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Ever since I read the books and the rumor of a movie adaption spread. I have been watching, waiting and hyping this. [Take note of posts here and here.] So now it's time for the verdict.
I am glad that when Arck and I caught the movie when it opened last March 23, 2012 that we were with a mixed group of people who were able to read the book before watching the movie and those who haven't.
In terms of adaptation, I was a tad disappointed. Mainly, because there were a lack in the details presented. Then again I have read the trilogy. I, for one, know that what makes this particular series captivating is how well Suzane Collins is able to depict emotions using words and details. I do admit that all the major points in the story are covered in movie. [Before I forget, there may be spoilers.] The reaping is one of the things that I really liked as well as the entrance of the tributes on chariots. I didn't like the flashbacks bread scene, it's one of those things that went unexplained. Also the differences of the districts were not explained which I think is crucial in the upcoming movies and what it means to win the Hunger Games. You don't go home with just your life but you give your district a spark of good for some time. So, I'll grade this adaptation as a good one. Arckham being one of the people that had not read the books agrees that as a movie it was great. He shares that for a stand alone it was written well enough and portrayed well enough.
As for the casting, I absolutely love Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen). This girl can act! My favorite scene would be just before she was placed in the tube and placed in the arena. I could feel the fear and apprehension she portrayed. I not as happy with Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark). Yes, he is lovable enough as Peeta but there was something lacking in his acting that did not translate well. I don't think he is very good with the heavy scenes and as I would dare say, he seems to have only one expression for sad, normal, mad and hurt. On the other hand, with the few cuts Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne) got in this movie, he was more effective in communicating emotion and he didn't even have to use words.
As for other actors of note, Woody Harrelson (Haymitch Abernathy) did a wonderful job portraying the tributes' coach. Notable performances by Elizabeth Banks (Effie Trinkett), Wes Bentley (Seneca Crane) and Donald Sutherland (President Snow). My favorite casting would be Lenny Kravitz as Cinna. He was beyond effectively portraying the Cinna in my head as a read the book.
Movie graphics, sets, costumes and cinematography were not so bad either. I especially like the arena, the training room and the control room where Seneca Crane watches the tributes. I think the amount of meaningful stares were just enough but we have to remember that those cuts work only if the actor works on it as well.
Overall, the movie is a definite must watch. As for Lionsgate, they have a good franchise on their hands and the odds look greatly in their favor. For more information, click here.
Photo credits to Murray Close of www.thehungergamesmovie.com.
I am glad that when Arck and I caught the movie when it opened last March 23, 2012 that we were with a mixed group of people who were able to read the book before watching the movie and those who haven't.
In terms of adaptation, I was a tad disappointed. Mainly, because there were a lack in the details presented. Then again I have read the trilogy. I, for one, know that what makes this particular series captivating is how well Suzane Collins is able to depict emotions using words and details. I do admit that all the major points in the story are covered in movie. [Before I forget, there may be spoilers.] The reaping is one of the things that I really liked as well as the entrance of the tributes on chariots. I didn't like the flashbacks bread scene, it's one of those things that went unexplained. Also the differences of the districts were not explained which I think is crucial in the upcoming movies and what it means to win the Hunger Games. You don't go home with just your life but you give your district a spark of good for some time. So, I'll grade this adaptation as a good one. Arckham being one of the people that had not read the books agrees that as a movie it was great. He shares that for a stand alone it was written well enough and portrayed well enough.
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| Coaching with Cinna before the chariot entrance. |
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| Jennifer Lawrence is a definite win as Katniss |
Movie graphics, sets, costumes and cinematography were not so bad either. I especially like the arena, the training room and the control room where Seneca Crane watches the tributes. I think the amount of meaningful stares were just enough but we have to remember that those cuts work only if the actor works on it as well.
Overall, the movie is a definite must watch. As for Lionsgate, they have a good franchise on their hands and the odds look greatly in their favor. For more information, click here.
Photo credits to Murray Close of www.thehungergamesmovie.com.
