Today Mom and I went to go see "The Hunger Games." My first thought was that it was good. I agree with the general concensus that it is a good adaptation of the novel, and it's not a literal retelling. The editing, script, and camera shots work together to make it almost on the verge of a documentary.
This "documentary" style helps improve the film, giving structure and eliminating the need for a bunch of voice-overs by Katniss, the main character. (other reviews have said this.) Yes, there are shots that are shaky, but they mostly occur during the Games' killings, obscuring some of the violence. The shakiness adds to the documentary feel. There are added elements not included in the book, such as Gamemaker conversations and their control room, and a conversation with the President.
One problem that I had with the book was its' pacing in two parts in particular: the time in the forest after the start of the Games, and the scenes in the cave with Katniss and Peeta. Thankfully, these parts in the movie are shortened.
Set design... I'd need to see the film again to focus more on the Capitol. Regarding District 12, you would almost forget that it is set in the future; it seems like it took place a few generations ago. I didn't really care for the Conucopia; I thought it looked kind of weird- too angular. I was kind of glad that the special effects team didn't go for making the "muttations" (wild dogs) as freaky as they were in the book. "They" also handled the tracker-jacker hallucinations for Katniss in an interesting manner, revisiting her father's death rather than having her "see" orange bubbles and giant butterflies. (Really. Read that section.)
Characters.... Jennifer Lawrence was great as Katniss, especially. Someone did a great job when they cast Prim, Katniss' sister. I really liked Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, the stylist. I had pictured Haymitch differently while reading the novel, but Woody Harrelson is great. Amandla, as Rue, is lovable. Effie was great, the actress getting the eccentricity just right.
You may need tissues... I started to cry during the reaping, when Katniss volunteers to take Prim's place, and Prim's screaming. Mom cried when Rue died.
The ending definitely lends itself to a sequel, and one more scene (not in the book) hints at what leads to the next movie. It was actually kind of fascinating, how they did it.
I would like to see it again.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
When They Mean Unauthorized...
(Or, "How to really write a guide.")
I guess they really mean it.
About a week or so ago, I picked up a book called "The Hunger Games Companion" by Lois H. Gresh. Subtitled "The unauthorized guide to the series." "Unauthorized" meaning it isn't sanctioned by The-Publisher-Powers-That-Be. It can also mean that it doesn't really hit the mark when you're in the mood to read something about your favorite series. "Unauthorized" was the key word. And I knew it. I thought I'd give it the old college try. (ha-ha) You can't say I wasn't warned.
It could have been worse. I mean, I know there's only so much you can do when you don't have the permission from the author or original publishing company. But it could have been way better.
The book provides a lot of possible historical inspirations for the books. At the end of each chapter, descriptions of doomsday predictions are provided. It is my opinion that they are entirely unnecessary; THG [The Hunger Games] doesn't even talk about apocalyptic events.
However, it discusses many historical events thoroughly. The Roman Empire is given a lot of air time; it's very in-depth, to the point of surpassing the violence level of THG. That part is good, considering what you sometimes get in history class might not be all that great. She gives descriptions of technological advances in the book and speculates how close we could be to developing them now. The weapons descriptions are interesting.
The author gets kind of preachy at times: if we don't do this, that will happen. There's nothing really that new. She doesn't really connect history to the events in the books very well, leaving you with a detached feeling. You understand that these events have happened in the world, but how did they inspire the book?
The book may get very boring very quickly for its' intended audience. Basically, one of the few things I got from it was why Katniss does away with a main character near the end of "Mockingjay."
For a good guide, take a page (har-har) from the Twilight Guide. Pictures would have been good, and a timeline, for example. You would just have to go back and forth between each book in the series to make it. Or, I'll just say it: Ms. Collins, please write one fast. There's supposed to be some sort of book coming out the same week as the movie.
I might as well just write one.
I guess they really mean it.
About a week or so ago, I picked up a book called "The Hunger Games Companion" by Lois H. Gresh. Subtitled "The unauthorized guide to the series." "Unauthorized" meaning it isn't sanctioned by The-Publisher-Powers-That-Be. It can also mean that it doesn't really hit the mark when you're in the mood to read something about your favorite series. "Unauthorized" was the key word. And I knew it. I thought I'd give it the old college try. (ha-ha) You can't say I wasn't warned.
It could have been worse. I mean, I know there's only so much you can do when you don't have the permission from the author or original publishing company. But it could have been way better.
