snapdragon76 ◾ Movie Review: The Hunger Games (Reply)

So. Went and saw The Hunger Games today. Went with mom, my co-worker, her two twin daughters and one of their boyfriends. I knew I was seeing this as soon as I saw the very first trailer. Even before that even.

So, onto the review.

First thing, trailers.

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. For me, this is a must see. I mean, it totally looks kickass and awesome

Dark Shadows. Loved it. Mom also loved it. I think we're gonna see this one for sure. People keep bitching that it's "too funny" and all that jazz. Those people need to lighten up. Even the show never took itself too seriously.

What To Expect When You're Expecting. This one looks pretty funny, actually. But, it could be a case of Never Trust A Trailer

And finally, a teaser for Breaking Dawn Part Two. I wanted Bella to sparkle SO BAD in the trailer. Hopefully we can see it in the actual movie. Creeper!Bella was kinda awesome.

The movie itself:

OK, I gotta say, Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss is pitch perfect. I know a lot of people were complaining she was "too old." She's only 21 people. She was probably closer to 20 when she made the movie. It's not too far physically from 16. I've know actors a LOT older who played teenagers. Give. It. A. Rest.

District 12 looked very similar to what a lot of rural area looked like during the Great Depression, which made a lot of sense. It is the poorest district and mostly coal miners, which isn't a very lucrative profession even today.

OK, one minor nitpick I have is that Buttercup the cat isn't yellow. He kinda needs to be yellow in order for his name to make sense. Prim named him Buttercup because he's yellow like the flower. Meh...

You can definitely feel the anxiety during the Reaping. I mean, it makes sense considering that their children are going off to their deaths.

Effie is so awesome.

Didn't have the mayor's daughter give Katniss the Mockingjay pin like in the book. One of the girls I was with mentioned this afterward and that it plays an important part in later books. I guess we'll see how they handle it in the other movies. Catching Fire is due in November 2013.

Everyone should have an older sister like Katniss...

I liked how Peeta looked like he was about to be sick when they called his name. I mean, it is pretty scary having your named called knowing you're going to your death.

It's interesting how we get POV shots of Katniss getting on the train to the Capitol.

Introduction to Haymitch. You'd be a drunk too probably if you were a survivor of the Games.

LOL, Katniss and the knife in the table. I loved how Effie was all, "THAT'S MAHOGANY!!"

LOL, at the crazy Capitol fashions.

CINNA!!! Lenny Kravitz was amazing as Cinna. I loved his understated performance. And his gold eyeshadow, of course.

Mom said she liked Seneca's beard. He does have a pretty awesome beard.

The part where Katniss shoots the apple out of the mouth of the roast pig was pretty awesome I gotta say...

During the interview, I knew there were sequins on the pleats of her dress, but I didn't know there'd be a fire effect. Amazing.

Awww, Peeta.

I loved how Jennifer conveyed Katniss' fear as she was going to the tube up to the arena. She was actually SHAKING with fear. I totally would be too.

I liked the shaky cam effect that was used in some scenes, especially after Katniss was stung by the tracker jackers. It showed how the venom affected her in a neat way.

Awww, Rue. She's so adorable. I liked how her and Katniss teamed up.

Heeeeere come the tears. While I got wibbly during Rue's actual death scene, I totally lost it when Katniss looked to the cameras and did the three finger salute and District 11 returned it. I know a riot happened, but I couldn't see much due to my tears. Only cemented by Katniss herself losing it. Rue probably reminded her a lot of Prim, which is why she was so affected by her death.

Nice to see Peeta's camouflage skills came in very handy. Nice job, Peeta.

I know there's this "love triangle" between Katniss, Gale and Peeta, but I have to say I have a large soft spot for Peeta. I mean, he may have grown up in relative comfort due to his family being merchants, but his mother treated him terribly and he was probably very lonely growing up. And knowing what he goes through in future books only cements my affection for him.

I loved the cave scenes. You kinda can't tell if they're acting for the cameras, or if real affection is growing between them. Katniss herself isn't so sure I think. I need to check the book again...

The odds certainly were in Katniss' favor.

President Snow is not happy. Not at all. and it's interesting that he takes some of his frustrations out on Seneca... buy having him commit suicide by poison berries. I think that was the most merciful way out. It could've been MUCH worse.

I probably left some stuff out, but I took a nap when I got home and my thoughts aren't all organized much anymore. But, I'd see this again (as would my mom, and she knew NOTHING about the story going in).