Katniss Everdeen. Peeta Mellark. The names of the champions ring in people’s ears as they leave the movie theater. I had just seen the new blockbuster hit “The Hunger Games” with a few friends, one whose cousin is Josh Hutcherson, better known as the character Peeta (no lie!).
Here is your warning — spoiler alert!
I have read all three books in Suzanne Collins’ series, and I thought they were all very well-written. I wouldn’t say it bothers me that I, as a college student, loved the series almost as much as my sixth grade sister, who is reading it for school. Does the movie do the book justice? What good parts were left out? What parts were just awesome?
First of all, I wanted more blood. Sorry, I’m not sorry. I wanted to see the ruthless teenagers as they beat each other. Don’t get me wrong — I am not at all for guts exploding or brains everywhere. But I did want a bigger step away from PG-13 violence. Those under 17 would just have to wait until they can see R-rated movies (or sneak into a theater).
I was also disappointed about how brief Katniss’ relationship was with Rue. I mean, the book made me cry. The movie just made me focus on how cute the little girl was. Why couldn’t we have known her longer? She was such an impactful character and is brought up even after death. If we, as viewers, were more attached to her character, Rue’s death would have been that much more dramatic.
I promise I loved the movie, but just one more criticism? The dog-like creatures at the end had the eyes of the dead tributes in the books. When they first appeared in the movie, not only did I jump out of my seat, but I got excited to see Katniss and Peeta’s reactions when they realize they are being attacked by lost tributes. But that part wasn’t there. Why? Why?
But all criticisms aside, I thought as far as movie adaptations go, “The Hunger Games” was pretty darn good. The characters were perfectly cast and the setting, which was filmed in North Carolina, matched my imagination with surprising accuracy.
Although, in the books, I must say I imagined a giant Thanksgiving cornucopia, and not the metal giant tent displayed in the movie. I guess I’ll have to get more creative. I’ll start by learning to paint myself like Peeta.