The Hunger Games Review

I finally saw it!  To be exact, I saw it twice.  The first time, I liked it.  The second time, I absolutely loved it!  (Sleep deprivation might have had something to do with that though).  I hope all of you have also had the pleasure of seeing it, too.  If you still haven't seen it, don't read on.  Although if you've read some of my previous posts (or just generally been alive in America the past few weeks), you know the whole plot.  I just had to warn ya.

1. I could have done without the extremely shaky camera angles in the beginning.  I get that it was a way for them to distinguish between the roughness of life in District 12 and the ease of life in the Capitol.  But I get headaches easily.  And I didn't appreciate it.  I will say that the second time I saw the movie I was sitting higher up in the theater, which helped considerably.

2. I didn't really miss any of these things.  Here's some other elements I did miss:
-Emphasis on Katniss' relationship with her dad, particularly her knowledge of plants and berries, which explains the whole nightlock business at the end.
-Katniss and Peeta's extreme thirst and search for water.  When they won the games when I read the book, I was incredibly exhausted.  I didn't feel that sense of exhaustion during the movie and think experiencing their water deprivation would have aided in that.
-More development of Katniss' relationship with Rue.  I don't think people who haven't read the book would be very sad when she dies, whereas I cried.
Obviously I understand that the movie can't be six hours (although I immediately said I wished it was after seeing it the first time) and that they couldn't include everything, but I think these three details would have greatly improved the film.  And three hours isn't too long.

3. Here's something positive that I wasn't expecting:
I loved Seneca Crane.  Not only is he incredibly attractive (even with that crazy beard), but he was so likable (despite being the puppeteer of death in the arena).  When I was reading the book, I knew that his character was important, but I didn't really develop an intense connection to him like I did in the movie.  Loved the inclusion of the bowl of nightlock as his fateful end.

4. Despite my earlier predictions, the movie only reaffirmed my love for Gale and my annoyance with Peeta.  I wish we could have seen more of him, but I know we will in the next two (or three) movies!  I guess I'm just a bad-boy kind of girl.

5. Besides the credits, we didn't hear a single song from The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond.  I was disappointed.  But honestly, the songs are so good, they may have detracted from the movie itself.  So I guess we'll all just have to buy the album.

Overall, the movie was a great adaptation of a better book.  I'm just naturally critical.  Because a lot of the book was composed of Katniss' innermost thoughts, the producers and director did an incredible job of articulating those thoughts in more tangible ways.

Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor.  (In my best Effie Trinket voice).

keep your eyes open

I'm sure everyone was expecting to see a 3 AM post from me about how great The Hunger Games was last night (well...maybe all three of my devoted readers).  For the sake of not reinventing the wheel, visit my friend Leah's blog for the story of why my glowing review is absent.  I STILL HAVE YET TO SEE THE MOVIE.  So don't talk to me about it.  I really wish I could block out the rest of the world until I can see it, but that would be rude.  I promise my review will come as soon as I leave the theater.  Until then, I'm listening to these two songs on repeat...

Post title: "Eyes Open," by Taylor Swift 
Appropriately titled for my struggle at work today after (maybe) four hours of sleep. 

The Hunger Games Training, Day 8

Have you heard?  The Hunger Games soundtrack, The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond was released yesterday and is garnering positive reviews from music critics everywhere.  I'm really hoping this is truly the movie's soundtrack and not simply songs that are inspired by the movie, as some fans are wondering.  Including some of my favorite artists (The Civil Wars, Arcade Fire, The Decembrists, and Miranda Lambert), the music is a pleasant surprise.

Since I'm not and won't pretend to be a music guru, here's what Jason Lipshutz from Billboard.com has to say:

"The Hunger Games" soundtrack has a few miscues -- Kid Cudi's a dynamic performer, but feels out of place when surrounded by acoustic guitars -- but ultimately, the 16-song set is both a tender companion for "Hunger" diehards and a rousing folk-rock compilation for non-enthusiasts. It doesn't matter if you live in District 12, or have no idea what the hell District 12 is; this ornately produced soundtrack makes the most of the franchise's gigantic platform.

1. Arcade Fire, "Abraham's Daughter" - An intense lullaby opens the soundtrack, with beastly distortion serving as bookends and militaristic percussion guiding Regine Chassagne's vocals. The title is a reference to the Biblical tale of Abraham's sacrifice. 

2. The Secret Sisters, "Tomorrow Will Be Kinder" - A gorgeous, sorrowful waltz that recalls the strained hope of Rue's song. The sentiment of the line "I know the present will not last/And tomorrow will be kinder" captures the spirit of the series. 

