(source: dguides.com)

First up!  The winners of two recent blog giveaways!  Winning the copy of Jody Hedlund’s new book The Doctor’s Lady is Justine!  And the winner from the Life List Club Milestone Party and receiver of an iTunes Gift Card and blog swap is Bethany Wiggins!  Congratulations Ladies!!

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I did it.  I saw The Hunger Games movie.  My weekend was a little more fulfilling knowing I had the inside scoop on all things Katniss Everdeen!

Katniss played by 2010 Oscar nominee (for her role in Winter’s Bone) Jennifer Lawrence, was amazing as the renegade heroine.  I really thought Lawrence did an awesome job embodying Katniss’ struggles throughout the competition.  Her leading men, Gale, played by Aussie actor Liam Hemsworth and Peeta, played by Josh Hutcherson were also good pics for their role.

Now for the Guts:

The fact is I am an adamant proponent of seeing the film first!  I know, I know, many of you are gasping for air right now.  But that’s the way I do it.  I see the film, and then if I really like it, it makes me want to read the book.

Here’s why:  When you see the film and then read the book, you like the changes, it’s exciting, you learn more, the characters are developed.  But do it in reverse, and you come out disappointed, because the book is always better!

So what did I think of the film version of The Hunger Games?  I liked it a lot!  I really did. However, it’s incredibly difficult to fit as much backstory and symbolism and characters as are in the book into a 2+ hour movie.  They did a great job!  But I came out thinking the book is so much better.

The Pros of the Games:

1.  Effie Trinket’s Make Up – I will make this look happen, just you wait!

(source: hungergamestrilogy.net)

(source: ifc.com)

(source: hggirlonfire.com)

2.  The Arena – Great set work using the woods and intense shots during the fire scene and battles.  *Note:  try to avoid sitting too close to the screen, the theater was packed when we went and we got a little motion sickness.

3.  The Romance – For those of you speculating that this is just another Twilight, stop!  The love triangle may be there, but it isn’t presented in a puppy love, mopey teenager kind of way.  It’s life or death with the cameras watching!

Who will she choose?

Katniss and Gale? (source: google images)

Katniss and Peeta? (source: the hungergames2012.files.wordpress.com)

The Cons of the Games:

1.  Where’s the Mockingjay? – For people who haven’t read the book, it won’t be a big deal.  But I was saddened by how little explanation or meaning went into the story of the mockingjay.  My guess is we’re in for some serious flashbacks/backstory come time for the sequels.

(source: wikia images)

2.  President Snow – I adore Donald Sutherland, who plays the evil dictator Snow.  However, he’s almost too laid back as Snow and while he’s creepy, he’s just not as creepy as he is in the book.

(source: images.hollywood.com)

If I had my dream casting, I’d pick Kevin McCarthy from the 1987 film Innerspace, which is hilariously awesome if you’ve never seen it.

Kevin McCarthy (source: wearysloth.com)

Overall, given the time limits I’m sure they had, they put together a good movie with some great actors, Jennifer Lawrence in particular.  I’d watch it again!  I recommend you see it!  But know, you’re gonna like the book more!

Can’t Get Enough Hunger Games?

Holley Maher was Freshly Pressed for her post The Embarrassing Side Effects of Having Just Read “The Hunger Games”

My review of the book  and author research can be found at The Hunger Games: Best Lack of Sleep You Ever Had.

Sara Grambusch and I did some blogging editorials on Katniss’ Journey as Heroine and Team Peeta vs. Team Gale!

Ellie Ann Soderstrom offers us a critical look at the writing of The Hunger Games.

AND, you know what else?  There’s a little heated battle going on about the question of plagiarism because Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games bares striking similarities to Japanese novel Battle Royale.  Maggie’s Bookshelf shares more information about the similarities here.  Check it out!  It’s an interesting discussion.  I’m leaning towards the “not plagiarism” viewpoint, because if you’re going to point out Battle Royale, we may as well also toss Lord of the Flies and A Most Dangerous Game in there as well.  Or any dystopian novel where the theme is about corruption of power.

But that’s just my opinion.  Tell me what YOU think!

And, it wouldn’t be a movie post without a trailer!  This video has all 4 trailers of the Games on it!