Just got back from "Hunger Games"

[maxwellissmart]

One of the most brilliant and satisfying book-to-film translations I've ever seen. Beautifully shot, wonderfully acted.

 

See it, and see it on IMAX if you can.

 

(And JJ, the violence was integral, but not nearly as central to the film as the threat of violence. Think "Deliverance." For most of the film I was on the edge of my seat, clutching the arms.)

[tom1980]

I really want to see the movie! The books were great (especially the first one). Thanks for posting this. I hate going to see movies based on books that don't live up to expectations.

[josephga]

I want to see it too figured id give it 2 to 3 weeks to die down and go to a afternoon show

[maxwellissmart]

I want to see it too figured id give it 2 to 3 weeks to die down and go to a afternoon show

 

I'm glad I saw it on IMAX, because the cinematography is both jarring and beautiful. It was really like being in the woods with the characters. The audience was dead quiet too.

 

And Tom, the film really excels at defining the visuals of The Capitol and all the shallowness and fashion—especially how it contrasts with the rampant poverty in all the Districts. And Donald Sutherland is just an evil man.

[uwsman2]

This is definitely on my "to see" list. I was waiting for the crowds to die down and actually have been too busy the past week to consider it. But maybe tomorrow. It's playing in IMAX near my apartment.

[operalover21]

I really want to see the movie! The books were great (especially the first one). Thanks for posting this. I hate going to see movies based on books that don't live up to expectations.

 

You do realize these books are written for 12 year old girls?

 

I thought the movie was awful. So campy and then you're supposed to care about the kids? I was laughing too hard. I'm with David Denby on this one who trashed it in the New Yorker. They also pulled back on the violence so it doesn't even have any impact.

 

What a waste of money and a huge disappointment. Jennifer Lawrence is the only redeeming factor.

[jjkrkwood]

You do realize these books are written for 12 year old girls?

 

I thought the movie was awful. So campy and then you're supposed to care about the kids? I was laughing too hard. I'm with David Denby on this one who trashed it in the New Yorker. They also pulled back on the violence so it doesn't even have any impact.

 

What a waste of money and a huge disappointment. Jennifer Lawrence is the only redeeming factor.

 

Well thats certianly a clear voice from one that hasnt jumped on the "Bandwagon".... Movies like this and Twilight certainly have that "Pied Piper" effect....

[+ azdr0710]

like the hip restaurant, club, spa, resort, etc. "of the moment", maybe people are going to see this just to be able to say they went and saw it.....????

[jjkrkwood]

like the hip restaurant, club, spa, resort, etc. "of the moment", maybe people are going to see this just to be able to say they went and saw it.....????

 

indubidably !

[seeker630]

You do realize these books are written for 12 year old girls?

 

I thought the movie was awful. So campy and then you're supposed to care about the kids? I was laughing too hard. I'm with David Denby on this one who trashed it in the New Yorker. They also pulled back on the violence so it doesn't even have any impact.

 

What a waste of money and a huge disappointment. Jennifer Lawrence is the only redeeming factor.

 

 

I saw it & I liked it. I thought the violence was handled well - either presented off-camera or so quick & chaotically that it had impact but wasn't dwelt on. Not a great movie, but worth seeing, IMO.

[Steven_Draker]

c[/color]ort ... "of the moment", maybe people are going to see this just to be able to say they went and saw it.....????

 

[tom1980]

I saw it and thought it was reasonably good. Not spectacular but I was glad I saw it. I thought the cinematography was too jerky but otherwise an enjoyable movie.

[operalover21]

I saw it & I liked it. I thought the violence was handled well - either presented off-camera or so quick & chaotically that it had impact but wasn't dwelt on. Not a great movie, but worth seeing, IMO.

 

Actually, it was the way they pulled back on the violence (an obvious ploy to avoid an R rating) that was one of the things that turned me off. I mean this is about kids killing kids. Show it. Stay true to the material (apparently the violence in the books is far worse). Be honest. Killing is awful. Not showing it just sanitizes it like it's a video game or something.

 

I think I saw this movie before. It's called Running Man, complete with campy host (was Stanley Tucci channeling Richard Dawson?). This was Running Man for kids.

 

I had never heard of these books until recently. I can't believe how popular they are. Sounds like they make Harry Potter read like Shakespeare.

[seeker630]

Actually, it was the way they pulled back on the violence (an obvious ploy to avoid an R rating) that was one of the things that turned me off. I mean this is about kids killing kids. Show it. Stay true to the material (apparently the violence in the books is far worse). Be honest. Killing is awful. Not showing it just sanitizes it like it's a video game or something.

 

Kids killiing kids certainly happens in the movie - I'm not sure I'd agree that's what it's really ABOUT. I haven't read the books (like you?) so I can't comment on how explicit the violence is in them vs the movie or how 'true to the material' the mlovie is. THE OP here, who seems to have read the books, seemed satisifed. But yes, I suspect that fear oi an R-rating was at least a factor in the filming & editing.

 

I think I saw this movie before. It's called Running Man, complete with campy host (was Stanley Tucci channeling Richard Dawson?). This was Running Man for kids. .

 

I remember that movie too - another B-movie adaptation of a Stephen King story. Lots of similarities, but I think there's a definite difference in quality.

 

I had never heard of these books until recently. I can't believe how popular they are. Sounds like they make Harry Potter read like Shakespeare.

 

Like you, I haven't read them, so I can't comment on their literary worth (& wouldn't anyway). But I like science-fiction and fantasy (including Rowling) as well as Shakespeare (& Hemingway & Faulkner).

 

Sorry you didn't like it though. I hate to invest 2 & 1/2 hrs and the price of a ticket and come out dissatisfied!

[operalover21]

Well, that's going to happen every time. It's the chance you take every time you buy and a ticket and enter a theater. I see no real difference in "quality" between it and Running Man. It was just dressed up so that it appeared to be something IMPORTANT.

 

I like science fiction and fantasy as well. HBO's GAME OF THRONES is an example of how it's done right as are the Harry Potter and LOTR films.

 

I haven't read Hunger Games and, based on the film, I wouldn't.

 

I just thought it was vastly overrated and overblown but, somewhat, worth it for Jennifer Lawrence's lovely performance.

[NYTomcat]

I think many are missing the point. For parents with kids. The books are a fabulous way to share the reading experience with kids and the film and focus on the negatives of the culture. There are few things parents and teenagers and young children can all share an interest in. Its why harry bella and now katniss are so popular

[operalover21]

And I think the names (Katniss and Peeta -- sounds like two female strippers in a redneck bar) are among the WORST I've ever heard! I kept thinking his name was Peter but realized that it's as if Bette Davis was prounouncing it ... PEETA, PEETA, light my cigarette. LOL.

 

No one should really take this nonsense all that seriously .