Harry Potter and Twilight books each captured a specific demographic whether it was young readers or teenage girls, but there’s something about The Hunger Games books that manages to go after all those readers and still not ostracize guys or older readers.
And so it shouldn’t be a surprise that the movie pulled in a quarter billion dollars in 10 days.
But does the movie measure up to a book that so clearly illuminates the dangers of unchecked government and genetic engineering? Or was the opportunity for a great adaptation missed in favour of making a film that’s just Lord of the Flies meets Running Man for the Survivor generation?
You’ve heard what we thought, now let us know what your impression of the Hunger Games were!
First off I had heard about the books but never read them. I really enjoyed the movie. I thought everything was done well except the CGI was a little weak particularly the city. I thought the cast was great. Jennifer Lawrence was great. Also the kid that played Rue was pleasant surprise. And Woody part was appropriately funny. There are 2 things I wanted to say that about the reviews out there. Quite a few suggested Hutcherson and Hemsworth should have switch places because Liam did a good job acting and Josh did not. One I enjoyed Josh Hutcherson acting. Second some reviews thought the fight scenes at the arena were to shaky and not enough fighting. I thought it was great. The one scene after Lawrence destroy the supplies and the main villain(Cato) snaps the other kids neck was brutal and showed the gravity of the situation that Lawrence was in the best. Nice to see you guys back!
It’s good to hear you’re reviewing this great movie
. I know it’s a hit, but I thought it would be a bigger hit – 400M worldwide is not a “huge” hit nowadays. Shi77ier movies like Transformers 2 and Twilight 4 part 1 did double than that, how is that even possible?!
Nice to see you both again!
Great to see you back guys, sadly the weird feedback noise made it hard to listen (but I did, cause ya’ll are great). Loved the movie and loved the book series. One note though, there was a “games master” in the first book, he just wasn’t even a minor character (no speaking parts at all) but he is mentioned once or twice.
Oh, 400m isn’t a “huge hit” nowadays, but 400m in the first 10 days of it being released is
Those other movies got that high after 2-3 months in the theaters.
Enjoyed the review
You really made me wanna read the books (after I finish GRRM “A Dance With Dragons”..). I heard people saying that the second book is the weakest so I fear for the next movie. Jennifer Lawrence and Effie (her name wasn’t mentioned the entire movie!! you had to google the character after watching it to find out her name. WTF) were the best part in it.
Nice to see u guys back to what you do best!!!!!!!!
Glad you guys are enjoying the review! So I’m halfway through the book and I’m actually irked with certain aspects that were different. Predominantly the relationship between Katniss and Peeta. I also feel a little robbed with how the movie didn’t REALLY give you that constant reminder of how every little detail of what Katniss and other District members did were in defiance of The Capitol. The book really weighs in heavily on those little details that you can only hope films will be able to capture (understandably they often don’t). However, I think you’re right Matt. I may be finished with all the books before the next movie comes out. I just pray the movies are better than what has become of the Twilight series, because my GOD, those have become almost embarrassing to watch! As a final thought, I will say I still REALLY enjoyed the film!
I was getting dizzy with all the shaky cameras.
Matt & Nat, a LOT of details about a lot of the open questions movie 1 gave you/me/everyone, are answered/explained more in the second book. You GOTTA read the second book. its a COMPLETLY different deal than just the games…. all to a whole new level and dynamic.
Keep rockin guys!
Just got my free Panem ID card today as part of the viral campaign for the movie (the card is free but you pay for the delivery and it’s worldwide delivery). I’m assinged to district 9 as a sower lol
http://www.facebook.com/thehungergamesmovie?sk=app_348211151865582
Good review. Only reading the books after the movie? Well thats an interesting spin on it.
You guys know that there’s a new trailer for BSG blood and crome floating around there right?
Oh yes… I saw the Blood and Chrome teaser a few months back but was sworn to secrecy. And was plotting to find a way to leek it to the internets when someone beat me to the punch by sneaking it out of a Wondercon panel!
It looks pretty awesome. But it’s hard not to look awesome with a NIN cover of a Zep song and 0.5 second flashes that are on screen too fast to decide whether this 100% CG set actually looks real. I mean, come on… we’ve all seen Sanctuary, right?
~Matt
I was just wondering if you two had seen it. It just seemed like something you two would immediately jump on.
I first looked on Bsgcast.com for what you guys had to say about it, but it sadly no longer exists. I heard that it was mostly going to be CGI, so I hope that works out. Do you know if it will just be a web series or an actual TV show?
I love Nat, really I do, but I find it sooo frustrating that she has adopted this common trait of ending her sentences by going up in pitch! She does it so often throughout this review and no matter how intelligent a person is (she’s very intelligent and has a lot of valid and insightful things to say) it always makes a person sound stupid/air headed.
I hope others out there realise the change too, and speak up about it! Having gone to an international university I’ve noticed so many people from the States and Canada have adopted this way of speaking and I hope it becomes a conscious effort to speak definitively and not ending a statement as if it’s a question.
Much love though for coming back, please continue! I’ve been a fan for years now and have gotten others involved in your site and the response has always been positive.
This is not criticism, just trying to be constructive as someone who really wants to fully engage in your reviews/opinions…
Love and Peace,
Lev
Funny you mention that, Lev, considering I’m the one who spends a lot of time in California, I was in fear that I’d be developing a Valley accent.
The inflection you’re talking about is called High Rising Terminal, and it’s common in most English dialects, even going as far as being called a dialect of its own. It even has it’s own Wiki page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_rising_terminal
Wacky!
Thanks for the kind words, and we’re delighted to be back, too!
~Matt