P.S. Hunger Games Film Rant

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

The movie was good. A good standalone movie. I liked how it was filmed and the scenery was spot on. Every location shown, I had imagined to look pretty much like it was in the movie. I can't help but separate this from the book, because – in my opinion – the book was better. I'll admit that I'm not a huge fan of the cast, but it worked. It worked for the film. It's just not how I imagined.

Granted, I am a very tough critic. But, when it comes to book-to-film adaptions, this was done well. Those who haven't read the books will enjoy it and be able to discuss it with those who have. The movie was straightforward and took the main parts of the book. I know it was a little over 2 hours long, but I felt like they moved too fast and the passage of time was skewed. 

I just wasn't moved by some of the things that I had been in the books. When Katniss volunteers for Prim, I felt that was well done. But, at the same time, I just – I dunno. It was good. My friend had to hold my hand through Rue's death, but the tears didn't really come until Katniss put flowers around her body and then saluted the cameras. That moment got me. But, I think – more than anything – it got me because I knew it was coming. I sobbed in the book. It's the one scene I was dreading most, probably because I had imagined it differently. I desperately wanted it to be so ... perfect. And, it was good. The dogs scared the crap out of me. When they jumped out! Bah, hate when things do that in movies. 

Also, I don't know if it was just me, but the people from the Capitol dressed really ... oddly. I had imagined that to be very different, too. I almost couldn't take them seriously. It was a little ... well, odd! Haha! Cinna was great – except for the gold eyeliner. Haymitch was great, too! Gale wasn't too present in the books, and so putting him in more shots of the movie was fantastic. (I'm a Gale fan!) Cato was brilliantly played! I wish Foxface had a little more in the movie. I really liked her character in the book. Thresh is the most badass dude ever. I freakin' loved him. And ... umm ...
I think that's it.

The books are so wonderful! I highly recommend reading them – or just the first – before seeing the movie. I try to separate the two, in my mind, because otherwise I don't know if I'd like it half as much. Again, I am a really harsh critic. And I almost always side with the books. Unless it's The Lord of the Rings. Now those – crikey – those are a masterpiece. It's just – the passage of a hero. Someone goes out on an adventure, learns things, and then comes back changed and ready to teach what he/she learned. Katniss is definitely the heroine here. But, with three books in total, I'm not sure if the movie glorified her a little too much, or just enough. I'll have to see what they do with Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

It's tough to please everyone. Especially in a book-to-film adaption. I was satisfied and content with what was presented to me. I will most likely see it again, later on (after this semester is over). I feel like I might've been a little too cynical, but that was my state of mind when seeing it. And, ultimately, these are my initial reactions. I do want people to go see it, though! It was a great movie!

Happy Reading!

- Isabel