3. Neko Case, "Nothing To Remember" - Case lends her sturdy alt-country twang to the soundtrack, forsaking her past and trying to get to "the finish line." A short, steady-handed plea. 

4. Taylor Swift featuring The Civil Wars, "Safe & Sound" - A decidedly non-Swiftian anthem that embraces the folksiness of the soundtrack. Backing up the country superstar, the Civil Wars add a little bit of gravitas to the melancholy tune. 

5. Kid Cudi, "The Ruler And The Killer" - One of the few curveballs of the album, "The Ruler And The Killer" finds Kid Cudi still noodling around in WZRD mode, with heavy drums and buzz-saw guitars propping up his pained groans and lurching hooks. 

6. Punch Brothers, "Dark Days" - A song that addresses a mother and a sister harkens back to a certain literary heroine. A gentle ode to hiding fear away that (hopefully) could soundtrack an emotional scene in the film. 

7. The Decemberists, "One Engine" - The pace picks up with this straightforward Decemberists rocker, as Colin Meloy's signature warble gets overshadowed by the uncharacteristic electric guitar reliance. 

8. The Carolina Chocolate Drops, "Daughter's Lament" - Can't you picture the sun rising over District 12, Katniss and Gale stalking through the woods as this song chronicles their last morning together before the reaping? CCD even works the word "mockingjay" into this sparse tune! 

9. The Civil Wars, "Kingdom Come" - After providing Taylor Swift an assist earlier in the soundtrack, the Civil Wars get to shine on their own here, their weaving harmonies becoming more striking as the subtly crafted song progresses. 

10. Glen Hansard, "Take The Heartland" - One-half of The Swell Season (and star of "Once") Glen Hansard injects some much-needed urgency into the album, debating the merits of murder and sounding a lot like Dave Grohl in an righteous change of pace. 

11. Maroon 5 featuring Rozzi Crane, "Come Away To The Water" - Another artist stepping out of his element: Adam Levine slows down his "Jagger" instincts and acts as a Siren alongside Rozzi Crane by beckoning a "little lamb" to the "slaughter." 

12. Miranda Lambert featuring Pistol Annies, "Run Daddy Run" - Like the best songs on Pistol Annies' 2011 disc "Hell On Heels," "Run Daddy Run" surrounds Lambert's natural charisma with fleshed-out production and soaring harmonies. 

13. Jayme Dee, "Rules" - From a vocal standpoint, newcomer Jayme Dee holds her own against the bigger name on the soundtrack, although "Rules" is admittedly one of the weaker tracks on the disc. 

14. Taylor Swift, "Eyes Open" - The stronger of Swift's soundtrack contributions, "Eyes Open" places the singer in her own version of the Hunger Games, trying to stay alert and keep her sense of self as the whole world watches her. A clever spin on the trappings of fame. 

15. The Low Anthem, "Lover Is Childlike" - Although it strays from the imagery of "The Hunger Games," the wistful "Lover Is Childlike" sneaks up on the listener with its poetic approach, and buries itself in his or her skin.

16. Birdy, "Just A Game" - The soundtrack ends with a stunning anthem in which Birdy exhibits her full range and declares, "There comes you, to keep me safe from harm/There comes you, to take me in your arms." Is it just a game? It sure wasn't for Peeta!  


Any favorites?

The Hunger Games Training, Day 7

Since I know Jennifer Lawrence, I've followed her acting career from her first gig as teenage daughter Lauren on The Bill Engvall Show to her Academy award nomination for feisty, determined Ree in every moment of Winter's Bone.  I've also watched countless YouTube videos of her interviews for various projects.  To get to know her and the rest of The Hunger Games cast better, check these out:

The Hunger Games Training, Day 6

As soon as I heard that THG was being made into a movie, questions about Katniss' famous "girl on fire" dress flooded my mind.  I had no idea how the costume director would create such a fanciful, high tech, futuristic garment.  If you watch the trailer, we catch a glimpse of it, and to be honest, it looks like a little bit of a letdown.

But I'm trying to maintain a positive attitude.  Here's Katniss' description of it from the book:

“I am dressed in what will either be the most sensational or the deadliest costume in the opening ceremonies. I’m in a simple black unitard that covers me from ankle to neck. Shiny leather boots lace up to my knees. But it’s the fluttering cape made of streams of orange, yellow, and red and the matching headpiece that define this costume. Cinna plans to light them on fire just before our chariot rolls into the streets.” —Katniss in The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

InStyle magazine asked several fashion designers to sketch their interpretation of the dress.  Here's what they came up with:

Christian Siriano.  Fierce, just like him.  Pretty true to the description.

