I've never done a movie review before, but I decided to make an exception for The Hunger Games movie because it was SO AMAZING (and it was based off the awesome book series, which makes it definitely book-related). I went to see it on opening night and had to wait over an hour to get it, but it was so completely worth it. I'd do it all over again if I had to! ;)
(And don't worry, this is all SPOILER FREE!)
First off, I have to start with the cast. When they first announced the actors playing each of these characters, I have to admit that I wasn't thrilled. I didn't hate any of them, but they just didn't fit how I pictured the cast in my head. But now I don't think that anyone could've played these characters like they did!
Jennifer Lawrence is a very subtle actor, and that's what made her so great and Katniss so real.I can't believe I doubted her for a second! Liam Hemsworth as Gale was a great match (even if he didn't have many lines — but hey, you can tell these things!); Wooly Harrison played Haymitch's irritating-arrogance-that-somehow-makes-you-love-him perfectly (although a lot more sober); and Elizabeth Banks as Effie had to be one of my favourite things! (She offered comic relief in those tense times with her ridiculouslness!)
And I have to admit that my friends and I used to harbor huge crushes on Josh Hutcherson when he starred in Bridge to Terabithea, and he did an even better job as Peeta in this book! He was charming and sweet and absolutely adorable, which is just how I pictured him in the books.
Isn't the Capitol fashion awesome? x)
Admittedly, the movie did cut out some scenes from the books that I wish had been included — like the fact that Madge wasn't in the movie, Peeta's dad didn't visit Katniss before she left, etc. — but that's only to be expected since they had to compress 374 pages of awesomeness into a 142 minute film.
But the movie still stayed very true to the books! There are no grand surprises — like making one of the guy characters into a girl or something, which would've been really strange — and it's almost as if Suzanne Collins was sitting right next door while they were filming it.
The characters, the scenery, the districts, the Capitol, the TECHNOLOGY (holy wow, was the technology of the games so cool to see!)... They were all interpreted in an awesome way! :)
Isn't President Snow creepy?
If I had to rate it? Undoubtedly 5 out of 5 beautiful stars! It didn't disappoint one bit, and if you haven't seen the movie yet, then you should definitely make time to go soon. It's definitely one of the best books-to-movies out there!
And if you haven't read the books yet, then I think I might have to sit you down and force-read them to you. Seriously! This series is one of my absolute favourites and it's probably going to stay that way for a really long time! ;)
(You're probably tired of the hype about it now haha, but I wholeheartedly believe that the hype is all well-deserved!)
Have you watched the movie yet? What did you think of it? Did it live up to the books for you? What was your favourite part?
Do you think you could survive The Hunger Games? :)
-Mimi
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JENNIFER LAWRENCE! My gosh, that girl is truly amazing. I admit, I did have some minor concerns over her and Liam when they were first announced (although most disappeared when the first promo photo's came out) but wow... I can't imagine anyone else pulling off the role with the talent Jennifer did. She is truly a star. And I loved the chemistry between her and Liam, I really bought it! I love love loved Haymitch and Effie! THAT IS MAHONGANY! hahaha. Her delivery was perfect. Every single actor was just SPOT. ON.
ReplyDeleteI thought everything in District 12 and the Capitol was perfection. I did wish a few things were different/expanded upon in the games... I adored the actress who played Rue, but I didn't get as emotional over her as I did in the books (still teary, though!). And I wished for a tiny bit more suspense and... well, it makes me so like the capitol to say, but more violence in the games. And I'd have like to see a struggle with the food/water. But really, that's just me nitpicking. I LOVED the movie as a whole and it's by far, my favourite book-movie adaptation to date! Can you imagine how incredible Catching Fire is going to be?! *Squee!* So excited to see Finnick casting!
It is definitely worthy of the hype and the huge numbers it's raking it at the box office! I think my favourite part would have to be the reaping. It's just so well executed and EMOTIONAL *sob* And I kinda loved Katniss' reaction to Peeta after the interview :D And the berries! And hahaha Peeta's camouflage. And Katniss/Gale scenes (though I'm Team Peeta all the way, I just really believed in the chemistry). And.. yeah, okay, can I list all the scenes? :D
Fab review, Mimi!! I need to go see this again! And again. And again. And why is CF so far away?!
Oh.. I didn't realise how long my comment was... haha.
