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The Hunger Games


Watashi Wa

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Earlier today, I finished the audiobook of Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games. This was my first time listening to a book and I must say I quite enjoyed it. If given the option, however, I feel like I would chose to read an actual book as opposed to listening to one being read to me. It simply comes down to the fact that I retain information better if I read it off of paper.

 

As far as the book, I was not particularly impressed. I don't know if I bought into the hype too much or if people were more praising of the series as a whole. I am curious to know where exactly the plot goes now that the Games are over. I do not regret listening to the book. The development between Katniss and Rue was interesting enough, even though the outcome was unfortunate and predictable, given the premise of the Games. As far as the romance subplot is concerned, it's still a better love story than Twilight. Joking aside, I thought it was cute enough for a young adults book.

 

I also saw the movie tonight. Honestly, I felt it was a genuine and sincere adaptation. It probably helps that Suzanne Collins worked on the screenplay. After all, J.K. Rowling was personally involved with the best of the Harry Potter movies. The pacing of the movie mimicked the book nearly perfectly; only half-way through the movies do the real Games begin. A few minor details are tweaked or all together left out to allow for a more naturally (and PG-13 friendly, in most cases) movie. For instance, Katniss never shoots anyone in the neck. Obviously, this would be too gruesome for some kids. And any significance the muts at the end of the games had is completely ignored. The romance between Katniss and Peeta felt less natural in the movie, primarily because you don't get the sense of time that stretches in the book. The costumes were downright amazing. Lady Gaga might find some inspiration from them. The biggest problem I had with the movie was the extremely shaky camera shots in most of the action sequences. The brawl at the cornucopia near the end is a blurry mess. It probably didn't help that I was on a lower level row of seats.

 

I enjoyed the movie and enjoyed the audiobook. The themes of the first book were well played in the movie, but are much more subtle and candid throughout the book. I have the second and third to listen to. I am hoping that they will be able to keep my interest and live up to the expectations many of my friends have established for the series.

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Glad to hear that the movie was all right! I don't have extremely high standards when it comes to movies anyway, so I shouldn't have anything to worry about, but nevertheless when I read the book a few days ago, it gave me the impresison of something that could be adapted either really well or really poorly, so it didn't exactly get me waiting at the edge of my seat to see the movie version.

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