Even though I knew exactly what was going to happen, I was still transfixed and my heart still ached when I saw Peeta put his heart out there like that.
Even though I knew how Gale would react, I still felt for him having to watch.
Even though I've already seen it, I can not wait to see it again.
Have you seen it? What did you love and/or hate?
The only thing I would add is a bit more of the connection between Peeta and Katniss.
Click here to read my review of the Hunger Games book.
Images courtesy of HungerGamestheMovie.com.
COOL!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed this, Juju. I definitely want to see it (although I had my "issues" with the novel) but will likely be content with the DVD. =D
Oh doll you should definitely try to see it on the big screen. Even if you have to wait until it gets to your local discount theater. It's SO good and powerful on the larger screen.
DeleteOh, wow! I'm glad you think highly of it. I will be seeing it this afternoon. I can't wait. Everyone who has seen the movie so far has had nothing but positive comments. I wonder if this one will almost be as good as the book....
ReplyDeleteYay! I hope you loved it!
DeleteThe book is still better but it did a fine job!
I'm going to be seeing it this coming week I hope. I can't wait! And with the way everyone is praising it I want to see it even more. I loved the books.
ReplyDeleteYou are going to love it! Stop back by and let me know what you think :)
DeleteI saw it last night. It was a waaaaay better adaptation than Twilight! I think they did a great job, but the romance in the book didn't translate well on screen. Katniss seemed all about getting sponsors and she didn't seem like she liked Peeta much at all. In the book, her motivation was much more muddled than that.
ReplyDeleteThe scene with Rue...perfect!
I love the Twilight books and really dig the movies but you're right, it is a much better adaption.
Delete:)
And yes I feel ya. Their feelings for each other isn't really translating well. Gale's is. But Peeta and Katniss' isn't.
Rue's scene was perfection.
I cried.
Plus she was so cute I wanted to protect her.
I also found the new mama in me found it hard to see the younger and smaller ones fall.
This is my first time commenting, but I've been following along for a while :) I just went to see the movie yesterday (twice in one day!). I think my favorite thing about the movie was that it really highlighted the seriousness of the situation. I could really feel the hopelessness and desperation of the whole thing. I read the book so quickly that I think I kind of missed the sadness of it. The weight of the subject matter didn't really hit me until I saw the movie.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I thought was lost in the movie adaptation was the way that Katniss' inner dialogue lets you know that she's having to perform for the crowd. In the book, there is a connection to reality TV as Katniss manipulates Peeta and does things to please the crowd, but you also see her start to develop real feeling for him. I think that aspect (and really their whole relationship) was oversimplified in the movie. However, I don't know how they could have incorporated the inner dialogue aspect without being cheesy so I still think it was the best possible adaptation. I really loved it!
Wow! Awesome! Welcome and thank you Hannah.
DeleteTwice in one day? *high five* I wanted to do that too!
Yes good point. It did really highlight the hopeless and desperation. I think it was really powerful to see how lush the city folks live and what desperation the colonies live in.
Another good point! I don't know if the audience truly gets that Katniss is playing it up for the audience. And then how she slowly starts to feel for him.
I also don't think the movie portrays just how awesome Peeta is.
GREAT comment.
Thank you so much!
I do hope you'll comment again.
Ahhhh, Juju! So jealous!!! Did you get a babysitter for Baby Whimsy?? I almost had my parents babysit this weekend, but between nursing and napping I just got too nervous... I am so, so happy that you loved it so much!
ReplyDeleteAwwww *hug*
DeleteMy mama was visiting so we took advantage and went while she was here. :)
Saw it at midnight and loved it! I agree with everything and man did I cry!
ReplyDeleteRight? That was so unexpected for me. I knew I would cry when she stepped up (I did during the trailer) but I thought that would be it. Boy was I wrong.
DeleteIt has been a few years since I read it but I feel like when she returned Gale would have been upset. I just saw it again on Sunday. Second time is just as good!
DeleteOk yah I feel ya. I haven't read it in a few years either so I can't remember. I did like how the flashed back to him trying to avoid the footage and looking sad during the cave scene.
