So, how was the Hunger Games? According to statistics about the past opening weekend, tickets resulted in $155 million in sales. So that’s pretty good, as it tripled Twilight’s first sales, and closely followed Harry Potter and Dark Knight.
I loved it. Yes, I’ve read all the books and yes it has minor changes like all books turned movies do. But this book was made to rock the screen. The reasons being that Suzanne Collins, the author worked for years in television, and that the book was probably made with the screen in mind. Her other works include my favorite Clarissa Explains it All (yes it was an amazing show wasn’t it?). You can tell her perspective from the behind the scenes look at the game-show crossed with reality TV Hunger Games Event, as well as the inside politics of the game-makers, stylists, and mentors. The movie is even more action packed than the book so even teens can tear themselves away from their cellphones to be fully engrossed in the two and a half hour movie.
The amazing costumes of the Capital are great: weird, colorful and an expression of a vapid populace. Effie Trinket, portrayed by Elizabeth Banks, was better than I could have ever imaged. She’s the one in the pink and purple hair and outfits. I loved the scene with Katniss and Peeta when they parade in their flaming costumes. I also loved that Lenny Kravitz played Cinna, I thought he gave the role an extra depth. Also I enjoy the contrast between Gail–who looks like the typical strong jawed teen hunk–and Peeta, who is sleek haired and looks more like the guy you would never realize has had a crush on you your whole life. Katniss herself is beautiful in a natural, dignified way, and an actress who got me crying more than one time. I was really impressed how mature her character was, and glad that held from the book.
Ok so what got cut? The books are written in first person from the perspective huntress Katniss Everdeen, and include her musings on her father’s death, her shaky relationship with her Mother, her opinions of the other residents in her district, her knowledge of woodland plants and animals, etc. etc. Needless to say, everything from her home is simplied, and the explanations of her father’s death are explicated in artsy flashbacks that wouldn’t make a lot of sense without reading the book.
President Snow is totally different from how I pictured him–he has white snow yes, but I pictured more of a creepy snake eyed man (maybe sort of Voldemort like). Donald Sutherland is great, he looks like a man I can trust, not one who freaks me out. And where is his rose? He is depicted in his rose garden in one scene, but the everpresent rose in his lapel is noticeably missing.
Even with these minor changes, I had a great time. I would recommend this movie to those who love the books and to those who’ve never read them alike.
