If you want an unbiased, and professional opinion of this movie, this is probably the wrong place to look. However, I can offer the views of a "normal", "non-bandwagon junkie" girl who also happenes to have read the book.
Over a year and a half ago my sister read the books, she had been influence by one of her best friends who thought that the first two in the series were amazing. My sister enjoyed the books, so I figured that I might like them too. However, by the time I had resolved to read them, it became "popular" to read them. Let's make things clear right now. I'm not the normal girl who likes something because it's in fashion. When I like something, it's because I genuinely like it, not because some teenagers are wearing t-shirts with "hot" guys plastered on their chest's. (Not only is that kind of gross, but it's awkward too.)
I decided to watch the movie, and then see if I should read the book or not, that is, until my cousin told me that I would truly like them. You see, my cousin is even less "bandwagonish" than I am. So I took her advice and easily read all three books within eight days. The first book was good. Well thought out plot and characters, Katniss was a leading character that I could actually stand, and even sympathize with. I was interested in how the "first-person" writing style in the book would translate into the movie. And so...
....There I was, sitting in a dimly lit theatre. Me and two others were attempting to save seats for a couple of other people coming straight from the airport. Talk about cutting it close. The plane got in at 10 o'clock, and the movie started at midnight. And trust me, holding up five seats is hard to do. Especially when you are defending them against "weirdos" sporting tights, wigs, and I even saw someone with a bow. As to how they got that in there, I haven't the slightest clue. What a way to kick off spring eh? Sitting in a dark theatre watching teenagers murder each other, at least, that's how my brother saw it.... Okay, it's what it is. No denying it.
Then, the movie started.
I was excited to see how many things would be translated through the eyes of the director and writers. But, I was having trouble "seeing" anything. The handheld camera style was a bit... too... Handheld. I was a tad bit nuacious. But let's face it, as soon as I saw the cute, pale, very blonde, Josh Hutcherson my mind went blank.
Being a girl, I still have girl instincts. I think my sister whispered something to me, but I wasn't listening. And in my opinion, Josh played Peeta true. A very clean cut, nice, innocent, boy. I was only disappointed that Haymitch didn't punch him in the face. And that he didn't (spoiler for those who haven't read the book) lose his leg. To me, those were things that really showed his character true. His brave nature, and how he kept calm, and was willing to do so much for someone who didn't really even care. (at the time) Someone who almost killed him. In the books, those were some of the main things that made me respect Peeta. Yes, I said respect.
With summer behind us, it’s time to look back at the mediocrity (“Salt”), ineptitude (“Dinner for Schmucks”) and brilliance (“Inception”) that left us flustered and inspired over the past four months.
Most shameful sequel: “Iron Man 2”
Downey’s charm wasn’t as fresh as it was in the original, and neither was the story or action. And was it me, or did every scene feel like a setup for “The Avengers” movie in 2012?
You were once a star and now your career sucks: M. Night Shyamalan
Hey Night, here’s a thought: Make a movie about a director whose career is hijacked by a series of terrible ideas that are poorly executed, and end it with him leaving Hollywood for good.
Very funny bit from funnyordie.com in which the cast of "Piranha 3D" -- opening this weekend -- states its case for Oscar glory. For a movie that's being kept away from film critics, this is a great marketing tool that gets people talking without showing any actual clips from the movie. If "Piranha 3D" opens well this weekend -- and horror/schlock fans are juicing for it -- the studio will know who to thank. Warning: Strong Language.
