stars” will forever leave a lasting impression on her. “It was truly one of the biggest honors of my life to be a part of this project. Both the film and novel explore the most powerful and universal themes. The story taught me that all is fleeting, that nothing is guaranteed, and that however long or short a life you live, it is the small moments that mean the most.

“I wanted the role so badly I sent John Green a long, long email about how much I loved the book, and how I had to play Hazel,” Woodley continues.“So I sat down with the studio executives and producers and said, ‘I’ll be a P.A. or an extra, just please, please let me be a part of it!’”

Fortunately – for Woodley and the filmmakers – she was able to keep her day job, largely, says Boone, thanks to her spectacular audition. “We read close to 150 actresses for the role, and I saw about 50 of those. Within ten or fifteen seconds of Shailene’s audition, I knew she was Hazel. She held up her script pages and just her eyes were peeking over them. Shailene has these incredible, expressive green eyes, and she could do so much with them. She was emotionally available and creates such nuanced and subtle work. I don’t know how she does it; it’s like some kind of magic.”

Woodley’s views on the story, themes and characters mirrored those of her director and the producers. “The Fault In Our Stars” is a love story about two kids with cancer, but it’s not about cancer,” she explains.“I was so deeply moved by Hazel and Gus, who are able to see things that a lot of us are too busy living our lives to see.”

Woodley worked hard to capture Hazel’s many shadings and complexities. “Shailene understands Hazel so deeply,” says Green. “She gives a raw, honest and totally unselfconscious performance. I’m so grateful for what she’s done with the character.

“Hazel is a pretty sarcastic person with a gallows sense of humor,” the author continues. “But she’s always very loving and deeply concerned about the effect her illness has on the people around her, particularly on Hazel’s parents. She doesn’t want to be what Hazel calls a ‘grenade’ – whose death causes pain and destruction. I mean, she’s a vegetarian who says to Gus, ‘I want to minimize the casualties.’ She possesses an under-appreciated kind of heroism.”

In addition to capturing Hazel’s many qualities, Woodley was tasked with conveying her physical limitations, chief of which is her need to be hooked up to a cannula – a flexible tube attached to an oxygen tank. Here, again, Woodley’s research was important. “I met with a lot of people who had been on oxygen, one of whom said it was like breathing through a straw,’” she comments.

“Hazel is somebody who knows who she is and understands at a young age that life is fleeting and that none of it matters really and that we’re all insignificant. She realizes that to waste your time worrying or stressing about anything, or trying to make a mark on the world is just a waste of time, because there’s no way to guarantee anything. So she lives for the small moments and she appreciates those moments. I think it is a huge thing for someone to understand that at such a young age. I found the character very inspiring. And I really related to her sarcasm and dry wit,” concludes Woodley.

Check 20^th Century Fox’s social pages for a daily dose of inspiration from the stars – Facebook/20^th Century Fox (Philippines), YouTube/20thCenturyFoxPh and Twitter/@20centuryfoxph.

The phenomenal young-adult tome “The Fault In Our Stars” penned by John Green is brought to life on the big screen produced by blockbuster producer Wyck Godfrey (“Twilight” films) and directed by Josh Boone (“Stuck In Love”).

Written for the screen by the creative minds of Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber (“500 Days of Summer,” Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”), “The Fault In Our Stars” features two of today’s most followed young actors – Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort as extraordinary teenagers who fatefully meet and takes their love on an unforgettable and exhilarating journey into infinity.

Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) is sixteen years old. She alternately loves and tolerates her sometimes over-doting parents. Hazel has developed a crushon a young man, Gus Waters (Ansel Elgort), who seems equally smitten with her. As they grow closer, Hazel and Gus share their fears that accompany their health issues, as well as their love of books, including Hazel’s touchstone, An Imperial Affliction. She has tried many times to get in touch with the book’s reclusive author Peter Van Houten (Willem Dafoe), to no avail. When Gus manages to reach Van Houten through the author’s assistant, it results, astonishingly, in an invitation to meet the writer in Amsterdam. Gus is determined to take Hazel on a journey that will answer every question she has ever had about the book that has meant so much to her.

Even before the novel was published, Hollywood came calling. But Green was reluctant to sell the movie rights. “I felt the story was so personal and close to me I just couldn’t imagine it being turned into a movie.”

Producer Wyck Godfrey was aware of the author’s reluctance. Having just produced the phenomenally successful Twilight series, based on the books by Stephenie Meyer, Godfrey and Marty Bowen, his partner at Temple Hill Entertainment, had become adept at recognizing literature that was ideal for screen adaptation. “We had been trying to find something that would speak to the next wave of young readers who were looking for something that was very real, and The Fault in Our Stars felt like the next step for young adult fiction.”

Godfrey approached Fox 2000 Pictures president Elizabeth Gabler, and together they moved quickly to secure the movie rights.“We got on the phone with John and convinced him we were the right people to turn the book into a film,” Godfrey recalls. Their mutual love of football (soccer) helped seal the deal. “I admitted to being a huge Liverpoolfan, and as luck would have it, so was John,” adds the producer.

Bonding over sports, aside, Green says that meeting Godfrey and the film’s executive producer (and Temple Hill Entertainment executive) Isaac Klausner, and hearing firsthand of the two filmmakers’ commitment to be faithful to the book’s themes and characters,convinced the author that they were the right people to bring the story to the big screen.

“One of the things Wyck said to me during those meetings was, ‘You didn’t write a cancer book, and we’re not going to make a cancer movie,’” Green remembers. “Wyck didn’t want the film to be sentimental or about learning to be grateful for every day. Wyck wanted the film to be raw, exciting and a celebration of life. And that’s exactly what I was looking for.

“I wanted the movie to be fun and something from which people would walk away feeling uplifted – that would capture the idea that a short life can be a good and rich one. Wyck and Isaac really believed those things, too.”

Two of the book’s legions of fans – screenwriters Scott Neustadter& Michael H. Weber – were pleased to come aboard and adapt Green’s novel. “The truth is we were fortunate to become involved with the project before the book became a worldwide sensation,” Neustadter explains. “At the time we read it, right before its publication, it was beloved…by us. The reaction to the book since then is fantastic – we hope the movie is embraced in the same way – but it was not an issue when we were adapting, beyond our strong feelings for it.”

“Our goal was to preserve as much of the book as possible while making sure it’s a special cinematic experience,” adds Weber. “As with most books, the biggest challenge in that process is externalizing the internal voice of the book. John Green read our first draft and sent us the most wonderful email of support. When we work with an author of his caliber it means a lot to us that they approve of our adaptation.”

The decision to have Josh Boone direct was an easy one. Godfrey was a fan of Boone’s film Stuck in Love and had been tracking it since he had read the script. The film starred Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Connolly and Lily Collins, but as Godfrey says, “It’s ultimately about the character of the teenage son,” played by Nat Wolff, who has a leading role in “The Fault In Our Stars.”

“It’s sort of autobiographical and you watch this kid come of age in a way that is funny, emotional and yet never pandering,” Godfrey explains.“It felt very real.”

Boone’s take on the movie was certainly ambitious. His pitch to the studio and producers: “This story is ‘Titanic’ and cancer is the iceberg we’re going to hit eventually. But the film cannot be about the iceberg; it has to be about the love story. It had to have real and special moments.”

John Green was a regular presence on the set, and according to Boone, the author’s input was invaluable. “John was terrific in helping us determine whether something was working,” says the director. “He’s not only a wonderful writer, he’s a great audience.”