The book provides a lot of possible historical inspirations for the books. At the end of each chapter, descriptions of doomsday predictions are provided. It is my opinion that they are entirely unnecessary; THG [The Hunger Games] doesn't even talk about apocalyptic events.
However, it discusses many historical events thoroughly. The Roman Empire is given a lot of air time; it's very in-depth, to the point of surpassing the violence level of THG. That part is good, considering what you sometimes get in history class might not be all that great. She gives descriptions of technological advances in the book and speculates how close we could be to developing them now. The weapons descriptions are interesting.
The author gets kind of preachy at times: if we don't do this, that will happen. There's nothing really that new. She doesn't really connect history to the events in the books very well, leaving you with a detached feeling. You understand that these events have happened in the world, but how did they inspire the book?
The book may get very boring very quickly for its' intended audience. Basically, one of the few things I got from it was why Katniss does away with a main character near the end of "Mockingjay."
For a good guide, take a page (har-har) from the Twilight Guide. Pictures would have been good, and a timeline, for example. You would just have to go back and forth between each book in the series to make it. Or, I'll just say it: Ms. Collins, please write one fast. There's supposed to be some sort of book coming out the same week as the movie.
I might as well just write one.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
"May the odds be ever in your favor!"
This is what the person in charge of the ceremony of drawing names for the Hunger Games says. And do the participants need positive odds....
As I mentioned in my last post, I've read "The Hunger Games" series, by Suzanne Collins. It's geared towards "young adults," or teenagers, so I'm a little out of range, so to speak. (Then again, so is Twilight...) But I still enjoyed it. There are three books in the series: "The Hunger Games," "Catching Fire," and "Mockingjay".
What I enjoyed the most was that Collins really draws you into the opposite worlds of the much poorer districts (twelve of them) and the opulent conditions of the Capitol. The story takes place in the Appalachian region of the U.S., years after what seems to be a nuclear war (not much is said about it, though). You really care about the characters (well, the good ones, at least), and are sorry when they "depart." And there are a lot of them that are killed off. As punishment for one now-extinct district trying to fight it some years ago, the Capitol (in charge of the other districts), created these "Hunger Games," in which teenagers fight against each other to win.
If you win, you become rich. If you lose... you lose. And there is only one winner.
Think: "Survivor" meeting your worst nightmare.
As I've mentioned before, there's a lot of rich descriptions of the environments.There's plenty of action. Katniss, the main character, is very likable. There are a number of other likable characters. The action tapered off slightly right after the Games' beginning, but soon picks up again. There are violent sequences, so readers/parents/etc. may have trouble with this aspect, as well as the ethical implications that come along with this story. (Probably good discussion starters for parents/teachers, etc.)
The ending of "HG" left me wanting more, so I started "Catching Fire" soon after. I had trouble getting into the second installment, so I'll have to read it again. The reason being that the contender conditions seemed slightly unrealistic for me. The middle of "CF" (the actual games) seemed to lag for me, but the ending is worth it, practically making you go out to buy (borrow, download, etc.) "Mockingjay."
"Mockingjay" is a different world that Collins brings us into. Katniss is thrust into it along with us, kicking and screaming. [Spoiler: she lives through all three books, don't worry.] I really liked this book. It's here that Katniss comes into her own and shines. The other elements of the previous books are still here: action, conflict, and loss. The ending was slightly different from what I thought it was going to be.
I started to gain interest in the books after I'd seen the trailer for the upcoming film. Now I'm really excited for the movie.
So... "Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!" And use that bow and arrow wisely.
As I mentioned in my last post, I've read "The Hunger Games" series, by Suzanne Collins. It's geared towards "young adults," or teenagers, so I'm a little out of range, so to speak. (Then again, so is Twilight...) But I still enjoyed it. There are three books in the series: "The Hunger Games," "Catching Fire," and "Mockingjay".
What I enjoyed the most was that Collins really draws you into the opposite worlds of the much poorer districts (twelve of them) and the opulent conditions of the Capitol. The story takes place in the Appalachian region of the U.S., years after what seems to be a nuclear war (not much is said about it, though). You really care about the characters (well, the good ones, at least), and are sorry when they "depart." And there are a lot of them that are killed off. As punishment for one now-extinct district trying to fight it some years ago, the Capitol (in charge of the other districts), created these "Hunger Games," in which teenagers fight against each other to win.
