IHOGeek @ the Movies: The Hunger Games

Six of us set out to see The Hunger Games with very different backgrounds. Some of us read the books, some of us don’t read at all, and some of us cosplayed. We aren’t saying who is who, but we will tell you that this is a movie that can appeal to anyone, no matter what knowledge they come into it with! Keep reading to find out our who’s who in reviews!

Katniss and Haymitch discuss strategy before entering the Arena.

killerrqueen

So. The Hunger Games. Coming from a fan of this franchise and a fresh 2 hour power reread the night before, I went in with low expectations as I do with everything that I enjoy making that terrible trek to film, but was pleasantly surprised. First person perspective limits books entirely too much and I was glad for the breaks from the intensity to visit the real world outside of the Arena on occasion. The characters were spot on, especially the “kids,” but at times the secondary cast seemed one dimensional. I feel like there were places that Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks and (most especially) Woody Harrelson really wanted to visit with their roles and wanted to see their interactions more, but they were limited by being simply background. Jennifer Lawrence completely immersed herself in her role and really shines as Katniss and it is very refreshing to see the girl has acting chops, since this franchise will inevitably be compared with Twilight. As is the case with books to film, things were left out. However, rather than the understandable filler chapters of larger books, this time around it was small details that got the axe. After discussing the movie with my roommate who had never read the books, things that we take for granted as readers weren’t as clear to movie-goers, most notably the whats, whys and more details were wanted about the rebellion of the Districts. Also, I feel that the loss of the Muttations at the end of the movie really took away a lot of horror at how much control the Captiol does have over everything, and could’ve quickly been explained by a short spurt of dialogue in the Gamemakers HQ and a slight revision of the mutt models. Overall, I felt that the movie was both very true to the book and a good stand alone at the same time. And totally worth cosplaying. I mean, watching.

Ladyvader99

I went into The Hunger Games hoping for the best. So many book adaptations suck ass but I’m glad to say this was faithful and all around great. Jennifer Lawrence shone throughout the film and her potrayal of Katniss was spot on. Josh Hutcherson was perfection as Peeta and easily was one my two favorite things in the entire movie. The other? Woody Harrelson’s hilarious take on past District 12 victor, Haymitch. The only thing that kept this from being an A++ film for me was the ending. I wanted Katniss to shatter Peeta’s heart but alas, my inner glee at other’s misery was not to be felt that night. Soundtrack was nothing that made me want to run out and buy it (sorry, Taylor Swift), however I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of gore allowed for a PG-13 movie.

Katniss giving the District 12 respect to District 11 on screen.

NestoRox

I have not read the books and felt lost when watching the movie. Overall, it was alright. I think the movie was geared more to the fans of the book. The movie could of used some clarification on the whole “girl scout” hand gesture. Also, what was up with the Close Encounters of the Third Kind whistle? That is what it sounded like to me. In the end, I would prefer to see Battle Royale.

Deadrabbit92

Love triangle?

The Hunger Games is one of the most solid book adaptations that I’ve had the pleasure to not be disappointed by. Even when it inexplicably deviated from the books, the film’s casting made up for a great deal of these little changes. I’d have to say that my favorite part of the movie was either any one Capitol scenes (which were visually disturbing as well as being spot on from the books) or Jennifer Lawrence’s performance as Katniss. Unfortunately, the movie was a little too true to the books in the annoyingly long and boring “love scenes” that seemed thrown in just to appeal to the young adult audience. Peeta’s seemingly limitless cuteness made up for a lot but I think the Peeta/Katniss exchanges could have been done with a lot less drag. Though if the book couldn’t accomplish that, perhaps it’s not fair to expect it of the film. In addition, the film’s soundtrack bordered on disappointing. Looking to follow the trend of best selling Twilight soundtracks, the music failed to live up with the vampire series’ tracks and was largely forgettable. I’d like to close with a little attention paid to the cornucopia. In my theater atleast, there was a collective noise of relief and clarity when the structure was revealed. Apparently everyone else had as much trouble picturing it as I did. It does seem I can balance out any flaw that I found with the film with a positive :) Go see this movie!

Crabacca

I was pleasantly surprised by the movie, which is a bit rare these days when novels are interpreted on the big screen. Often there is too much in the book to convey in the allotted time on screen; however, The Hunger Games managed to cover most points relatively easy. Still, there were some things left out that I think hurt the story. Personally, I felt the relationship between Rue and Katniss could have been fleshed out more. One thing the movie did do that the book couldn’t, was show Haymitch working to get Katniss what she needed during the Games. I really wanted to see this part of the story in the book, as well as the reactions around the Districts to the Games themselves! The book, however, is written in first perspective. So although it wasn’t the “perfect” reflection of the book, it was still an amazing film!

Brittzkrieg

I love the books. I really love the books. And I love the movie. Even if there were talkative 12 year old in front of me. I can completely understand why the purists are flipping out over some things being changed. But that being said, had the changes not been made, the movie would have taken forever. Most likely, the violence and scary factors (Muttations and the like) would have raised the rating level, thereby eliminating the largest movie going factor for the film. Also, I loved dressing up as the bad guy. Yes, there were a billion tweens in line. But only one overdressed villain. (P.S. – Jennifer Lawrence could ave used a more sunken cheek look to be from such a food deprived area.)