Movie Review: The Hunger Games

Alice says: I WANT TO BOTTLE IT UP I LOVE IT SO!

So what did I think of the movie?

It is going to be hard to wrangle all my thoughts into a cohesive review but I did wait three days so as to let it all sink in. Here are my thoughts:

Adaptation: I loved this adaptation. Adapting any movie is difficult, especially when people are very much attached to a book (series, characters, ect), but this is one of the best that I have seen. The movie stands alone. If you have never read the books, you could easily go see the film and know exactly what is going on and not feel left out or miss huge chunks of anything. That is the mark of a great adaptation. The Harry Potters (whom I LURVE and ADORE) never really pulled that off. They were stunning visual aids but missed HUGE plot points that you had to fill in with your own reading experience or your best friend right next to you at the movie theater (think the Marauder backstory or even the horcruxes). So BRAVO for the adaptation!

Characters: Ok…so…as it will always happens in every movie….character development tends to suffer–but I am pulling teeth here to complain because this was like a 90 out of 100 for me. It is there. Everyone will walk away understanding that President Snow is bad, Katniss is good, Peeta and Gale are too and both care for Katniss. What is left out is layers– and sometimes more layers would only take mins to build in a film. Sometimes that is frustrating. That is a tradeoff in film.

Katniss was pretty much on point. YAY for Jennifer Lawrence pulling this off. I did not want you Jennifer. I didn’t. You were too VAVAVoom for me, too tall, too well fed (disclaimer: I do not advocate eating disorders or anything of the sort, but this is hollywood, typecasting is typcasting. She did NOT look the part to me). YOU BLEW ME AWAY. In every shot you looked vulnerable, petrified, hardened, scared, hungry, pissed…..I could go on and on. I LOVED YOU. You were my mockingjay. You also looked beautiful when you were in the Capitol, while still looking incredibly young. I believed you were at least 17 (not 16 though…..lol).

Peeta was perfect. Josh Hutchinson was the Peeta I imagined. He was self-deprecating and yet stong in his own way. Still, he was kinda useless in the arena while still being loveable.  I liked his performance so much. I liked Liam Hemsworth as Gale as well. With barely 3 mins of screen time I thought he was strong and not just a pretty face (I loved the decision to have him not watch Katniss at the cornucopia and then to defiantly hold Prim up at the end of the film).

Rue. Rue needed more time. This is one of my complaints. There was not enough time to develop her relationship with Katniss and I was upset about the 2 mins more it would have taken to do so. I was thrilled with how her death was portrayed and LOVED the added scenes of rebellion. BRILLIANT! I just wished they had developed 2 more mins of them playing in the forest a bit and maybe a lead-in to them cuddling at night. ANYTHING to lead in to how devastating her death is to Katniss and to Rue.

President Snow was perfect. I know people wanted someone scarier but he is a POLITICIAN. He is going to be calculated. And seriously–what is scarier that the scene with the nightlock at the end? This man is BRUTAL.

I thought the cave scene needed a bit more development as well. We needed a larger sense that Katniss and Peeta might not be on the same page. This scene is the one that builds it all. I think this is missed by non-readers–the fact that Peeta really IS that in love and Katniss really is a bit DENSE and confused and fighting for their lives but confused (did I mentioned confused already?). OH, and she is hungry. 2 more mins could have fleshed this out.

Cato- I didn’t complain about the violence in THG and how it was done. I was one of the people that understood that the point of this entire thing was to NOT glorify violence.  I thought it was tasteful (as child deaths go, you know)–but this death takes HOURS. It took seconds here. Seriously, have Peeta and Katniss hold each other while the mutts kill him. It was a symbolic death. It showed exactly how cruel those people in that directing room (and the Capitol) could be. I did love his speech about how he wanted to die because there was nothing he could go home to proud about. AMEN CATO, AMEN.

I loved all the supporting cast. Effie, Cinna, Haymitch–you made me swoon!!! Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, and Woody Harrelson were spectacular. The standout performance among the supporting cast though was Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman. Honestly, he builds the entire disconnect of the Capitol and the districts for the viewer. It was just amazeballs! Also– as far as funny lines: THAT IS MAHOGANY!

ISSUES: I did have an issue with the Careers. I did not like the human hunting and laughing about it. I never pictured them like that. I pictured them in survival mode together…killing whoever they came across and then knowing they would have to then fight each other–but it was not meant to be a deranged band of popular kids going kid hunting and then cuddling at night. Seriously? Something about it felt off. We should feel for ALL the kids in that arena. I remember not LIKING Cato and Clove but never feeling like there was a band of psycho killers on the loose in there.