If you win, you become rich. If you lose... you lose. And there is only one winner.
Think: "Survivor" meeting your worst nightmare.
As I've mentioned before, there's a lot of rich descriptions of the environments.There's plenty of action. Katniss, the main character, is very likable. There are a number of other likable characters. The action tapered off slightly right after the Games' beginning, but soon picks up again. There are violent sequences, so readers/parents/etc. may have trouble with this aspect, as well as the ethical implications that come along with this story. (Probably good discussion starters for parents/teachers, etc.)
The ending of "HG" left me wanting more, so I started "Catching Fire" soon after. I had trouble getting into the second installment, so I'll have to read it again. The reason being that the contender conditions seemed slightly unrealistic for me. The middle of "CF" (the actual games) seemed to lag for me, but the ending is worth it, practically making you go out to buy (borrow, download, etc.) "Mockingjay."
"Mockingjay" is a different world that Collins brings us into. Katniss is thrust into it along with us, kicking and screaming. [Spoiler: she lives through all three books, don't worry.] I really liked this book. It's here that Katniss comes into her own and shines. The other elements of the previous books are still here: action, conflict, and loss. The ending was slightly different from what I thought it was going to be.
I started to gain interest in the books after I'd seen the trailer for the upcoming film. Now I'm really excited for the movie.
So... "Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!" And use that bow and arrow wisely.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Breaking Dawn- the DVD
So last Friday night Breaking Dawn arrived on DVD. I couldn't go to my local Target because they weren't doing anything special. (Grrr.) But I had a backup. The whole event was pretty low-key, but nice. I had to give credit to the employee who was hosting the little party; they were a very good sport. We got Breaking Dawn cleaning cloths- those microfiber ones. I won't be using mine. Ha ha. There was a drawing for a gift card (no I wasn't the winner). And there was cake and cupcakes. Strangely, everyone was going for the cupcakes.
After that, we all went to wait in line for about an hour and a half in the electronics department. They were showing little featurettes on the Twilight Saga and Breaking Dawn. I was about # 5 or 6. With a half-hour or so before midnight, there were seventeen people in line. By the time I got my DVD, there were over thirty. You got a cute "souvenir" with it. I went to Target later on and got their copy.
And would you believe it- I did not watch it that night. Seriously, I would have regretted it. I watched it the next night. The special features are great. Can't wait 'til part 2. :)
After that, we all went to wait in line for about an hour and a half in the electronics department. They were showing little featurettes on the Twilight Saga and Breaking Dawn. I was about # 5 or 6. With a half-hour or so before midnight, there were seventeen people in line. By the time I got my DVD, there were over thirty. You got a cute "souvenir" with it. I went to Target later on and got their copy.
And would you believe it- I did not watch it that night. Seriously, I would have regretted it. I watched it the next night. The special features are great. Can't wait 'til part 2. :)
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Cereal Games
Hey. This will be another odds-and-ends post.
I like the new rash of General Mills cereals that's come out: peanut butter Cheerios, but I haven't tried the frosted Cinnamon Toast Crunch- although I picked up a box today. The Cheerios could use some chocolate cheerios mixed in, I suppose. I have yet to try the Krave stuff.
Book-wise.... I finally got into The Hunger Games. I can barely put the first one down, and I'm almost done with that. Got the second one, "Catching Fire" all set to go. I'm really looking forward to the movie.
I've started on Pinterest, and I sort of like tumblr. Pinterest is fun.
And we all know what DVD's coming out on the 11th. :)
I like the new rash of General Mills cereals that's come out: peanut butter Cheerios, but I haven't tried the frosted Cinnamon Toast Crunch- although I picked up a box today. The Cheerios could use some chocolate cheerios mixed in, I suppose. I have yet to try the Krave stuff.
Book-wise.... I finally got into The Hunger Games. I can barely put the first one down, and I'm almost done with that. Got the second one, "Catching Fire" all set to go. I'm really looking forward to the movie.
I've started on Pinterest, and I sort of like tumblr. Pinterest is fun.
And we all know what DVD's coming out on the 11th. :)
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Oreos Rethought / Things that Irk Me about Twilight
Yes, I know I'm late. My apologies. I've been busy. Anyway... Happy new year.
This past week, Mom found a recipe for Oreo cookie balls. Basically, they're like cake pops, just with oreos. Instead of frosting, you use cream cheese. When they're mushed together, roll them in balls and dip them in white chocolate bark. They're good- pretty rich.
