Book-review and movie-review post!

So recently, as I mentioned, I read Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games trilogy…

My thoughts:

Finally! It's not that I haven't been hearing about how great the books are for years, it's just that a) I have ten bajillion things on the to-read list at any given time; b) things with sequels are often intimidating, particularly when there are tan bajillion things on the to-read list, and c) I'm not all that mad about action sequences. Or survival stories. It takes a lot to suck me in, and to persuade me to care about the characters. With The Hunger Games it wasn't just Katniss's bravery or burgeoning rebellion that did it for me, but also characters like Effie Trinket and Haymitch who made me buy into the world and believe in it, with their very different responses to their involvement in the lethal Games. Characters are tricky in dystopian fiction – they need to be authentically of the world they come from, rather than mouthpieces for the reader's or author's culture. But they also need to recognise – or grow to recognise – some of the problems within that world. It's something that's done really well here, not just with Katniss but with several of the characters. And I loved the media spin on the 'survival' side of things – it wasn't just a case of surviving the Games but about creating a certain image or story for the cameras. (That, I think, makes it quite relatable – most of us haven't been involved in a battle-to-the-death recently, but many of us create/monitor our online personas, for example.) Anyway. Loved the characters, the high stakes, and the fast pace. And Peeta, as I may have mentioned. I don't necessarily see myself rereading these – part of the joy is seeing what happens next – but they definitely made me more excited for the movies.

And then I went to see the first Hunger Games movie (spoilers below)…

Movie-ish thoughts:

SQUEE. I really really liked the movie, and got shivers when Katniss volunteers (which is in the trailer, yes, but what a moment). Watching it so close to the books meant that there were very few surprises (in terms of big plot stuff), but also that certain things were anticipated. (Lots of biting of nails and holding of breath.) I thought the film format worked really well for capturing both the propaganda and the wackiness of the Capitol – seeing that clip they play at the Reaping, for example. I also loved-loved-loved any time we got to see the clips of the Games on the TV screens (though would have liked to see more of it), and also seeing behind the scenes with what the Gamemakers were doing. I adored Effie (she gets so many of the best lines) and Haymitch (loved that we got actual notes from him with the parachute, and seeing him working it with the sponsors was just brilliant) and Cinna (so lovely) and Caesar (hilarious). Loved that last scene with Seneca Crane. Adored seeing both Katniss and Peeta showing off for the cameras, and the unease Katniss has in contrast with Peeta's smoothness. Would have liked a little more done with the berries scene, maybe a cut to the Gamemakers. Generally I felt it worked really well on film, although like so many adaptations, am not sure how it works for people who haven't read the books (although I think most of the essential backstory and worldbuilding stuff makes it in there).

(Now, important question: did Peeta look a little short to you? Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence are apparently the same height, 5′ 7", though I suspect she gets put in boots that add half an inch or so. Is this some misguided attempt to make us seriously doubt that Peeta is better than Gale? Hmmph.)

(And another final thought: I don't think the film lacked any goriness or viciousness, although I know some people have suggested such things. It's pretty darn violent. What did seem very toned down was the disability side of things – Katniss's hearing, Peeta's leg. Much more striking than seven seconds of blood 'n' guts, surely?)

(Okay, I'm done.)

(PEETA.)

(Now I'm done.)