SPOILER ALERTNow that I've read the book and Brad took me on a to see the movie last night, I have some thoughts to share. I really didn't know much about the books and movie until this week. I purposefully avoided it. Of course I picked up bits and pieces and knew the basics, but I tried to stay away. I haven't had time to read a series (bc I knew I would like to read it straight through) and I did not see ONE trailer (not ONE, people!) for the movie bc I wanted to imagine the characters myself first. So this is all new to me this week.
I know this is a huge thing for people. I know people are OBSESSED with it. I can see why:
Fantasy world we don't live in? Check.
Fantasy people who dress up crazy? Check.
Fighting against the system? Check.
Heroine with love problems? Check.
What's not to like?
I like it as well. I love fantasy worlds I don't live in. I love fighting the system. I hate love triangles, but in this case it's really not a triangle because Katniss loves Gale and not Peeta. I like that there are no chapters in the whole book. There are like 3 "Parts" and that makes reading the book in one day that much easier. There are no chapters to remind me I'm reading farther than I planned.
I don't think it was the best written book ever. Comparing Hunger Games to Harry Potter is like comparing Shel Silverstien to Shakespeare. Both entertaining, great writing- but one clearly has a firmer grasp on the beauty words can convey & describe (aka. not Shel or Suzanne).
The movie was also good. Story kept to book really well.
I'm glad there wasn't too much gore but I could have standed to see even less of teenagers killing teenagers- I'd rather have it be left to my imagination. Or rather, to not imagine it at all...
There were a few elements they changed that I didn't understand WHY they changed it. I understand the mockingjay pin to play up the sisters' relationship, but why couldn't her beauty team like her? Why doesn't she SMILE at the opening ceremonies in the chariots? Why don't Katniss and Peeta kiss more? Let's face it, there is a lot of kissing for the cameras in the book.
Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss- thighs too big and too tall. I'm serious! In the book she is small and fast and has been practically starving her whole life. Jennifer Lawrence has chin fat- that did not speak "starvation" to me.
Liam Hemsworth as Gale- Perfect. I saw a bit more facial hair, but he's gorgeous.
Josh Hutcherson as Peeta- Too short. I always pictured him taller. Not super handsome or hugely musclar, but just bigger. Mostly bc Katniss is bigger than him in the movie, which is totally NOT what I pictured. It made me feel like Peeta was weaker than he is. I think Josh did a better job though of acting the personality I expected of Peeta than most of the other characters, tho.
Woody Harrelson as Haymitch- Brad actually laughed outloud when he came on screen. I was expecting him to be terrible, but he wasn't at all.
Holy crap- Stanley Tucci?? I didn't even know he played Ceasar Flickerman, but he was EXACTLY like i pictured. I loved him! (I may be biased bc I love Stanley, tho.)
Lenny Kravitz as Cinna- I didn't want to love Lenny as Cinna (bc how can you NOT love Cinna?), but I did. Gold eyeliner and all.
Props to the movie: I loved they played up the involvment of Seneca Crane(and his awsesome beard!). It was a perfect addition to understanding how it all works.
Final thoughts:
People who want to BE in the Hunger Games and want to live in that world are off their rockers. They clearly don't understand the dark message of violence and control Suzanne Collins is sending. The violence in the movie was HIDEOUS, but the whole premise of teenagers murdering each other for TV entertainment is exponentially more hideous. Why in the world would you want to dress up like the ignorant, selfish people of the Capitol? (What about Darth Vadar? Why was my nephew a Death Eater for Halloween? Okay, I take that one back, it's fun to dress up like the bad guys...)
Well written, entertaining. Movie equally so. I would read and watch them again.
But really, can we get a girl herione with some brains, who isn't "trying to figure out how she feels" all the time, and NOT stuck in a love triangle? That's why Hermione is the best herione ever. The end.
3 comments:
Don't do vampires...no Twilight series books/movies for me. Don't do children & violence...no Hunger Games series books/movies for me. Those themes are not entertaining to me.
But I love me some Star Wars & Lord of the Rings & I'm a BIG HP fan, especially for motivating so many youngsters to READ! I agree...Hermione is a great heroine/protagonist & Emma Watson played her perfectly!
Can I just say, I am SO GLAD you feel that way about Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss. Everyone RAVED about how awesome she was as Katniss. But I was really disappointed with how she looked because it wasn't what I had pictured at all. When I said it out loud I felt so, I don't know, vain or something. She isn't fat, but just doesn't look like she came from somewhere she was starving to death.
And I pretty much agree with you on all other aspects. Although, I do think it would be fun to dress up that ridiculous looking, just because they look so ridiculous.
Oh my goodness you have a lot of courage that I don't have, I must say. My husband and I thought we might be the only people on this planet that are not really willing to read, let our children read or watch The Hunger Games!!! Wow, good to know that there are others out there, because it's a little awkward to admit this in public where you feel like people might think you're crazy for not liking it!!! Hahahaha. Sometimes we have to be careful about what entertains us. That being said, I read Twilight was totally captivated like a twelve year old girl and to top it off my husband became a twelve year old boy. Because if I'm obsessively reading something then he has to read it and addicted he was to it as well. So we're total hypocrites and our thinking makes no sense. We won't read Hunger Games but will read Twilight. I need to check my priorities, I know, it's on my list.....
Thank so much for commenting on my blog!!! I wondered if you thought I was crazy, some weirdo commenting all the time. We love Brad, even though we don't know him well anymore we have fond memories of him. Yes, the balding. Kirk is going too. He always asks me if I will still love him when he's bald. To which I reply, "Honey, I'm just not sure." :) Of course I will, I reassure him. It was myself, Kirk and Kyle Middleton that saw Brad off on his mission. I remember seeing him into the car and thinking this is amazing that boys do this at 19. I'm a convert myself and was baptized myself at 19. He was always a great example of a good person, fun and kind. We love him and our memories, especially the memories that Kirk has, he loves Brad.
Yes, exciting to have seven kids. I'm right with you. Thinking about having two is more difficulut than having seven. It's ironic I know. But, I have big kids who help, play, entertain, feed, bathe the little ones. For awhile it's just going to be you and little babies when you have your second and possibly third. Don't be too afraid it goes by so quickly. My son is getting the Priesthood in August! Am I even old enough to have a twelve year old? I guess I am but you know what I mean. :)
It's so fun getting to know you through your blog. Love your family, take good care,
Shauna
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