Set Design and Costume: The set designs and costume designs were beautiful, as were the locations. District 12 was exactly as I pictured it and the Captiol was futuristic enough yet similar enough to our own world to fit the dystopian worlds I love. I also loved the toning down of how it was described in the book (the look of it all). This made it more tangible–more real.

Overall–I approved!

I can’t wait till Catching FIRE!!!!! Fix what I didn’t like please (because my opinion is the end all–obviously).

What did you think? Paint the Roses!

While I agree with the title of the CNN post, I disagree with the sentiment that Bella is an “okay” role model for girls and Katniss is a better one. A girl who says “SAVE ME” to a boy and goes along for the ride is not a role model for anyone….period. A lost girl does not need to be saved by a boy and that message needs to be stopped PRONTO. It is so harmful for girls AND boys. Young girls and women have agency and are perfectly capable of being the persons they were born to be–even when the “odds are NOT in their favor”. They can rise above every circumstance through their own uniqueness and do ANYTHING. SPARKLY VAMPIRES BE DAMNED! Bella may be the worst thing to hit literature and girlhood since the early Disney princesses. Katniss is a fantastic role model for girls (hearts for Katniss!!!!!), but she is not a novelty–and we should celebrate those that came before. She stands in a long line of female heroines and female leads that teach girls (and boys) what badassness looks like. So today I offer a toast to Hermione, Lyra, Luna, Minerva, Molly, Lily, Ginny, Anne, Leia, Juniper, Galadriel, Arwen, and the many other strong girls and women that have paved the path for our GIRL ON FIRE! Have any more? Paint the Roses!!!

Shatter Me

Shatter Me, Tahere Mafi

Title: Shatter Me

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Publisher: Harper Teen

Date: November 15, 2011

Pages: 354 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Teen, Romance, Supernatural, Superhero, Comic Book

ISBN: 9780062085481

Publisher Description:

“You can’t touch me,” I whisper.

I’m lying, is what I don’t tell him.

He can touch me, is what I’ll never tell him.

But things happen when people touch me.

Strange things.

Bad things.

No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon.

But Juliette has plans of her own.

After a lifetime without freedom, she’s finally discovering a strength to fight back for the very first time—and to find a future with the one boy she thought she’d lost forever.

(harperteen.com)

Book Trailer:

Cover and Title Critique: Um….I am conflicted about this cover. It makes this look like Prom 2012. Are we going to prom? Do I need a poofy dress and no one told me??! This is a DYSTOPIAN novel which starts off in an insane asylum, moves on into a totalitarian government compound, and has a total super hero vibe by the time you finish. Just because there is a dress on page 243 (don’t quote me on that–I’m rounding numbers here) does not mean you portray this as a novel where the girl spends most of her time in ball gowns. Again, why the cover a model with a a wind machine? That is not who Juliette is. Who is this PR person? Could you imagine if they had put a picture of Katniss trying on her interview dress on the cover of the Hunger Games (this is no Hunger Games…but still). There are dresses in the Hunger Games, but the Hunger Games are not about dresses or pretty girls….you see what I am saying? AM I MAKING SENSE HERE? I mean…it is pretty…but ugh (le sigh)…I don’t hate it…but I think there was potential for a more commercial cover. Does that make me a horrible practical person–that I think in commercial terms as well?

This book is not meant to be pretty–it is meant to evolve into kickassness (Just thinking of you Mafi–I really like where you are going by the end of the novel). In regards to the title–I get it, but this book has been optioned as a movie by Fox (congrats to the author–YA lit is the new cashcow fountain of youth for movie studios). I am not sure the title is strong enough for a movie–I am kinda thinking they might change it (sadface–I hate when they do that).  Can I just categorize the entire marketing of this as too glittery, too romance novely (is that a word–or should I just make one up–crappy romnovely)?

Alice says: Like it!

I really liked this book. I’ve read other reviews and seen some of the complaints but I want to start off with the pros–who doesn’t like to be complimented first before being told they were too this or too that? Tahereh Mafi is an AMAZING writer. YA is littered with writers that are JUST. SO. BAD. Mafi is not just good–she is immensely talented. She uses words beautifully. I love when I find an author I am excited about. Mafi–I am excited about you. You are going places.

So what did I think of the plot, the characters? I like Juliette. Look–if you’re looking for a character that is cut and dry, Juliette is not your heroine. She is in an insane asylum when the book starts off (and has been for way too long) and she reads like she is in an insane asylum (get this girl an ATAVAN). She is one step away from writing on the walls in her own blood.  Her thoughts are jumbled, she is hurting and her world is bleak. Mafi works you through her layers of thought, careful to unravel a raveling person–which is wonderful and novel. She takes time to do it too. I heard complaints about how this is a slow process–um…no. It takes time to do this…and I appreciated it. It is realistic and well written. The government is erasing all things–religion, art, language, music, nature….and she is stuck in a room hearing about it. Let her have her moments to lose her mind, ok?

