If you’ve read The Hunger Games trilogy, then you’re probably already well-aware of the powerful impact of the story. It’s more than just a love story. It’s more than an action-filled drama. There is a lot of depth to the plot, as well as many individual characters many of us fans come to know.
If you haven’t read these books, you’ll come to realize much of the same thing through the film(s). Coming from a book and film lover’s point-of-view, it’s always so difficult transitioning the two and it’s understandable. Through the years, I’ve come to accept this and learn how to just enjoy movies and books as separate forms of entertainment. But I still admit to finding myself comparing much-loved books-to-film adaptations on occasion, and The Hunger Games set has been one of those because it’s been handled just that good.
My favorite thing about The Hunger Games movie franchise is the casting. I haven’t had any complaints since the beginning, loving every cast member in their roles because they were fit for them from the start in my honest opinion. I know I certainly saw fan complaints at the start with the first film, and a lot of it dissipated afterward. I just didn’t feel any distaste toward the cast though when they were announced. And I especially loved Woody being announced as Haymitch, and Lenny as Cinna--which was funny because at the time I felt like the only one to rejoice at the news of those two guys (even though everyone loves them now, hehe).
Obviously, if you’re reading this review of Catching Fire, then you’re either interested in seeing it because you’ve seen the first, have read the books, or have already seen the first film. I’ll still try to stay clear of the spoilers because I don’t like to put spoilers in any review I write, but I can’t guarantee a completely spoiler-free review when it comes to movies, especially sequels. I’m warning you now anyway.
Catching Fire takes off right where the first finished at, with Katniss back in District 12. She is back with her family, in a new and improved house because hey, she’s a Victor now and had to move into the special Victor’s Village section of the district. She’s living there with her mom and Prim, Haymitch and Peeta across the way in another home. It’s not a bad set-up really for them, compared to what they used to live in at least. Admittedly, the film starts a bit slow with a build-up of an emotional hold for the audience to remember what the past for Katniss. She is quiet. She’s having nightmares and flashbacks. There’s an obvious tension to her, and soon it’s revealed that she can barely hunt without fear swallowing her.
Gale and Katniss have built their friendship back up and more since her return too. And with it, her and Peeta seem to have lost theirs. After a threatening visit from President Snow, Katniss has to make the decision to bring back that “love story” the citizens loved so much, and at the start of the tour the viewing audiences can almost sense the chore-like feelings both of the characters have. It’s not until during the tour and the riots when they cling to each other, and the bond becomes more than just a chore or an act, but actually about them building their genuine friendship again. There are little moments throughout when the characters are supposed to feel conflicted, and as a viewer/reader, I felt it translated extremely well onto the screen from Lawrence and Hutcherson.
And I’ll be honest since I don’t remember (it’s been so long from reading the books), portraying Effie’s character that way was stunning. I don’t recall a lot of her sympathy--only her eccentric personality--but I’m glad we get to see so much more of it here because I’d been wondering how she felt about it personally. Obviously I need to re-read my books after having not picked them up in a few years. Haha. :P
I felt it took a little longer this time to get to the training and arena. There just was a lot of detail to put into the movie and I got that. I do wish there’d been a tad more, especially on some of the characters like Finnick and Johanna, but then it’d been even longer I know. The hardest part for me was Cinna. I thought I’d cried a lot in the first installment? I was such a baby in this one even though I knew it was coming. There were several areas I lost it to tears, but that one? I quietly bawled into my popcorn cup.
A lot of fans already know the outcome with the romantic side of things to our characters' lives, but the indication was beginning to form in this installment with a few subtle hints and actions. A viewer that hasn't read the books or heard any spoilers in this area would probably get a clear enough picture by the end of this film either way. Not that it should matter... I never felt like this story had a heavy focus on romance--a light one, yes, but not the main idea.
The filming seemed so much better for this installment also. Not that it was horrible in the first-- it was just really shaky and at times almost too ‘reality-like’. I liked that the camera was steadier and the picture often brighter when needed here. Also, once again, hats off to costume design.
This was such a wonderful film. I look forward to seeing it again and again and again.
And of course, re-reading the books as I wait impatiently for the first part of the Mockingjay film to release. :)
Hey awesome nerds! Fantatics. Music-enthusiasts. Movie-buffs. Whatever you may be.
My first post here a few days ago was a bit rushed through and didn’t really give you much, did it? I know. I was trying to hurry with the set-up and get things done before having to log off. So let’s make this a more proper introduction, and more about me--Pixie--before things begin kicking off here.
