Released: 2012
Genre: Action, Dram, Sci-Fi
Length: 142mins = 2hrs 22mins.
Synopsis:
In a dystopian future, the totalitarian nation of Panem is divided between 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal retribution for a past rebellion, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors while the citizens of Panem are required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives.
My Thoughts & Summary:
We all know the story. And the Synopsis is wonderful, so I'm going right into my thoughts of the movie.
It's going to be hard to be partial with reading and enjoying the book so much, and movies just never match up in my mind. That being said, I truly enjoyed the movie! It showcased Katniss so well. I was wondering how that would work being the book was written from her view. It was made to look easy. Yes, we got views that are not in the book, but these helped explain what was going on to the viewers.
The movie had a little bit of a slow start for me, and the husband agreed (he had not read the books). But once the lottery happened, things picked up. I will say, in comparison to the book, about half the book was build up for the characters and poor world Katniss lived in. That was all done quickly, and shown through out the movie.
Then we move to the Capitol. It is just as I pictured! Wonderfully done! With all the bright colors and smiling, happy faces. Wow! And Katniss' trials and interviews before the actual games, nicely shown. This is what I wanted to see, end enjoyed the view!
The characters... I wanted more from Haymitch. I think Woody Harrelson was a wonderful pick for Haymitch, and could do more with the character, but I felt he was kind of minimized. I wanted to see him, and not like him. And see more of the clashing with Katniss. I liked that Gale was shown, and got the feel from him I did in the book. And the growing connection with Peeta...same feel I got from the book. lol. Another character I wanted to see more connection with was Cinna, but that will probably show more in Catching Fire. Rue! Oh my. Still brought tears to my eyes. Loved the whole scene!
I felt there were a few things that weren't related very well on the screen. The big one to me was the way the districts were forced to watch the games. I didn't get that feel from the movie. And the way Katniss gets the Mockingjay pin is changed. It's a tiny change. It's okay.
The games. They stuck rather, RATHER close to the actual happenings in the book. And this I'm ecstatic about! This was so well done. And made wonderfully for teens to see. You know there are kids dying, being killed. But you never see the gore. The few times Katniss has to kill, it's in self defense or a mercy kill. And none of them are bloody. Well done!
My family enjoyed seeing it. The men were pleased. Husband was happy with it too, slow to start for him, a few things I had to clarify; why so many times in lottery and others not, but got the gist of it all. Kid enjoyed it! And he read the book.
So much more I could say. And I could go on comparing to the book. But overall, I really enjoyed seeing this one, and seeing the book on the big screen.
So, go see the movie!
(I can't embed the trailer, it's blocked from giving the code. So I have a link to it.)
http://youtu.be/4S9a5V9ODuY
I'm only on the second book but I enjoyed the book so much I wish there had been more in the movie. I know thedy can only do so much but they could have easily done a few scenes or showed more emotion.
ReplyDeleteI think the hard part about making this into a movie was the POV was all Katniss and that doesn't relate well to the screen. But it was done well, just yes, I would have liked more emotions too.
DeleteInteresting to read your thoughts on this one. We are getting such mixed reviews here in the UK. What surprises me is the number of reports of young people walking out saying the film is too graphic. Not a book I've read nor a film I'll see at the cinema though I probably will hire it when its available on DVD.
ReplyDeleteWow. Petty Witter, I am surprised to hear about the younger crowd thinking to graphic. It seems to be no worse than a lot of what is on the television these days. That is interesting to hear. Thank you for stopping by, and when you see it on DVD I do hope you enjoy it.
DeleteMy daughter wants to see this, but I still haven't decided. I never read the books.
ReplyDeleteCarol. That is a tough choice. My son read Hunger Games and part of Catching Fire. So he knew what he was going in for. It really wasn't that bad. But that is up to you. :) thank you!
DeleteI don't know whether I want to watch it. Maybe. I liked the book but there's been too much hype concerning the movie which made me think it must be somehow worse.
ReplyDeleteAnachronist, I have to agree with you about the Hype. I tried to not get caught up with it, but I think I had extremely high expectations too. But it still is a very good movie. And then there is that fact I read the book and keep comparing in my mind, that doesn't help. lol. Thank you!
DeleteI am waiting for the DVD....movies are just too darn expensive
ReplyDeleteOh Blodeuedd! I know! I can't believe the prices of movies then the snacks! Gaa! Don't get me started. lol. Hope you enjoy it when you get to see it.
DeleteI still need to read the books! I want to read them before I see the movie, but I will see the movie too!!
ReplyDeleteMelissa (Books&Things) - Well, you have a little time to read the books before comes out in dvd. ;) Hope you enjoy!
DeleteI plan to go see Hunger Games this weekend :)
ReplyDeleteOh Cherry, I do hope you enjoyed Hunger Games! :D
DeleteI haven't read the books so I couldn't compare to them. at first it was difficult for me to get into the movie, I thought it was strange to see how it was filmed. But finally I really enjoy it, it's a nice movie. I don't know yet if I'll read the second one, but I'm curious now.
ReplyDeleteMelliane - I thought the start was slow. It is really great to hear thoughts from someone who hasn't read the book yet. :) Thank you!!
DeleteHey, we posted about the Hunger Games on he same day!
ReplyDeleteAnyhoo - I loved the movie as well. Jennifer Lawrence was great but I thought physically she was a bit too statuesque to be Katniss, as Katniss was described as being smaller. She and Peeta's "romance" was more ambiguous in the movie whereas in the book, for most of the time it was clear that Katniss was playing up to the camera. There were quite a few behind the scenes which probably addressed issues in the second or third books.
StephanieD - I'll have to stop by to see what you said about Hunger Games. :D
DeleteI have to agree with the Peeta romance thing. It wasn't explained very well about her getting the bread and what he did for her. In the book it was played out much better. But, we'll see how it works in Catching Fire on screen too. ;D Thankyou!!
I agree that the movie was good. Do you watch True blood? I have rumored that Jason Stackhouse is going to be in the next one!
ReplyDeleteMichelle @ Oh! For the Love of Books, Really!?! Oh, I haven't watched True Blood, that that is cool to hear. :) Thank you!
DeleteMy family really loved this book and enjoyed the movie adaptation as well. I'm with you on Cinna, I had hope to see more of him but I figured it's a lot to cram a whole book in to 2.5 hours heh. The Capitol was fabulous! All the brilliant colors and dang near exactly how I had pictured it.
ReplyDeleteZia, so glad to see you enjoyed it as well. :) I know it's hard after reading the book to not compare, but I still thought the movie was well done. And yes! The Capitol looked as I thought as well. :) Thank you!
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