The Hunger Games

Happy Hunger Games! Yes I went and stood in line to see the 12:01am showing of The Hunger Games. I may or may not have dressed up....ok I totally did! I was Katniss, my friend Amy was Peeta, and her friends were Effie and Haymitch! I must say I had a blast running around the movie theater shooting my suction cup bow and arrows! I was the only person that brought a Bow and Arrow, I felt dedicated! You should also know that it's 3:15 am and I have been up since 7:45......basically I'm really tired and a little crazy! You have been warned!

Anyways lets get right to the movie! I did read all of The Hunger Games series before I saw the movie. I purposely didn't re-read the book right before because all you can think about are the things they left out of the movie. The basic story is this, the setting is in the future and the capitol is Panem. There was once a rebellion and after it was crushed the 12 districts must have a boy and a girl between the ages of 12-18 to fight to the death in The Hunger Games. It's the governments way of still having control over the 12 districts. These children are sacrificed for a live television audience for entertainment.

The movie was a little slow in the middle but that might have been because I knew what was coming, so I was ready for the next scene. There is a bunch of hand held camera scenes that are suppose to make the audience feel connected to the character. I did not mind most of it except at the end when it was hard to see the final fight.

The casting was perfect! We have the Oscar Nominee Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. She is our leading lady, she is skilled with a bow and is willing to sacrifice her own life for her little sisters. Jennifer is so true and real to the emotions of the character that you forget you are watching a movie. One of the best actresses of our time. We also have the charming and charismatic Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark our fellow district 12 tribute with Katniss. He is such a sincere character and Josh plays him so naturally. It's seems like Josh and the Character are one in the same. Woody Harrelson play Haymitch, a former district 12 winner of The Hunger Games. His character is dirty, low, and willing to do anything to block out his thoughts. At the same time Woody brings this real pain and understanding but it is done so suttelly that it feels so true. He brings an honesty to the character that we don't see in the book. There is also a stunning cast of Liam Hemsworth, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Elizabeth Banks, and Donald Sutherland.

The movie follows the book pretty well. ok here are some spoilers below. This is where I am going to talk about the differences between the book and the movie....you have been warned!

SPOILERS

Ok so number one in the book the cave scene is a little different. In the film it is done much quicker but there is so much heart in it. There isn't any of that making out pretending to be in love crap. There is one breath taking kiss that had everyone SWOON in the theater. It's almost like you could tell Peeta was in love with Katniss but you are not really sure what she feels. In the book it is a little clearer that she has some confusing feelings about him. You really don't see that in the movie.

Also a few little things, we see alot more of what was going on behind the scenes. In the book it was only from her perspective but the movie we see Haymitch trying to get sponsors, we have President Snow talking to Seneca, we see the upraising in District 11 after the death of Rue, and we see what is going a on a bit with District 12.

Oh also the ending is a little different. Katniss never has damage to her ear and Peeta does not lose his leg. We see him get the leg bit but as far as we know he still has it. Also it doesn't end with Peeta so angry like it did in the book. The movie ends with Peeta understanding that things should go back to normal and they should just forget. Peeta tells Katniss that he doesn't want to forget any of it. That's the moment you can tell he is in love with her and she is taking it for granted. The movie leaves you on the edge of your seat. We will all be ready for Catching Fire.

Over all a really good movie with out of this world costume and set designs. The acting is some of the best I have seen in a long time. All of the actors bring so much heart and life into their characters. The movie does have a bit of blood but nothing you can't handle! May the odds be ever in your favor!

Action: DUH
Romance: Not really
Blood: Some

Over all: A-