DeleteI saw it on Friday, and I thought it was great! I was so wrapped up in the movie (and it's been awhile since I read the books) that I forgot some one the stuff that was left out completely! I thought they did a great job staying true to the book, and the casting was fabulous! I can't wait for Catching Fire
ReplyDeleteI think J. Law is an amazing actress. I love how bubbly and fun she is in real life, which is such a contrast from Katniss! I bet Elizabeth Banks had a blast as Effie (THAT WAS MAHOGANY! MANNERS.) but I can't imagine being in her costume for so long. Speaking of costumes, HOW AMAZING WERE THEY? So detailed and off-kilter and really unique. It really did stay true to the book, I think it makes sense that I saw Suzanne Collins' name attached to the screenplay and such! I can't wait until Catching Fire. FINNICK! ♥
ReplyDeleteAND HAHAHAHA NO, I DEFINITELY WOULD NOT SURVIVE! This e-card sums it up perfectly.
Fantastic movie review Mimi! I went to go see it this weekend too and loved it as much as you. The scenery and costumes were just what I imagined when reading the book - I couldn't look away. The cast was definitely picked perfectly, and I think Peeta was my favorite of the bunch! I am so looking forward to see what they do with Catching Fire - it's going to be incredible!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing and have a great Monday! <3<3<3
The Hunger Games rocked! The best book to adaprtion ever! But the book still kicks ass! I not saying the movie wasn't great but I'm sorry you can never beat the book. I heart that book so hard!
ReplyDeleteJennifer Lawrence is gorgeous! I'm a Gale girl but I LOVE actor Josh. Seriously, when did he go from cute to woah! He gained 19 pounds for the movie, that's craptastic!
It was such fun seeing the movie as I went to see it with my bestie who I got addicted to the books (go me!). During certain parts, we looked at each other, because it just SO so so you know...! Woah. Especally during those Peeta scenes. Our hearts swoon muchly!
Ceasar, Haymitch, Cinna really stood out and played the roles perfectly. Oh, and Effie. She was SO crazy but fit the bill perfectly.
LOVE the picture of all the actors, they all look so beautiful and lovely, and celan and SANE! As soon as I saw this picture I posted on twitter the image along with, What a lovely gang they make when their not killing each other!
Fab review! I really would love to see it again, I've heard it's better the second time round! *rings up friend*
<3
OMG!!! So jealous! Hubby and I were going to go see it on Sunday, and our plans got interrupted!!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a FABULOUS review, Mimi! Jennifer Lawrence definitely makes Oscar-worthy performance in the movie! Oh, and the Josh Hutcherson? He's such a swoon material!! His act in Bridge to Terabithia is definitely FANTASTIC, and he only proves once again that he's one of the most talented young actors! x)
ReplyDeleteThe makeup, the sound effect, the wardrobe... everything in the movie is perfect! ♥ I keep feeling the need to buy a basket of Hunger Games book, tied it with a ribbon and a white rose, and pass it to people passing by! Everyone needs to know how awesome Hunger Games is! xD
Amazing movie review, Mimi! I think you put everything I want to say about the movie! Thanks for sharing! <3
I actually really enjoyed the movie despite my skepticism about Peeta. Stanley Tucci was probably my favorite character for his delightful over the topness and comedic timing. The biggest surprise was how short the movie felt. Usually I start to get antsy if a movie is longer than 90 minutes but I was held rapt and couldn't believe it was over-I probably could have watched an even longer movie!
ReplyDeleteGreat! I'll see it tomorrow well without reading the book but I'm really curious to learn more about the story. I'm glad you loved it, I hope it will be the same for me.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more Mimi! I thought this was a spectacular adaptation, all the actors did a beautiful job and really brought the story to life without changing unnecessary things or twisting the story into something it never was. I adored Donald Sutherland as President Snow - he was just so understated and it made him all the more powerful I think. Can't wait to see what he does in the next movies!
ReplyDeleteAaaah Mimi, I wish I could say I felt the same as you. Perhaps I'm too old and too critical. I rated the film adaption a B+, but then again, like you I wasn't thrilled with some of the cast at first, and after watching the film, I still felt the same. *sighs*
ReplyDeleteEveryone seems to be thrilled with Elizabeth Banks as Effie. I'm not quite sure when I'll get to see the movie, but I've been advised not to reread the book before I do (which I totally intended to do). I'm very excited about it and so happy that the movie seems to be breaking all records at the box office.
ReplyDeleteI always liked Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss even though I was a bit worried that she's too pretty at first, like, distractingly pretty. But I'm glad it turned out really well, and most of all, I'm glad you had fun watching it. Thank you for the wonderful review, darling. Since I can't see the movie yet, this is defintiely the next best thing.