DeleteOh. My. Goodness! I can't wait to see this movie! Everyone who has watched it has loved it and raved about how it's the best book to movie adaptation ever. We'll be watching it this week when we're able to get a baby-sitter and I cannot wait! And then, I'll probably comment again and tell you what I thought of the movie. ;)
ReplyDeleteI feel ya girl!
DeleteMy mom is here visiting until Tuesday so we jumped at a chance to see it opening weekend.
Oh and yes please! Please do come back and let me know what you thought.
I know I'm going to be crying too. I'm hoping to catch this tomorrow. Thanks for your thoughts on it!
ReplyDeleteOoooo enjoy!
DeleteI saw it this afternoon and I should have taken some Kleenex with me! I did not expect to have such a strong emotional reaction to some of the scenes in the film. I hope to see it again in theaters and it is definitely one of my favorite book to movie adaptations, especially where YA books are concerned.
ReplyDeleteRight? Me too!
DeleteI was moved over and over again.
I must see it in the theaters again too.
And that is saying allot because I very rarely go to the theater. Especially now that I have a little baby at home.
But this one, I must.
And you're right, definitely one of my favorite book to movie adaptions thus far.
There could be more Peeta and Katniss I agree, but I thought the cave scene was awesome! I also kind of liked the fact that they didn't focus too much on the growing love triangle! They just showed snippets of it!
ReplyDeleteYes it was! *high five*
DeleteAnd yes you are SO right on the triangle thing.
It was subtle.
I liked that.
I am probably one of the few people on the planet who hasn't read the books yet. Would still like to see the movie though. Might actually see it before reading the books.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday, Juju!
Oh my dear you must change that! :)
DeleteI love seeing the movie first.
Otherwise I spend too much time comparing it to the book (which is always better).
Loved the movie. A few things bothered me that they could have easily incorporated into the movie and they didn't. The relationship b/t Katniss and Peeta is one, so I agree with you. Haymitch appeared pretty sober to me, and he was almost always drunk in the book. This issue was hardly addressed at all. But overall, I thought it was a great adaptation.
ReplyDeleteI feel ya on the Haymitch thing ;)
DeleteI haven't seen the movie yet but I plan to either tomorrow or Tuesday with my mom--even she was interested in watching it, lol. I'm glad to see that you overall enjoyed the movie, Juju. :)
ReplyDeleteYay! What fun! Go Sandy's Mama! :)
DeleteI cannot wait to watch it again! I loved literally everything about it. It was so so moving!
ReplyDeleteRight? Me too! Since I walked out of the theater Sunday morning (Mr. Whimsy and I went to Breakfast and a Flick) I have not been able to stop thinking about it.
DeleteI haven't watched it yet... maybe next week.
ReplyDeleteI found 3 trailers I haven't seen before today. Just watching the trailers made me cry already (not sure if it's hormones or what?!) but like you said, because I know what was going to happen (the trailer was of Gale saying goodbye to Katniss, Peeta saying the girl he had a crush on was with him at the Game etc.)
Glad to hear it's good!!
The trailers made me cry too! ;)
DeleteHow's the pregnancy going mama?
Agreed! :) I'm so excited I got the chance to attend the midnight showing! This story is one that really sticks with you. Here's a link to my post about the movie:
ReplyDeletehttp://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-thoughts-on-hunger-games-movie.html
I wrote some spoiler-free thoughts, but I also wrote some non-spoiler-free thoughts (which I note as such)... I find with this story I tend to talk/write on and on in order to sort out my thoughts about it, LOL!
~Amber
The midnight show? Awesome! Was it crazy crowded?
DeleteI'm off to check our your post.
Thanks for the link :)
Oh yes, awesome AND crazy crowded! ;) Some of my friends went to the theater at 7:00 PM, but I didn't show up until a little before 11:00 PM... But since I bought my ticket a month ago, I was in one of the first showings, so as soon as I got there they said I could go right in. There was a crazy long line outside the theater, though, for those who hadn't got in yet, I guess!
DeleteThis was my first midnight showing experience, and I loved being with all of the other fans and hearing others' reactions! :)
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog! :)
~Amber
Right on! It's been years since I've done that. Was everyone quiet and respectful? :) Or did you find your self wishing they would all quiet down?
DeleteI haven't read it and I haven't seen it! I really need to get on this bandwagon to see what it's all about!!