Tommy Hilfiger.  Did he even try?  

Rachel Roy.  Love it.  Especially the inclusion of THG logo on the boot.

Tadashi Shoji.  I would absolutely wear this, but it looks way too red carpet.  

Charlotte Ronson.  Possibly the most accurate and appropriate.  Love.

Nicole Miller.  I really appreciate her attention to detail.  Maybe slightly too crazy with the headpiece.

Christian Cota.  Very fanciful.

Tibi.  Love Tibi, but I'm sorry, no.

Eric Fetherston.  Like it, but I imagined the cape as longer.

The Blonds.  Pretty crazy (what is up with her face?)  but would be really cool.

BCBGeneration.  Very true to the BCBG style.  Once again, looks like something I would wear.  Since the ruffles look literally like fire, I just don't know how that would be executed.

What is your favorite?  Thoughts on Jennifer's actual dress?

The Hunger Games Training, Day 5

Many people are referring to The Hunger Games as "the next Twilight."  There are so many things wrong with that comparison.

1. I do not know a single male who read all of the Twilight books.  I guess the movie is another story because it's way less of a commitment for a man to get dragged to see a movie instead of deliberately choosing to devote time to reading.  Still, I do know several guys who have read all of The Hunger Games trilogy and loved them!

2. Let's take Twilight for what it is: a love story.  Somewhat terrifying and twisted but a love story nevertheless.  THG is no love story.  Yes, there are some romantic elements, but the focus is elsewhere.  The theme of THG is how young adults cope with violence and war.  You read Twilight and leave pondering whether you'd like to be seduced by a vampire or werewolf.  You read THG and leave contemplating the world's future and the necessity of war.

3. In Twilight, the majority of character development centers around the love triangle.  The reader/audience learns just about everything there is to know about Bella, Edward, and Jacob, yet details about the more minor characters are often omitted.  One of my favorite things about THG is how attached I became to several of the minor characters when reading, including Rue, Cinna, Haymitch, and some of the other tributes.  I'm hoping the movie can achieve this, as well.

Okay, I guess those are the only three major differences that I wanted to point out.  Bottom line is: if you're considering not going to see THG movie because you think it's going to be like Twilight, I wanted you to know that they are two completely different beasts.

They do have one major element in common...
The love triangle.

I was firmly on Team Edward when reading Twilight because they just seemed to be so drawn to one another.  When I saw the movies, however, I quickly flip-flopped because Robert Pattinson just doesn't do it for me.  Anyway, in this case, it's not the typical good guy vs. bad boy debate that we see in THG.  Because, let's be honest: they are both dangerous monsters who could rip Bella to shreds at any moment.  I'd say they both qualify as bad boys.

Peeta vs. Gale is so much harder for me because I was obviously far more invested in THG books while reading them than I was with Twilight.  I found Peeta, the good guy, to be somewhat annoying and clingy at times but so sweet and devoted to Katniss.  Gale's passion for change was inspiring, but I feared that could overshadow his feelings for Katniss.  If I were truly forced to choose, I think I would side with Gale based on the books.  I think my sentiment might change after seeing the movie though.  Josh Hutcherson was so perfectly cast as Peeta, and I think his self-deprecating mannerisms will garner my sympathies.  I also just don't think Liam Hemsworth (Gale) has much of a personality, which will be hard for me to get over.

What do you think?  Is The Hunger Games the next Twilight?  Edward or Jacob?  Peeta or Gale?

The Hunger Games Training, Day 4

Entertainment Weekly once again featured THG on the cover of last week's issue.

In an interview, producer Nina Jacobson reveals four elements of the book that won't be included in the movie due to time constraints.

1. Madge, the mayor of District 12's daughter.  Jacobson says they wanted to make sure viewers who didn't read the book would be able to understand the intensity of Katniss and Prim's relationship.  Instead of Madge giving the mockingjay pin to Katniss before the games, Prim does.

My thoughts: Understandable.  Madge is a very likable character because her family is powerful in District 12 yet has compassion for the lowly residents of the district.  However, I think Jacobson is correct in assuming that audience members might need an extra reason to understand Katniss' connection with Rue in the arena as a reflection of her relationship with her sister.

2. Avoxes, capitol servants who were punished by having their tongues removed.  They will be present in the film as Katniss and Peeta's servants, but elaboration will be lacking.  I doubt they will develop the story of how Katniss recognizes her red-headed avox from the woods outside District 12, which causes her a major freakout before the games.

