The Hunger Games

Kim and I just started reading The Hunger Games. I’m enthralled; In fact, I spent three hours reading in bed today, using my Kindle holder 😀

I love reading anything in the science fiction or fantasy genre. Ever since I read Brave New World in high school, I’ve been hooked. Imagining whole new worlds and societies with completely different social customs, ethics, morals, and values has always been so fascinating to me. I always imagine myself as a bystander, observing events as they unfold. I love pretending I’m character in each of my favorite books. Some things you just never grow out of.

The Hunger Games is fraught with action and theme of overcoming injustice and tyrannical oppression and authenticity amidst superficiality. Deep. Suzanne Collins constantly writes about food (well, the title says it all) – its abundance to one small part of the country while in other parts or districts, people are dying of starvation. Imagine a world where people live with so much while other people live with little or nothing. Sounds a lot like the world we live in right now.

Anyway, naturally, the movie is coming out in March. I’m having serious issues with their casting choices; most notably, Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss. First of all, Katniss is a courageous, self-effacing individual who is pragmatic, athletic, and thoughtful. I just don’t see Lawrence being deep enough to fill this role. She looks so… Hollywood. In an Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft sort of way. No bueno. I thought she was awful as young Mystique on X-Men: First Class. I sincerely thought she brought the movie down every time she was in a scene. Hopefully the movie survives this casting.

All poster images from here.

I think Elizabeth Banks will be great as Effie though. And Woody Harrelson as Haymitch. That’s it. I’ve never heard of the girl they cast to play Rue.

They could have done better with the male casting as well. Does anyone else think Peeta and Cato look like the same guy? I find these actors to be generic-looking.

Katniss, Peeta, and Gale look like a low rent Bella, Edward, and Jake. Sorry, but someone had to say it. Just look at their Vanity Fair photo shoot. You’re right Jennifer Lawrence, The Hunger Games is not Twilight.

Personally, I thought Emily Browning of A Series of Unfortunate Events and most recently/unfortunately, Sucker Punch, would be perfect. Whatever – she’ll always be Katniss to me. 😛

I’m still pretty excited to see the movie though. 😀

Let the Games Begin!

The Hunger Games trailer debuted this morning! I’ve watched it four times already 😀

It looks like it’s going to be AHHHHHHHHHSOME.

Want to hear something lame? I actually choked a little when Katniss ran after Prim! Jennifer Lawrence, I take back every bad thing I said about you, including the bit about how I thought Emily Browning would have been better for the role. I’d forgotten you were Oscar-nominated for your role in Winter’s Bone. Judging from the trailer, your portrayal of our beloved Katniss was pretty on-point. Thank you.

P.S. I’m not mad at you for ruining parts of X-Men: First Class anymore.

One thing that inexplicably irked me: Katniss’ jacket is supposed to be her father’s old hunting jacket, not something that came off the Elizabeth and James’ runway.

Anyway, this weekend while we were in Dallas, I finished reading the trilogy and I felt a wee bit sad it was over. The trailer for the movie is just what I needed. In fact, before heading through security I purchased a copy of the current issue of Vanity Fair which features a photo of The Hunger Games’ cast. Unfortunately, there’s only one picture but at least  it’s something.

We arrived at the airport early and the wifi is only $4 for two hours so I figured, what the heck. I’ll take pictures of the spread and post it on my blog while paying our car insurance bill. You’re welcome.

From left to right: Clove, Marvel, Foxface, Thresh, and Glimmer.

From left to right: Cato, Rue, Peeta, Katniss, and Gale.

I’m not sure why they decided to include minor characters such as Marvel and Glimmer and not Cinna, Effie, or Haymitch. I was disappointed that the photo is so stylized; it would have been better if they were dressed in character. I think it takes away from the film, which I was pleasantly surprised to find is as gritty as I’d imagined. The trailer is, anyway. I hope they don’t give these minor characters bigger parts than Suzanne Collins did. Even if Marvel (Jack Quaid) is the son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan.

The trailer will play during the previews for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1. There have been a lot of comparisons made between Twilight and The Hunger Games. One thing I loved about both books was that the authors wanted to preserve the innocence of their characters instead of romanticizing teenage lust. Edward Cullen was adamantly against pre-marital sex. After Gale told Katniss he loved her, she didn’t reciprocate because she didn’t feel that way about him. Hollywood of course, ruined Twilight for everyone with the Bella and Edward make out scenes. But there is still hope for The Hunger Games. I really hope they didn’t sexualize the main characters just to get people to watch the movie. People will watch the movie no matter what; there’s no need to cheapen Katniss, Peeta, and Gale.

Let the games begin! I’m so excited 😀