The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," the second film based off the best-selling trilogy by Suzanne Collins was the #1 film in America the past two weekends and is on track to make be #1 again this weekend.  Everyone involved in the blog is a huge fan of the books and the first film but did "Catching Fire," meet our expectations?

I finally got a chance to see the movie this week and it was definitely worth the wait and the $10.50 ticket price.  The film was approximately 2.5 hours long so you definitely get your money's worth despite the length, the film didn't lag at all.  The action was non-stop. The film, just like the first one stayed very close to the book. Despite having read the book, my pulse still raced when Katniss and Peeta were fighting for their lives in the arena.  While I pictured the horrors of the Games in my head, nothing compares to seeing the craziness on the big screen.  I also loved the continuation and allusion of the Tributes and the Games coverage to the spectacle of reality and tabloid reporting that seems so popular today.  I love Jennifer Lawrence and her performance here showcases why she's an Oscar award winning actress.  I also loved seeing Jena Malone, the young girl from the film "Stepmom," all grown up as Katniss' fierce competitor Johanna Mason.  The scene with her in the elevator with Katniss, Peeta, and Haymitch is priceless and provided a moment of comic relief in this heart-wrenching action packed dystopian tale.  The film's ending sets up for then next film, "Mockingjay: Part 1" and I can't wait!

Naomi: "I really enjoyed this movie. I liked it much better than the first one. I liked the director [Francis Lawrence] better, how it was filmed better. I don't know what else to say, because I just liked it and would gladly watch it again. I thought the casting was great. Quite pleased." 

Rebecca T. "I loved Catching Fire. I also cried through pretty much the whole thing. I thought that it was paced well and I thought that it held more closely to the book than the first one. What was added was added well (such as the PTSD episode Katniss experienced right at the beginning). I loved the casting for everyone, but especially for Finnick, Mags, and Wiress. I was also very happy for many of the things that were left in like Katniss' nightmares and the comfort she and Peeta found in each other over the course of the movie and the development of all the characters. I am beyond excited for the next movie."

So, if you're like our Rachel and haven't made it out to see the film yet, what are you waiting for?  Go see it!  If you have seen it, please share your reviews below but try to keep them spoiler free.  And, "may the odds be ever in your favor." 

Are the odds ever in our favor?

At 12AM on March 23, 2012, our group will be gathering at a local theater to see the much-discussed and long awaited "Hunger Games," movie.   This will be the first film based off of Suzanne Collins' best-selling dystopian trilogy wherein teenagers are forced into a death match by their tyrannical government. 

While gritty and dark, this series has been praised by my former co-workers, and now fellow bloggers, for years.  At first I was reluctant to read such a dark tale but as soon I picked up "The Hunger Games," and started reading, I couldn't put it down.  It's not just a bleak tale, it's about fighting not just against a bad government but fighting to be yourself and fighting for what you believe is right, just and moral.

So, this book to film adaptation, needs to be done just right.  We've all seen the trailers and you can view the trailers, here.  As of late, our discussion has been on whether this film will due justice to the novels.  We thought we'd share our discussion with you.

Rachel, who I believe was the first of us to read the series weighs in, "I'm excited and dreading the movie at the same time. I just hope they keep the integrity of the story and don't try to glam it up. Also, this is not a love story. I hope they don't play up the 'omg Peeta and Gale are sooOoOo dreamy' aspect. I also wish we were in Katniss's head for the movie and I'm pissed that they're leaving out Madge. How would Katniss have the money to buy the mockingjay pin? And even if she had the mone,y she wouldn't buy it because it wouldn't be benefiting her family. The reaping scene looks spot on, though."

There is an article about "The Hunger Games" in this week's "Entertainment Weekly",  which notes that producers were determined to the relationships between Peeta, Gale, and Katniss as described in the novel. 

I think we can all agree with Claire's reaction, "I am relieved to hear there is no playing up of the 'love' of Peeta and Katniss. I saw the scene for the reaping and it looks amazing. I can't wait to see the arena and the people watching and in the games."

Eileen is, "...extremely curious about the entire film. My first thought was it's going to be too far away from the story and too Hollywood-ized. But since Suzanne Collins wrote the script I'm not sure what to expect. I'm most excited to see how they visualized the arena."

Naomi is also, "I am excited about it all...I most want to see Rue's scene. If they mess that up I'm going to find their butts and kick 'em. If they do it right I shall pat their heads in appreciation."

Rebecca shares in her sister's opinion," I am so excited for every part of this movie! After something I read today, I'm especially looking forward to some of the things we'll see inside the capitol and the games that we don't get in the books since Katniss doesn't see it.  Every video clip I've seen makes me cry, so I'm most concerned about bringing enough tissues to the theater!"

I am excited to share an evening with my good friends and enjoy the freedoms not allowed in the bleak future described in these novels.  I was also glad they weren't going to soup up the romance factor between Peeta and Katniss or Katniss and Gale.  I think the film will showcase just how horrific and intense the battles and oppression were described in the novel.  Also, even though you shouldn't like those in "the Capitol," I must admit their costumes, hair, and make-up are beautiful !

So what do you guys think?  Please share with us below.  Even if it's a snarky comment, it's OK!  We have snark in our own group.  This is what Alan had to say when asked what he liked about "The Hunger Games, "I like the part where the zombie steals the shuttlecraft and tries to fly it into a black hole, but Peeta crushes it's skull with a Dymo label maker."

So please share your opinion below.  The odds are ever in your favor that we might like it!