So, the other day I thought about what irks me about Twilight.
1) Bella doesn't appreciate good furniture. In the novel "Eclipse," Bella is over at the Cullen's house with Alice for a sleepover. (a pretense) Edward gets her this nice four-poster bed to sleep in; it's set up in his room, all nice and stuff. Instead she sleeps on his sofa. I was like, Bella, that's a nice bed!
2) Edward needs to chill (some more). If you haven't noticed in the books and/or movies, he's a little uptight. And I totally get his point. Vampires are after his girlfriend, he's been alive for over one hundred years, he has a case of TMI (too much information) from being a mind reader. And he's overprotective of her. But he loves her.
3) Victoria. I was a little disappointed that Stephenie had to kill off Victoria in Eclipse. I thought Bryce Dallas Howard was really good as Victoria in the film. It's a good thing Bryce got a second chance to take the role.
4) Ok, this doesn't irk me, it's just a suggestion. Stephenie Meyer needs to write just one more book about Twilight, at least from the perspective of Jacob and Renesmee. Maybe half from them, half from Bella and Edward.
This past week, Mom found a recipe for Oreo cookie balls. Basically, they're like cake pops, just with oreos. Instead of frosting, you use cream cheese. When they're mushed together, roll them in balls and dip them in white chocolate bark. They're good- pretty rich.
So, the other day I thought about what
1) Bella doesn't appreciate good furniture. In the novel "Eclipse," Bella is over at the Cullen's house with Alice for a sleepover. (a pretense) Edward gets her this nice four-poster bed to sleep in; it's set up in his room, all nice and stuff. Instead she sleeps on his sofa. I was like, Bella, that's a nice bed!
2) Edward needs to chill (some more). If you haven't noticed in the books and/or movies, he's a little uptight. And I totally get his point. Vampires are after his girlfriend, he's been alive for over one hundred years, he has a case of TMI (too much information) from being a mind reader. And he's overprotective of her. But he loves her.
3) Victoria. I was a little disappointed that Stephenie had to kill off Victoria in Eclipse. I thought Bryce Dallas Howard was really good as Victoria in the film. It's a good thing Bryce got a second chance to take the role.
4) Ok, this doesn't irk me, it's just a suggestion. Stephenie Meyer needs to write just one more book about Twilight, at least from the perspective of Jacob and Renesmee. Maybe half from them, half from Bella and Edward.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
My Ultimate Christmas Playlist
I love a lot of other songs, too, but these are my particular favorites...
Breath of Heaven- Amy Grant. Let's just face it. No one does it like her.
Agnus Dei- (also by Amy) While this technically isn't a Christmas song, it's the prettiest arrangement I've ever heard of this worship song. And it works.
All is Well- Heather Payne (Point of Grace) Apparently she was singing this while POG was on tour with Michael W. Smith, and she got to record it. It's so pretty.
Welcome to Our World- Michael W. Smith. A nice song, and a great message.
New Favorite: Christmas Must Be Something More- Taylor Swift. Awesome message.
Let it Snow- POG's arrangement
Let there be Light- POG
For Unto Us- POG
O Come All Ye Faithful (Amy again.)
O Holy Night - POG has an interesting arrangement, since they're a group. It's my favorite to sing.
(And of course...) The Christmas Song- Nat King Cole. Enough said.
(Official Disclaimer: I'm a sucker for lush orchestrated arrangements. Can you tell? Amy and POG do them well.)
Breath of Heaven- Amy Grant. Let's just face it. No one does it like her.
Agnus Dei- (also by Amy) While this technically isn't a Christmas song, it's the prettiest arrangement I've ever heard of this worship song. And it works.
All is Well- Heather Payne (Point of Grace) Apparently she was singing this while POG was on tour with Michael W. Smith, and she got to record it. It's so pretty.
Welcome to Our World- Michael W. Smith. A nice song, and a great message.
New Favorite: Christmas Must Be Something More- Taylor Swift. Awesome message.
Let it Snow- POG's arrangement
Let there be Light- POG
For Unto Us- POG
O Come All Ye Faithful (Amy again.)
O Holy Night - POG has an interesting arrangement, since they're a group. It's my favorite to sing.
(And of course...) The Christmas Song- Nat King Cole. Enough said.
(Official Disclaimer: I'm a sucker for lush orchestrated arrangements. Can you tell? Amy and POG do them well.)
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