HUNGER GAMES Movie Review

I normally only review books here, but I couldn't help but add my two cents about the much anticipated HG movie.

So...What did you think of the HUNGER GAMES movie? I thought it was great! The casting was superb. The acting was wonderful by all. Jennifer Lawrence was incredible. The moment I saw her, she felt like Katniss to me through and through. Peeta was exactly as a I imagined in the book, as was Gale. Elizabeth Banks was a hoot as Effie Trinket. I didn't recognize her at all underneath all of that outrageous makeup. Speaking of the fashion of the capitol - wow. I remember reading about the bright colored clothing and hair, but seeing it on the screen was quite shocking. Could fashion really evolve into that? Let's hope not.

Woody Harrelson was perfectly cast as Haymitch. Lenny Kravitz was a brilliant casting move. I loved him as Cinna. I look forward to seeing him more in the future installments. I'm assuming they will definitely be filming book 2 & 3. How could they not?

The only disappointment for me was the camera techniques. I'm not sure if this comes under the purview of cinematographer or director, but there were some "tricks" that distracted from the enjoyment of the movie. At some points the screen would go blurry and then back to clear. It made sense once or twice in the context of the scene. But then it became over used and just annoying. Also, the screen would go grainy. I'm not sure what that was supposed to depict, but it was completely unnecessary. Also, there would be a hand-held camera look where the action would go herky-jerky. I can understand some of that when people are running through the woods, but together with the other two aspects, I felt it was overkill. With such great acting and an excellent story, these "tricks" simply distracted me from the movie. But those were minor details that didn't take away from the movie overall.

I loved it! Now I'm anxious to see the other two books on the big screen!

Please share your thoughts of the movie. Did it live up to the book?

Suzanne Collins. MOCKINGJAY

I'm so sad it's over. Suzanne Collins is a brilliant writer. It's a large task on its own to create such a detailed fictional world, but to also create such a suspenseful, intelligent, action packed plot as well is genius. It's unforgettable, for sure.

Katniss and Peeta have survived through another game. But the ending was even more rebellious than the first and Katniss has a big surprise for her at the end. She's been rescued by the rebels to be their leader. Will she be the Mockinjay for real, as their symbol for the revolution? Does she really have much choice?

To make things more complicated, Peeta was rescued too, but by the other side. The Capitol has him. Katniss feels it's her fault because of how they were separated in the arena. She knows he's being tortured and it's all because of her. More blood on her hands.

She agrees to help the rebels, but with hope that she can save Peeta and the other remaining victors. Whether or not she can save herself is questionable. But she isn't sure she even cares anymore.

A perfect ending to an intriguing, horrifying, incredible trilogy! You must read it! I warn you that you'll want to have all three on hand. Once you begin, you won't want to stop until the end.

Of course, the trailer:

Suzanne Collins. CATCHING FIRE

After winning the Hunger Games in book one, Katniss and Peeta continue their facade of being in love. The realize that they're on thin ice because of the rebellious way they won. They continue to play the game as they travel among the districts in their victory tour. But they begin to notice little signss of unrest among the districts. And when a man gets killed because he displayed a small sign support for them, Katniss realizes that there is much more going on then she realizes.

Finally, she realizes the effect that their little stunt in the games had when the ultimate punishment is announced. The 75th anniversary of the games, called the Quarter Quell, is a special games. It calls for something unique to happen. Katniss and Peeta must compete again. The President declares that this is to symbolize that the Capitol has power over even the strongest in the districts.

This is just as suspenseful as the first book and leaves even more questions unanswered! You won't be disappointed! I don't think I can move onto another book until I've finished this trilogy!

This post wouldn't be complete without a trailer!

Suzanne Collins. THE HUNGER GAMES

I know, I know...I'm the last person on the planet to finally read THE HUNGER GAMES. Here's the deal. I ordered it for the middle school library I was at when it came out. I planned to read it, since I loved GREGOR and this new book by Collins was already receiving so much buzz in Libraryland. I even began reading it. But the whole idea of fighting to the death just turned me off. Frankly, it didn't appeal to me at all. And there are so many more books to read, that I just declined.

Since then, I've heard so many people rave about it and now it's even becoming a movie. Alas, I finally read it. And yes, it's as good as everyone says. I couldn't put it down. It kept me up at night.

For those few left who haven't read it. Here's the summary:
The setting is sometime in the future and all that's left of North America is a country called Panem. There are 12 Districts and a central district called the Capitol. Years before, the districts rebelled against the Capitol, so now to be continually punished, each district has to give up one boy and one girl to compete in the Hunger Games. The two children are chosen randomly through a drawing, called the reaping. The game itself is brutal. The contestants are put in this arena to fight to the death. The winner is then given a life of luxury and fame for the remainder of their life.

The characters and action are what made the book so appealing. Katniss is the female character. Her younger sister's name is pulled at the reaping, but she volunteers to go in her place. Peeta, the boy who is chosen, has an interesting connection to Katniss. Through the story, we learn more about Katniss's past with her hunting partner, how the death of her father transformed her life and how she may actually have the skills to win the game.

The action wasn't as gruesome as you might imagine. Although the fact the the entire world is watching the games is a little disconcerting, even more so since it's mandatory to watch. Sadly, there are elements of our current society that make the idea of watching this as entertainment not so far-fetched. What I really appreciated was the hunting and survival skills that Katniss needed to use. It reminds you of how important those skills really are when you're in life or death situations. But there were also a lot of mind games, so it was really fascinating.

Overall, it's though-provoking, moving, sad and action-packed!

If you haven't read it yet, it really is a book you won't soon forget. Now I'm really excited about the movie!

Here's a pretty cool fan-made trailer I found.