ReplyDeleteMegan @ Storybook Love Affair
Oooo you have to do both! SO SO SO good. Even Mr. Whimsy (who is not a big reader) purchased the eBook yesterday.
DeleteAHHHHHHHHH- I went and saw it on Saturday and LOVED IT!! Im working on my review too....and have to say the biggest shocker for me was liking Gale...A LOT.
ReplyDeleteRight? I loved Gale too.
DeleteHemsworth helps! ;)
Don't kill me...I haven't seen it yet! Mr. Swims hasn't had the time, so we're going tomorrow night! I hear it's brilliant, if you can separate the film and the novel...can't wait! :)))
ReplyDeleteKill you? No way! :)
DeleteI hope you and Mr. Swims LOVE it! :)
It was a great rendition (though as with all adaptations it seems that they never have time for character development for the leads let alone the secondary characters)
ReplyDeleteTrue :)
DeleteI just can't wait...I need everyone to stop going so I can get a ticket!
ReplyDeleteLOL :) I feel ya!
DeleteAlas, I've not read them.....and have no plans to do so in the very near future (though I do have a copy of the first one I picked up around Christmas). Glad everyone is enjoying it so much...can't say the story piques my interest though...but I totally know what non-Twilight and HP fans went through now. *-* It's everywhere! (LOL.)
ReplyDeleteAw!
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear that.
It captured my heart immediately.
Exactly how I felt! I got so immersed into the world, even though I knew everything that was going to happen. Loved it!
ReplyDeleteThe movie made me cry too Juju! I knew what things were coming but it didn't take away from the emotion of it when it was portrayed onscreen. My favorite scene in the book is Peeta's interview when he says "she came here with me" and I just loved it in the movie too. I was all I LOVE YOU PEETA!
ReplyDeleteYes! Exactly.
DeleteOMG yes! My heart beat so fast for him.
What courage.
Even though I knew Katniss would be okay, my heart still pounded for her as she entered the arena.
ReplyDeleteLoved the movie - and can't wait to see it again. I want to see it with someone who hasn't read the books, this time around, to see if it translates as well for someone who doesn't know the whole story ahead of time.
And oh dear, did I cry. I forgot to bring tissues with me and had to wipe away my tears after Rue's death with my sleeve. I'm still blown away at how fantastic Jennifer Lawrence was as Katniss. She totally nailed it.
I saw it with Mr. Whimsy (who hadn't read it) and it was interesting to ask him what he "got" and didn't get.
DeleteI don't think he is feeling Peeta. But I think the lack of inner dialogue is doing that.
Rue's part got me too!
It pulled at my heart strings and stirred the mama in me who can't bare watching kids suffer.
You are SO right. JL was amazing as Katniss.
Did you catch the way she shook when it was time to go into the arena. So subtle. So powerful. I was SO impressed.
JL's shaking in fear was one of my favourite parts! I loved that it didn't look like she was being brave and in control. At that point Katniss knows that in a few seconds she is either going to be killed or have to kill and she is freaking the heck out. JL portrayed that perfectly.
DeleteYes exactly!
DeleteShe really was perfectly portrayed.
I have a new found respect for JL.
I would have liked a bit more of a connection between Peeta and Katniss too, but other than that the acting was stellar! And I usually hate when they add scenes into a movie that weren't part of the book, but I loved all the added scenes surprisingly! Probably helped that Suzanne was a cowriter for the movies :)
ReplyDeleteIt was stellar acting. I wasn't feeling the Peeta casting but he convinced me.
DeleteYou always find a way to sum it up so perfectly. I felt all that and more. My only hope is that somehow they really capture Peeta's essence in the next one. Peeta is pretty awesome and special. I didn't get that from the movie. But the sheer emotion...I didn't think it could be done outside of a book. It was done here.
ReplyDeleteYES! I think Peeta isn't translating over well and I desperately want it to. Mr. Whimsy (who hasn't read the book) confirmed that he was feeling Peeta's role so far. Meaning he doesn't get the draw or big deal about him. SO I'm totally with you and wishing the same thing for the second film.
DeleteI loved it! I rarely watch movies that originated from books, but I loved that I have no preconcieved ideas about the actors and they became the characters for me. I really want to reread the books now...
