The Movie Whore is Hungry For More Hunger Games

Before I say anything, I must confess I’ve not read this book.

I’ve heard good things about it, and almost bought it, but then remembered that it would be just one more thing to pack.

The Movie Whore stayed home sulking while I went out with The Nurse to see the movie on Monday. We met for Mexican and I told the whole story of e-e-everything leading up to my decision to move. (Oddly enough, she suggested that maybe there were "more fish in the sea" out in Indiana "If that’s what you’re looking for". ...why are people so concerned that I’m single? I just don’t get it. Anyway, I took her into my confidence, and informed her that I’ve already been talking to someone out that direction, who I met online. I did not provide details about my internet fiance and she didn’t ask. I think the whole "I met him online" thing sort of shut down her interest level.) 

Either way, we had a delightful dinner – mine included scallops, AGAIN, yea! – and wandered over to the cinema. Since we’d just eaten, we didn’t consider popcorn, so the Movie Whore wouldn’t have wanted to be there anyway. (She’s such a glutton.)

The Hunger Games was a thoroughly absorbing movie. I’d been warned that it is SO FAITHFUL to the book that some people don’t catch the nuanced details. It was also fun to see with The Nurse! I usually go to movies alone, but we actually had fun, made occcasional whispered comments to each other, and debated casting at the end. So, I guess it’s a good "date" movie. See it with someone.

I read a blog post recently – forgive me; I can’t remember whose, was it Mayor Gia, Crack You Whip, Pish Posh?...I visit so many, so randomly – and the writer of that post was definitively against a movie about kids killing kids. I disagree: I don’t think it was "about kids killing kids" as much as it was about adults manipulating every situation to achieve a desired outcome. I’ll be very interested to read the book and learn if they manipulated The. Exact. Outcome. ...which is kind of predictable, but not precisely. Some nice twists in there.

It reminded me of Survivor, but instead of being voted off – YOU DIE!

The characters were extremely defined. The Bad Guys were very obvious, and the Good Guys maintained their goodness throughout, so to me, I can see why it appeals to teens. ...that is the target demographic isn’t it?

~~~

There are movies that MUST be seen on the big screen, there are movies that can wait until DVD (which, I believe this is), but there are also movies that can be re-watched again and again. The Hunger Games is in the 3rd category, for me.

So yesterday I dragged the Movie Whore with me for a second viewing. She noted many things we’re now going to look for when we read the book. Boy, she was annoying with her questions that I couldn’t answer!

Movie Whore: Is there any particular significance to the song Katniss sings to Prim?

Me: I don’t know. They don’t tell us.

Movie Whore: What about that silent salute-thing?

Me: Dude! I know as much as you do! – they haven’t explained the symbolism!

Movie Whore: Hey – check it out: Gale’s name was entered 42 times – the Ultimate Answer!

Me: Now that is cool. The author must be a Douglas Adams fan. Sweet.

Movie Whore: I don’t get why they are "The Hunger Games". How does hunger enter into it?

Me: Seriously, can we just watch?

Movie Whore: That’s a cool Mockingjay pin. ...

...You know those are going to be the next most popular accessory. ...which is weird because it’s hardly in the movie at all. What’s up with that?

Me: Dude! I’m leaving you home next time! Shush!

Aaaand...Critique, or whatever...

• The Movie Whore wants to dress as that whacked-out, extremely pink character for Halloween. (We didn’t catch her name.)
• Am I crazy, or do all the "peacekeepers" marching in perfect step, corraling all the people, reflect back to George Lucas‘ stormtroopers? Bad guys, dressed all in white. Yep.
• Donald Sutherland. Let’s take a moment in awe of his diversity. His portrayal of the President makes me want to go watch Kelly’s Heroes to see his fun side again. The Movie Whore recognized his voice early on, but we did not know he was in this. Oh...he is. He is indeed. Manipulative devil!
• And while we’re on the cast, how about the chick playing the lead? Jennifer Lawrence. She was very soulful. That’s the only way I can put it. You really believe her terror. Her tortured sobs. Her sisterly affection. She makes you see Katniss and say, "Wow. She’s got it tough – *I* wouldn’t want to be her!" even while you believe she’s good at living that way.
• Woody Harrelson was good too. I haven’t seen a lot of his movies, but I liked him in this.
• And Lenny Kravitz! I knew I recognized the sexy Cinnah, but didn’t know from where until I saw the credits. The Movie Whore didn’t know he could act. I still say we don’t know if he can act, because he really didn’t have to do much but be himself.

Finally, OSCAR PREDICTIONS:

This movie will be a contender for its score, and for costumes/make-up, if nothing else. And maybe sound. Whoever was in the editing room did a good job of swelling the music to drown all conversation, to show when a character was so overcome they couldn’t hear what was going on around them.

...The Movie Whore has been whispering to my inner Bibliophile, trying to convince her we need the books. The movie Whore wants to know what happens next...and what happened in the past that led to The Hunger Games in the first place. But my inner Bibliophile has enough books on her plate right now. She needs to be more disciplined and not get distracted by this new series.

A theatrical "Reason to Celebrate" (thank you Cranky&Difficult):

Robert Downey Jr.‘s birthday! I think we should not have a drink in his honor though, because isn’t he trying to live clean and sober these days? Let’s toast him with Grape Fanta or Ginger Ale or something.