The Odds Are in Their Favor: The Hunger Games Aftermath

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.

Coaching with Cinna before the chariot entrance.

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.

Jennifer Lawrence is a definite win as Katniss

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. 

The Capitol

The hype and tension has started building as March 23, 2012 draws closer which marks the premiere of The Hunger Games Movie. Guess what I found:

I have an Identification Pass from TheCapitol.pn.  As much as I want to be from another district, this is what I was given. You can also get one using either your Facebook account or Twitter. After being assigned to a District you will be directed to an Facebook community page where you can find other fellow district citizens.

Despite being assigned to District 1, I have to admit the site as well as the ID is pretty awesome. Don't forget to try it out and tell us which district you're from in the comments section.

Anyway, here's how long we still have to wait for the movie:

Budjette's Trese

Arckham and I have been following Trese. This comic-slash-graphic novel features a female underworld detective, Alexandra Trese, as she solves various mysteries involving the different mythical creatures of Philippine Lore expertly told by Budjette Tan.

Above are the covers of Trese 1, 2 and 3 whose art is by Kajo Baldisimo. The technique in which he conveys the characters are quite engaging. Moreover the style that he incorporates is both modern with a hint of the traditional which I think is needed when you're dealing with legends and lore.

I am very picky when it comes to story telling and art when I choose graphic novel to read and Trese scores high on both. Characters are very well rounded and the stories are definitely uniquely told. Budjette does a great job of mixing in the modern world with that of tradition. His description of how the mythical creatures have adapted to the real world would leave you wondering just a bit as you pas sby the different places he describes in the City of Manila.

You can read more about Trese and developments at tresekomix.blogspot.com.


The great news is that after quite a long wait Trese 4: Last Seen After Midnight is coming out this October 8 at the Robinson's Galleria NBS Bestsellers. So you know, where we'll be on the 8th, we hope to see you guys then.

For those that need a little refresher or insight on Philippine Lore. Here's a funny tutorial that should get you started:

Bankee Nationals Gundam Model Kit Contest 2011 @SM Megamall

Bankee, the Philippines' official distributor for Bandai/Gundam products, is holding one of the most anticipated Gunpla events of the year, the Gundam Model Kit Contest 2011.

Some of the entries on display.

In celebration of Gundam 00 and SD Gundam Brave Battle Warriors (both currently showing on Cartoon Network), this year's theme is based on the two said titles. Gunpla fans of all ages swarmed SM Megamall from July 15-17 to sumbit, view and photograph the entries.

Here is MechaPinoy's coverage of the event: GALLERY

Also, a week prior, MP hosted a support event for the competition, setting up the display cases and putting up members' works too fill them prior to submission of entries.

MP veteran Jake de Guzman talking about Gunpla.

More pictures HERE.

Judging of the entries will be on July 30 in Megamall and awarding will be on the 31st. See you there!

Now Playing

Congratulations on your tenth year, UP AME. And as with every year, they are hosting their yearly Anime Event:

Yes, Arckham and I will be passing by. I'm looking forward to the booths and lots of pictures.

See you guys there.

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Looking back:

That was one long line and one hot afternoon, but yes the cosplayers were good. Oh and AME, a little advise, learn to always have back up tickets! Gah!

Gamers Live!

It's that time of year again. Arckham and I will be at Level Up! Live 2010.

Level Up! Live is a yearly event hosted by Level Up!, a company that sponsors and manages a lot of MMORPGs here in the Philippines among them Ragnarok, RF Online and Grand Chase (All three of which, Arckham and I played). This event hosts the different Championships of the different games among them NEST for RF Online and Digmaan for Grand Chase. This is the ultimate battle ground to meet and greet the best of the best. If that's not your thing, there are booths by different guilds from the various gaming communities. Moreover, there are freebies as well as cosplays and everything you would need in a con. Geeks will abound.

Level Up! Live 2010 will be at the World Trade Center and will run from November 6-7, 2010. We will be at the S.O.U.L. Guild Booth (Our RF Guild from Cora Nexus).

See you there.

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Looking Back:

So we've been there and looked around and here's what we can say about it: Meh!

So I was there for basically just the first day [I had work the next day]. Something that bothered me is that as opposed to the other years, people have lost their creativity. Majority of the booths were selling custom shirts. One of the few notable merchandise was that headband with RO emoticons that was just too cute.

Though there was free Slurpee, [my brother had a lot of this] there weren't enough games booth. I was looking forward to doing some game themed RL games as silly as that sounds. I think the event needed more side activities.

Program was meh, but it's always been meh [so-so] so I don't focus on it as much. Though Arckham did mention the rather brash decision making on the second day regarding the raffle which suddenly  turned give away. Tsk tsk.

Though will all things considered, it was a good enough event. Allods introduction was good enough which Arckham is currently trying out. We both think the cosplayers had kicked it up a notch and that was a good thing.

Btw, Arckham just poked me as I've been typing and told me to relay a message: "ENLIST WITH THE LEAGUE" [Arckham: in all caps]


The Verdict: It was good if you went, if not, you didn't miss a lot.