My thoughts: Katniss' connection to her avox serves as one of her first realizations of the horror that will occur in the arena.  I'm sure that they will find other ways to convey the terrifying nature of the Capitol though.  Impact on the overall story is likely minimal.

3. The prep team.  Similar to the avoxes, we will meet them, but their characters will not be developed.  

My thoughts: Ultimately, the prep team will have to become more major characters because of their role in the third book.  I'm not entirely opposed to holding off on the development, but they will have some work to do in the second movie.  Cinna is obviously the star of the show.

4. The high tech gadgetry of the Capitol.  Jacobson cites the example of having a hot meal appear at the press of a button.  She says they wanted the Capitol to seem menacing and terrifying, not fanciful.

My thoughts: With the omission of details about the avoxes, there is a need for making the Capitol seem frightening.  However, I don't think the gadgetry detracts from that.  The Capitol is fanciful to its residents, and the tributes get a taste of what life as a Capitol resident is like on their way to the games.  Out of all the missing elements, this is the one I will miss most.  I was looking forward to seeing some impressive special effects.

Thoughts?  What do you think you'll miss most?

The Hunger Games Training, Day 3

It's no secret that T. Swift has a few haters.  I used to be one of them.  I told you I can be a little judgy sometimes.  But, if you remember, when I saw her in concert last fall, I came around.  I even bought her latest album, Sparks Fly.  

So, you can imagine my excitement when I heard she was teaming up with the folksy Nashville native duo The Civil Wars for a song to be featured in THG!  I especially love it because it doesn't really sound like Taylor (so I guess that makes me a bad fan).

Watch the official music video...

In THG fan world (in which I am embarrassingly very involved), there is great debate over when the song will be featured.  It's fairly obvious that it will either involve Katniss' relationship with Rue, the District 11 tribute, or with Peeta.  SPOILER ALERT.  (I warned you, even though you should have already read the books).  I'm really torn between the moment when Rue dies or when Katniss is nursing Peeta back to health in the cave.  There's also talk of playing it when Katniss says goodbye to Gale or during the credits, both of which I highly doubt.  What do you think?

The Hunger Games Training, Day 2

I first planned on dressing up as the girl on fire but have scaled back my premiere plans to only include sporting one of the China Glaze Hunger Games nail polish colors.  (Go to this link.  The author of All Lacquered Up reviews all of the polishes, and provides photos of how they actually look on your nails).

Usually I'm strictly an O.P.I. girl, but I think I'll have to cave for this special occasion.  My first instinct was to go with "Fast Track" (unofficially named for District 6-Transportation), which is the color I actually like and can see myself wearing on a regular basis.

Photo courtesy of alllacqueredup.com

But in the spirit of dressing up for a midnight premiere, I'm tempted to opt for getting into character by wearing Katniss' color, Smoke and Ashes (unofficially named for District 12-Mining).  We all know I go all-out in costume for midnight premieres.

As Captain Jack Sparrow for Pirates of the Caribbean 3.  Yes, that is indeed a beard.

Photo courtesy of alllacqueredup.com

Decisions, decisions.  I'll let you know what I choose.  The collection has hit Sally Beauty Supply ($5.99 or $4.99 with Beauty Club Card) and ULTA ($7 a bottle) stores already.

What do you think about the collection?  Did they capture the essence of each district accurately?  Which color is your favorite?

The Hunger Games Training, Day 1

Remember when I told you to read The Hunger Games series?  If you did, I don't need to tell you how great the books are.  If you didn't I bet you're kicking yourself now that you know about the next big cult series to hit the theaters.  This post is in honor of the world premiere of the soon-to-be blockbuster, The Hunger Games, which hits theaters near you on Friday, March 23rd.  There's still time to join the club!  I beg of you; read the book before you see the movie.  THE BOOK IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN THE MOVIE.

Don't get me wrong.  I'm literally counting down the days until midnight next Thursday (I've had tickets for about two weeks now).  The best part of all, my childhood church friend, Jennifer Lawrence, is the star of the show as Katniss Everdeen.  So you can see why I might be slightly obsessed.

You too can prepare yourself for this epic experience.  And feels like home can be your guide.  Think of it as training for the arena.  Come back every day for a THG tidbit.  By next Friday, you'll be as ready for the games as I am, guaranteed.

Let's start with the basics, shall we?  I'm assuming everyone who owns a TV has seen the trailers, but if not, for your viewing pleasure...

See you tomorrow for more!