Juliette is cursed  has a power that is at the center of the entire plot story–one that I think any comic book reader will immediately trace back to its origin–ROGUE from X-Men (yay X-MEN!!!). I could not write a decent review for this book without acknowledging, without spoiling too much, that Mafi borrows heavily from X-men mythology/ idontevenknowhoworwhattocallthis. I’ve noticed this type of borrowing/being influence in many of the books I love so I will leave it at that. Does this bother me? I don’t know. I will compare it to sampling in music. I think there is X-men sampling here–but at least in the first part of the trilogy, I will say it doesn’t bother me–much (because it is only sampling so far. Juliette is Juliette. She is not Rogue–yet. 

Mafi’s dystopian world is one of her strongest features in the book. There are so many descriptions of what went wrong that I wanted to dogear and discuss with people. I loved it. It is dark and ominous–and still full of discussion and teeming with people who are angry and not sure what went down exactly. It is still falling apart! YES!!! Most dystopian worlds are already set. Authors just show you. Not this world–its crumbling, revolutions (yes–multiple forms) are still everywhere, and everyone is still in shock and trying to grapple with what is. No one has adapted to the new ways of living, new ways of eating, the new governments–this is what you want to see if you are a dystopian fan. You want disorder. You do not want it wrapped up in a neat bow. It was like dystopian porn. This world was a nice surprise.

So, were there character’s to fall in love with? Yes–but they would be a spoiler for you (SADFACE). But when you meet him, you will know and love him too. You will love his whole street (don’t say I didn’t warn you!!). I think the relationship I am referring to (damn cryptic writing) is Mafi’s strongest writing–relationship speaking. Juliette and Adam (the inevitable love interest) were an interesting choice. He is not your typical YA boy toy–no sparkling skin or fangs here readers (sorry….I will try to keep my Twilight distaste to a minimum at RHR–once a post, ok?)! He has tattoos and is a military boy! Gasp! Swoon! Could it be readers–a bad boy? I laugh as I write this–all that was missing was the motorcycle and a lip ring. Their relationship and history is worth the read (you just have to get through some of the heavy metaphors that run through Juliette’s lovesick traumatized mind. There is quite a bit of metaphor written into the prose in this novel, but I think it is part of the charm (most of it revolves around the dreamboat, sexypot, terminator, Adam. Sorry, my sarcasm has ended. I did like this novel, I swear. It is just early on Saturday–and I never get to cross words out. I now know why Mafi had so much fun doing it in the novel!

Ok–so…on the serious note…fantastic dystopian world and setup, great setup for a second novel, good heroine (though in major need of love meds).

Rabbit says: Grades 9-12

Harperteen has this at 13+. I would leave it at a grades 9-12. This is a violent book. I would say if you let your kids read the Hunger Games, this is somewhere in there. The world is bleak, the government is incredibly violent, and the themes of torture are not without needing to be discussed with younger kids. The reading level, like I have said before–might be younger than a 9th grade reading level, but the themes would have me leave it at a grades 9-12. There is an attempt at rape, overt sexualizing of the main character, severe  torture and violence, and the way it is written itself may be a bit confusing for those who are younger (from an emotional level).

Caterpillar says: Ecology on the brain…

So much about this book made me thing about Ecological anxiety in YA and children’s books. I should preface that I just watched the Lorax movie, and read the book, and have been thinking about how much anxiety there is in books aimed at teens and children about ecological issues and political issues. Shatter me  had paragraphs dedicated to ecological anxiety and political unrest. So did Anna Carey’s Eve, the book I read last week. So does Lois Lowry’s the Giver (one of my favorites). So do so many others that everyone is reading today….

Are children anxious about the environment? Are they anxious about our political models? Are authors? Are we, the readers? We buy these books. They are constant NYT Best Sellers…..something in them must be striking a chord within our subconscious….it must be either comforting us or hitting that place that causes anxiety and pleasure (hello Freud).

Maybe this is a better question–will children grow up to be concerned with these things if they have grown up reading these things? I remember how influential Charlotte’s Web was to so many of us who read it when we were younger. Maybe 10 kids in my class went vegetarian for weeks after reading it. Now–many of us are actual vegetarians or vegans. Remember Stuart Little….did he not make you think about mice traps? If Dystopia is the current trend (and it is), and it is FULL of ecological (and political) anxiety–will it awaken more awareness for environmental issues and political issues in our children–in ourselves?? I can seriously list at least 20 books on the Children’s and Young Adult best sellers that are riddled with this type of ecological anxiety and political questioning. It is not subtle. It is not subversive. It just is…….

