Welcome to Maggie's Movie Madness, occasionally just Maggie's Madness. So here's the story. I love movies/tv shows and I've seen quite a bit of both, enough of them that my family uses me as their version of the Guide button. Just the other day my aunt and I were once again playing our favorite game, What's This? It is played by her flipping through the different channels while I tell her what it is and sometimes provide a synopsis. Not to brag but I'm pretty good at it.
Now I'm not saying I've seen it all. I have no illusions that I'm some walking, talking IMDb robot, but I do alright. (I really do have a life, mostly.) I will be the first to admit, proudly even, that I'm a total dork. If you got it, flaunt it.
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| Interested in the book |
Take the Hunger Games for example, I saw it twice in four days and I'll undoubtedly go again. If you haven't seen it yet, make the time. It's worth it. I did read the books first and like anyone who has read the book version before seeing it's movie counterpart, I have to say the book was better. (Wait Hollywood, don't send your action stars after me. Let me finish.) Let's be honest you can never include everything from a book in a movie. Time is always an issue, not to mention your changing the view point of the story. The most important thing to remember, at least in my opinion, when turning a book into a movie is that the people making it stay true to the characters and the story as much as possible. Especially the feel or spirit of that story. That's where I think they knocked it into space, the final frontier. (Sorry couldn't help myself.)
Are there things that I would have done differently, yes. (Back seat driver that I am) *SPOILER ALERT* I would've liked to see more of Katniss and Peeta after the games playing up the Star-Crossed Lovers angle. I also think that it would have helped those that didn't read the books if they explained how names could be entered multiple times into the drawing. They did mention it in the movie but I don't think people really understood the process or how slanted it is. It really adds a level of hopelessness to their lives, a sense of being trapped by circumstances that carries throughout the story. What I did love was how they included images of the people watching the games and how it affected them. And even though I hate to say I love a death scene, they did such an amazing job when Rue dies that I couldn't help being moved. And the part in the cave was probably my favorite. (Honestly I probably would watch the movie just for that.)*OK YOU'RE SAFE* I think the movie really does a good job showing the differences between life in the Capitol vs the Districts, specifically 12. Woody Harrelson does an amazing job with the character Haymitch, not that there was ever any doubt. And though I admit going in that I was a little unsure about some of the actors that were chosen, I think they were all fantastic. Happy Hunger Games and May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor.
NOTE TO PARENTS: Although the violence wasn't as graphic as it could have been considering the movie's storyline, it should be noted that it is a movie about children killing each other and they do show it. So use your best judgment when taking your kids.
NOTE TO PARENTS: Although the violence wasn't as graphic as it could have been considering the movie's storyline, it should be noted that it is a movie about children killing each other and they do show it. So use your best judgment when taking your kids.
Nice post, so do you think children under 13 should see this movie?
ReplyDeleteIt's up to the parents and the maturity of the children in question, but in general I wouldn't let a kid under 11 watch it. They do fast shots of some of the violence and cover the actually gore in other ways but there are still some violent scenes. One in particular I would not want kids to see, certainly not without parental supervision. Aside from the violence, younger children would most likely find the movie difficult to understand and follow.
DeleteEnjoyed the post. I like that you added the "Note to parents". I haven't seen the movie yet but your post makes me want to!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! You know how I rely on your critiques and synopses of things-I-have-not-seen/read. I even usually agree - about most things. (What fun would it be if I weren't contrary at least some of the time?) :) What I want to underscore, for those like me who haven't read the book, is that I think the movie really does convey a lot of the backstory in key, short scenes or dialogue throughout the movie. It stands well on its own with an impressive depth to the characters - much credit to the actors as well as the screenwriter and director.
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