ReplyDeleteYes! I actually finished an audio on Friday and haven't been able to start another because all I want is more Hunger Games. I'm thinking I might need to just buy the audios.
DeleteI'm glad you liked it! I'm seeing it later this week :)
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think :)
DeleteI LOVED it! I'm very happy to hear that you loved it too!
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures! (although what were they doing with Peeta's hair?!?!) Some things I liked and some I didn't. I wonder if I would like it better after seeing it again. I hope you like it just as much the second time around! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm itching to go again soon. I keep telling myself to wait for the dollar movie but I'm not sure I can.
DeleteHis hair is kinda funky. But I like it for some reason. ;)
My husband is out of the country and he made me promise I'd wait to see it with him, so I haven't seen it yet.
ReplyDeleteAwww you are a good wife! :) When is he due back?
DeleteI have not seen it yet, but plan to this weekend. I am really excited about the movie---but hope I like movie Katniss as much as I did book Katniss.
ReplyDeleteYou will! I did! JL is marvelous. And I was surprised by how much I loved Cinna.
DeleteWe get to see it this weekend and I can hardly wait! I know I'm going to bawl like crazy during the time that Rue is on screen. Just seeing her on the posters has had me emotional. I'm going to be a wreck for sure! But I can't wait! :o)
ReplyDeleteRue! Seeing her on film made me want to hug and protect her myself! ;) Enjoy! Come back and let me know what you thought of it all.
DeleteI watched it twice! And yes, I was transfixed as well. There were a few things that I wish stayed closer to the book, like how Katniss got the pin and the flashback scene with the bread didn't work for me because it should have happened with a younger looking Katniss and Peeta, but still a darn good film.
ReplyDeleteSO true on the flashback thing. :)
DeleteThey could have kept the flashbacks in the same locations but made them longer and more age accurate.
And I'm so with you on the pin.
:)
I didnt even think about the flashback thing...or the whole issue with the pin...why didnt they just leave it like it was...didnt she get the pin from the mayors daughter?? That would have worked so much better than Katniss getting it from the market...
DeleteYes! I think you're right about the mayors daughter. (I so need to reread or listen to it again)
DeleteThat definitely would have worked better.
The market thing didn't feel quite right.
Such a good movie! I agree that I would have liked a bit more connection between Peta and Katniss. Overall, SOOO GOOD!
ReplyDeleteI so need to watch this movie! :)
ReplyDeleteI thought it was extremely well done. One of the things that it reminded me of was that the writing itself was very cinematic and that helped the story translate to the screen.
ReplyDeleteI thought the 'connection' between Katniss and Peeta was just right (hardly there) - it's because of that that I was so SURE that Gale was a better choice after book 1, and before I knew there was a trilogy.
Interesting. Ok I hadn't thought of it that way but I really appreciate your opinion. It's got me thinking. Right on! Thanks C! :)
DeleteAnd who knows... I may change my mind after I re-read and re-watch. I plan to do that in the next few weeks!
DeleteI need to do that soon. I'm itching for a reread.
DeleteI'm going tonight and I'm sure I'll love it.
ReplyDeleteHave fun :)
DeleteOH MY GOSH! I still haven't seen it. I can't wait. My daughter said that it was really, really good. Probably next weekend before I can get there. I did, however,
ReplyDeletebuy two shades of nail polish from the China Glaze Hunger Games color series! LOL!
I kinda wanna read the books again... and I never do that.
~Liz
Oh nice! Which shades did you get? :)
DeleteOMG me too! I never reread and from the moment I walked out of that theater, I've been obsessed with getting my hands on the audiobook.
Ahhh, it was just so good!! I didn't like the shaky camera, but I LOVED all of the characters. It was just so perfectly cast!
ReplyDeleteI feel ya!
DeleteDid you find you got use to the shaky camera? Or did it trouble you the entire time? :)
Ohh, I loved the movie, definitely left out some parts that I wish they added from the book but it was still great. Can't wait to see it again, it makes me want to read the books once more!
ReplyDeleteMe too! I'm contemplating buying the audiobook.