Overall I thought it was a great adaptation too. There were a few things I wish they had spent more time on. Honestly I don't know why they don't just make movies as long as they needto be. The fans will sit through them ie: Titanic, LOTR trilogy. I wish Haymitch was Haymitch. That they had done the true version of the Mockingjay pin, and that they would have injected more sincerity in her budding feelings for Peeta. I did love Cinna and Peeta and Rue. The Rue scene broke my heart. They should have included the bread parachute from District 11 though. Buy anywho, overall I did love it and I'll be seeing it again. Glad you enjoyed it so much!
ReplyDeleteMust see it now and soon!!! I didn't have time to go to the theaters now, but I can't wait to see it myself.. I heard amazing things about the movie and I can't wait to see how they translated the book and if I love it as much as you did!!!! Fantastic Review, makes me want to go to the movies right now!
ReplyDeletehaha I wouldn't have survived for sure :P :P
ReplyDeleteAnd I totally agree with you! The movie was just amazing! So happy you liked it Mimi! And the tecnology was brilliant!! I loved it :) <3 <3
Amazing review Mimi <3
SAVING MY SPOT! I can't read your review yet (*goes cry in a corner*) but I'm saving my spot so in April 20th, when I'll have already watched it, I can reply and tell you my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSunny kisses from Spain~ ♥ I hope your Monday started off really well! Mine certainly did, I finished reading The Immortal Rules!! O-M-G.
I absolutely LOVED this movie esp Peeta! Josh Hutcherson really did a great job playing Peeta. It was so genuine. My favorite part was when Katniss scolded him for picking Nightlock and he was so confused! I could watch that scene over and over!!!
ReplyDeletehere's my review http://ariannecruz07.blogspot.com/2012/03/movie-review-hunger-games.html
Lol, please sit me down and force me to read books 2 and 3, Mimi! I still haven't gotten around to them. I haven't watched the movie yet but when the cast was first announced, I wasn't super thrilled with it either. I'm looking forward to seeing how good of a job they do. Great first movie review, Mimi :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you enjoyed the movie!! I love the photos you included with this review. Tomorrow I am going with my kids (they're all adults, actually) and I am the only one to have read the books! That'll be interesting!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed the movie, Mimi! I adore Josh Hutcherson in everything he's done (my faves: Little Manhattan, Terabithia, The Kids are All Right) so I knew he'd be just perfect as Peeta. I loved Amanda as Rue and Stanley as Caesar and Elizbeth as Effie, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm very disappointed they cut out a bunch of things, including many of the scenes that were so important with Rue--but overall, I thought they did a great job, too. :) Now we just have to wait for the next one!
Wendy @ The Midnight Garden
"When they first announced the actors playing each of these characters, I have to admit that I wasn't thrilled. I didn't hate any of them, but they just didn't fit how I pictured the cast in my head."
ReplyDeleteMIMI! YES! EXACTLY! Instead, I LOVED IT.
Jen was such a wonderful Katniss, Elizabeth Banks as Effie was hilarious, and Woody Harrelson's Haymitch was AWESOME! I LOVED Stanley Tucci as Ceasar, but Ruuuuue. Oh my goodness, I LOVED Rue. She's an angel. PERFECT.
AND DONALD SUTHERLAND AS PRESIDENT SNOWWWW!!! Perfect! MIMI! SO GLAD YOU LIKED IT!
Would I survive the Hunger Games? Err... not a chance.
Your review could be my review, Mimi. :) I cried and cried - and with Rue, I sobbed. I was so HAPPY and OVERWHELMED - eeeeee still am! - that this book is REALLY a movie, and that we're getting to see it all play out on the silver screen.
ReplyDeleteGale is perfect, and once again, just like in the books, oops, that's the sound of my heart already breaking for Gale/Katniss. Peeta's eyes should be blue, BUT, I love Josh's Peeta. And Jennifer is an amazing Katniss. Amazing. I also loved Lenny as Cinna and Elizabeth Banks as Effie. I wasn't won over by Haymitch, but argueably, Woody Harrelson did a great job. It's my bad for wanting Robert Downey Jr to play Haymitch. :D
Overall I had some quibbles - I thought P/K would have been more rattled at the end, and more cuddly during their exit interview. I wish Madge had been in the movie. I hated the jerky/fast camera work during the Cornucopia scenes. BUT I MEAN. Otherwise, it was perfect.
And Gale.
Oh.
Gale.
*Swoooooons*
Can it be time for Catching Fire now?