I’m not afraid to admit I love TV and movies. I go through my stages (especially certain times of the year) where I may not watch as much television, but I always have at least one or two shows on my definite must-watch list throughout the year. When it comes to movies, I’m always the slacker with new releases even though I love sitting down and watching them. I just have a general distaste for theater crowds most of the time. I either go when the movie buzz has already worn off and the film is about to be taken out of the theater, or I wait to rent it later. Ha.
I love music. I think anyone who hates music would be soul-less. My play list probably consists of a majority of country and rock music--mostly rock in all styles--but I’m also known to enjoy a wide variety of genres. My mood will affect my music choice often. Ha.
My celebrity inspirations: Tim Burton, Joss Whedon, Jennifer Lawrence, JK Rowling, Patrick Stewart, George Takei, Alan Rickman.
Crushes: Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, Ian Somerhalder, Jennifer Lawrence, Johnny Depp, Alexander Skarsgard, Angelina Jolie, James Marsters, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Will Smith, Orlando Bloom, Lucy Hale, Troian Bellisario, Norman Reedus, Luke Bryan, Sully Erna…. Hahaha… The ones I can name easily off the top of my head anyway. I’m sure I’m forgetting a few though. It’s late as I’m writing this. :P
I seem to like (and hold on to more often) TV series that provide elements I share common interests with mostly. Since I’m also an author and book blogger, I get attached to shows that have a lot of the same qualities I enjoy reading in books or writing about myself like paranormal or strange, twisty plot lines, drama, hints of comedic/sarcastic and witty characters that are relatable, and action. Two of my favorite shows of all time? Supernatural and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Supernatural just a slight hair better maybe, but it could be because it’s still going and… Jensen… and I’m a little biased). I also love The Walking Dead, The Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, and True Blood.
I also get into a lot of comedy and some reality. I don’t go overboard… and I get picky when it comes to the two of these categories. Earlier this year, I fell in love with Sean Saves the World (yay for Sean Hayes being back!), and have been a long-time fan of Big Bang Theory. I’m also a dedicated fanatic to Big Brother every summer, so watch out for a lot of that going on here come next year I’m sure. ;)
Favorite movies: The Hunger Games, Pirates of the Caribbean (1-3), Rock of Ages, Pitch Perfect, Back to the Future, The Little Mermaid, Tangled, Sweeney Todd, Harry Potter, X-Men (X-Men: First Class is my fave so far of the bunch), Romeo & Juliet, The Avengers, Star Trek, I Am Legend, Zombieland, Labyrinth, The Crow, Get Him to the Greek, Alice in Wonderland.
I love musicals. I think I'm the only one in my family that actually enjoys them, so I tend to watch by myself most of the time. Ha.
Other little facts about me: I love vintage things, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the 80's and 90's, cartoons and Disney movies, western boots, and tennis. I'm a comic book geek with an obsession for X-Men mostly... and if I go to Comic-Con, I want to be Mystique. I love playing video games also, but haven't in recent months because of my hectic schedule. Best games though: Mortal Kombat, Injustice, Grand Theft Auto, Any Mario game, The Sims, and Spyro.
Also, I don't trust anyone who says they hate candy.
Okay, so what else? I don’t think there’s really anything else to tell now at this point. You’ll probably learn more through time. And you’ll also learn my opinions change easy through time. Especially with viewings and such.
Hmm.. I guess I should say that there might not be a regular schedule going on here. I will update as often as I can, when I can. I stay fairly busy this time of year with many things, and being behind on my book blogging at the moment will put that matter to catch-up there first before I work around to here. But not to worry. I’ll get to it all as quickly as I can.
In the meantime, have any additional questions and want to know more about me? Feel free to ask away in the comments and I will respond in a post soon!
Have a happy week.
Thanks for being here and welcome to the first of Adventures in Remoteland.
What is this? It's my new blog strictly for entertainment. I will be posting reviews and discussions for television shows and movies, as well as some music--mostly with rock and country. And for anyone who doesn't know me: I'm already a blogger of books over at The Bookaholic. I'd made the decision a couple of months ago to also begin this entertainment blog through the new year since I love TV and movies almost as much as I do books.
I also like to crush on some actors and musicians, so there'll probably be several posts of me gushing on those. :P
Anyways, this is just an introductory for now as I start to get things settled. You can follow me on Twitter @addiction2books as well as check out my other blog, and I look forward to start regularly posting here soon also! :)
Thanks!
Pixie