Thoughts? Discussion? PAINT THE ROSES!!!

If animal rights were the cause of my generations children’s books, there is an underlying anxiety subconsciously being written into so much of today’s literature…..and it is certainly wrapped up in ecology and the functionality of capitalism to best serve the planet and its inhabitants.

The Hunger Pains

The Hunger Games. The Harvard Lampoon

Title: The Hunger Pains

Author: The Harvard Lampoon

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Date: February 7, 2012

Pages: 176 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Spoof, Dystopian, Comedy

ISBN: 978-1-4516-6820-9

Publisher Description:  When Kantkiss Neverclean replaces her sister as a contestant on the Hunger Games—the second-highest-rated reality TV show in Peaceland, behind Extreme Home Makeover—she has no idea what to expect. Having lived her entire life in the telemarketing district’s worst neighborhood, the Crack, Kantkiss feels unprepared to fight to the death while simultaneously winking and looking adorable for the cameras. But when her survival rests on choosing between the dreamy hunk from home, Carol Handsomestein, or the doughy klutz, Pita Malarkey, Kantkiss discovers that the toughest conflicts may not be found on the battlefield but in her own heart . . . which is unfortunately on a battlefield. from (Amazon.com)

Alice says: Love it!!!

So….I don’t think there is much to say about Harvardl Lampoon. This was hysterical. It is a fun, fast read for any Hunger Games fan. I read their Nightlight  parody of Twilight a few years ago and was not let down by this new attempt at sheer mockery of YA lit. The snark, humor, and sheer smarts it takes to pull off a chapter by chapter spoof is pretty incredible. I could have been bored by page 10 but I was not. I could not put this down. I read parts out loud to my husband (who is really proud of himself because he has spent MONTHS calling Katniss Catpiss–one of the names used to describe my beloved Mockingjay). I laughed out loud  when I saw him represented by Harvard Lampoon. So here is my endorsement: read it! We all need a little laughter lately! I know I do.  I am knee deep in Victorian literature and ecological feminist texts….anything for a great laugh! 

Rabbit says: Grades 9-12

Because of the jokes and the irreverent tone, I am going to say that this is for highschoolers. The publisher did not give a reading level but I will say at least 13+. I know highschoolers. I know their humor. They will get this and find it really funny. If you have younger readers just pick and choose what you read to them. Make their day by reading certain passages to them–be their standup comedian!

Caterpiller says: A Picture is worth a thousand words…. 

One simple question here: Why is satire such a powerful tool in the face of the worlds horrors? Why does it reach the human heart in ways that drama sometimes does not? Why do we laugh when we want to scream or cry? Thoughts? Paint the Roses RED!

Enjoy my Hunger Game Satire spoof 🙂

Safe and Sound

Update: So they keep pulling down the video. Sorry! Here is a live performace instead!

So, I have a couple of reviews coming in this week (new books), but this video should hold you over till then. My husband says I should also review the Hunger Games–all three. I love how he thinks I am drowning in extra time. Everyone is talking about them and the movies are coming out, so they might be on the agenda as well as some of the newer books. I do love the Hunger Games (cough…not as much as Harry Potter…cough) but I can’t resist the revisit . They are seriously a great read. I just love Katniss.

Anyway, Taylor Swift and the Civil Wars released the video for their song Safe and Sound that will be in the Hunger Games Movie I love how haunting it is. It captures the entire feeling I got when reading about District 12 and Katniss leaving everyone behind. I think it is really beautiful.

Any thoughts?

Also: I think the Caterpillar section will now include spoilers AHH! Spoilers! Ok-breathe. I will put SPOILER ALERT! on the section for those who have not read the book being reviewed. I promise. I will do it every time. This section is at the bottom–AFTER THE REVIEW! I would just like to have more in-depth discussion about what happened in the books, the themes, and the characters in this section with those who have read the text. Think of it as a forum where you come back after you have read it and just talk with me–dork out with me. I feel like it could be the “round table discussion area” of each review. Thoughts? Questions? Comments? OK. I’ll add this to the Review Page so people will know. It is nice to see you back again. If you have an “Oldie but Goodie” YA or Children’s book you would like to see reviewed or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to email me. If you hear news on movie developments for our favorite YA or Children’s books, please let me know. If you hear of something coming out you think I should read or write about, let me know! I will give you credit for it.

Just for kicks: The trailer for the movie is linked with the Hunger Games movie link. See you later this week!