Your review is so perfect, Mimi! I wish they included a few scenes as well. And, like you, I was hesitant with the cast as first, but now, I love every single one of them to death! Lenny and Jennifer really got that chemistry on screen, like Cinna and Katniss did in the book. And Josh Hutcherson? Who DOESN'T have a crush on him? That boy is so adorable! The movie was very true to the book, and was sooo well done. Fabulous review, Mimi! <3
ReplyDeleteI was totally not expecting to like the movie as much as I did, but I was very pleasantly surprised! I'll definitely be buying the DVD when it comes out!
ReplyDeleteI doubt wether I could survive the Hunger Games, maybe only from intuition, because I believe I'd never kill anybody- maybe I'd be able to wait it out and win that way- I think I'm like Foxface in that and Katniss in her scavenging!
ReplyDeleteI adored the film! Massive HG fan!
Romi.x
Oh my god! I just watched it yesterday and WOW. It was amazing! It shocked since it was so true to the books... I so agree with everything you say! I loved everything about it actually and I'm usually not a fan of the book-to-movie thing at all. o: Fantastic review. Fantastic cast. Fantastic movie... LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteI replied to your comment if u want to take a look :)
ReplyDeletehttp://ariannecruz07.blogspot.com/2012/03/movie-review-hunger-games.html?showComment=1332871841207#c2866885844113069562
I have not seen this movie yet but the cast looks amazing and President Snow looks really mad, he is definitely giving her a chilling look. Great movie review, I liked all the pics you picked for your review (omg that rhymed LOL).
ReplyDeleteOH MY GOODNESS, MIMI! I JUST WATCHED THIS LIKE 2 DAYS AGO, AND I WAS COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY BY HOW INCREDIBLY FANTASTIC IT WAS<3333 I actually didn't have many thoughts on the cast when it was first announced. I mean, I had NO IDEA who Jennifer Lawrence was back then but when I saw the pics from the shooting, I thought "Hmmm...she actually DOES look like Katniss!" & as for Liam..well...I've had a crush on him even since I saw him in The Last Song so I guess I was sorta excited for him. And I had NO IDEA who Josh Hutcherson was either! Sooo...overall it was more of a 'meh' reaction to the cast :S
ReplyDeleteBUTTTT! AFTER WATCHING IT, I HAVE TO SAY: THEY WERE FANTASTIC<333 I wouldn't want ANYONE to replace them! I don't think I've ever watched a movie with such a PERFECT cast! I also felt that Haymitch and Effie were portrayed FABULOUSLY as well! Seriously..that was pretty much how I imagined Haymitch<3
Ohhh...I'd LOVE to go on about how much I absolutely ADORE Katniss's character/Jennifer's acting but welll...I can probably write a whole essay on that..soo I'll just save it for some other time. But basically, JENNIFER LAWRENCE WAS PERFECT AS KATNISS!!!
As for the scenes which they cut out...personally...I found the movie stayed VERY TRUE to the books - when I watched it, I actually didn't notice any major changes, until after the screening, and my friend was like..'yeahh..they cut out 'this part' and 'that part'". But I really didn't notice! I'll blame it on my poor memory, but it was definitely filmed so well that I forgot all about the scenes that were cut-out!
Oh gosh, I freaking LOVEDDDDDD the TECHNOLOGY! (seriously, I was utterly AMAZED at how they created the um...'arena'? (I forgot if that's the word..but basically how they controlled the scenery & animals inside the dome) AND ALSO THE CAPITOL! Seriously, it was done PERFECTLY<333
Yesssss! I would totally give this a 5/5 or 10/10!!!! BEST BOOK-TO-MOVIE EVERR<3
I LOVE THIS MOVIE. Oh my gosh Mimi I can't even begin to tell you. I was literally BLOWN AWAY by the incredible achievement that is this film - and I went in with VERY high expectations. I agree with this review sooo much! I wasn't even bothered by the itsy bitsy things they left out, cuz it was such a small amount of stuff and not even that important. It was seriously perfect the way it was and can I just say...JOSH WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D lol
ReplyDeleteGreat review, dear! :D
If I were in the Hunger Games, I think I passed away like those guys/girls in the first seconds :p Haha, I'm a total sucker when it comes to survival, that's why I love Katniss so much in the movie. She is almost everything I am not and I can still identify myself with her.
ReplyDeleteThe cast was AMAZING. I especially loved Haymitch: that actor is a genious :)
I've started to read the books right after it, for the first time.. Jup, I became hooked after the movie, because the books.. I don't know, there was something that made me forget out the books. The movie was the final push and now I'm totally sucked into the story.
Best movie I've seen so far this year and I do watch a lot of movies.