DeleteAw, yay! I'm glad you liked the movie, Juju. I agree, more between Peeta and Katniss would have been great. I REALLY missed more between Rue and K, though. :( But overall I thought it was pretty good.
ReplyDeleteWendy @ The Midnight Garden
I liked it too! Yeah, there definitely needed to be more between Kat and Peeta, also between Kat and Rue. Given the time allotted, I think they did a great job getting the feel of the book across. I'm tempted to watch it again.
ReplyDeleteVery true! :)
DeleteTime is definitely of the essence and they did a great job considering.
I'm hoping for extended scenes on the DVD.
I think I am the only person in the world who has no interest in "The Hunger Games." Is that weird?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88
No interest? Awwww it's SO good.
DeleteWeird? Nah! :)
GMR at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers has no interest either :)
loved it! such a wonderful beginning to the movie trilogy!
ReplyDeletei defintely enjoyed the movie more than i thought i would. i was trying to contain my enthusiasm for the book and it by far exceeded my expecations!
ReplyDeleteMine too :)
DeleteI absolutely LOVED this movie. One of the best movies I've seen so far (and I watch a lot of movies besides reading) Actually: I loved it so much, I finally started to read the books. I'm now in the first one and I'm completely hooked :) There was something that hold me back to read, but the movie gave me the final push!
ReplyDeleteSO glad you're reading it. While I loved the movie the books will rock your socks off. :) Thanks for stopping by Mel! :)
DeleteSo do you think you'll see it again?
Awesome! Even though I've read the books, I know I'm going to sob when I see the movie. I choke up every time I watch the trailer. :P
ReplyDeleteI guess I can be ok with a lack of connection between Katniss and Peeta, well, at least on Katniss's end.
YAY!!! Hubby's taking me to see it tomorrow!!! I;m soooo excited!!!
ReplyDeleteYay hubster! Enjoy :)
DeleteConfession: I've already seen it twice. Loved it both times!
ReplyDeleteHa! You go girl! :)
DeleteLOVE :)
ReplyDeleteOoo I love this! I want to see it again too!! I agree with wanting more of a connection between Peeta and Katniss and what about Peeta's leg!? I loved it too! I seriously feel so stupid for worrying so much that I wouldn't have liked it at all lol! I can't wait for Catching Fire! :)
ReplyDeleteYou were worried? I'm so glad you liked you it. :) I seriously can not wait for Catching Fire either :)
DeleteEven though I knew the dogs were coming, I still jumped in my seat when they appeared.
ReplyDeleteLike Katie, I was nervous too, but overall, I enjoyed it. I'm working on a review of this movie for this week right now. :)
I feel ya! :) Seeing them create the dogs and smile about it made it so much more chilling.
DeleteI loved it and I usually don't enjoy movies based on books, because I always end up disappointed; however, I thought it was really well done. I plan on seeing it again with a few other friends- can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI feel ya! That's why I usually see the movie before reading the book. That way I don't end up disappointed.
DeleteHave your friends read it?
Haven't seen it and may wait for video since the hubby just read the book.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to read that this is one movie adaptation they seem to have gotten correct!
Yeah, this movie really just proved I need to get my emotions in check haha. I saw it twice, cried both times...and I still can't listen to the song on the soundtrack that played during Rue's scene. It met my expectations though, which is rare when it's a book to film adaptation!
ReplyDeleteAwwwww :) You sound perfectly in check to me!
Delete:)
I feel ya. I tried not to get my hopes up ahead of time and was pleasantly surprised.
I've seen it twice now lol. I really liked it but as you said I needed more connection between Peeta and Katniss. I thought individually they were both really good but something was just missing. I think in the book more is made of the fact that Katniss is playing to the cameras in terms of her affections towards Peeta and that wasn't made clear in the film. One of my favourtie parts in the book is where Peeta calls her on it. Still, overall it was great and I'm really excited for the next one!
ReplyDeleteYes! I agree! I'm not sure people will really understand how it started out as a game and slowly morphed.
DeleteYES! Loved that scene.
He really did surprise me. I wasn't sure about the actor but he won me over.
your statements...
ReplyDeleteso true, soooo true.
i felt the same and can't wait for the dvd!
Me neither. I hope it's full of special features and deleted scenes.
Delete