Last night I was pleased with the movie, but left with a lot of disappointment.
Then, this morning, I realized that I always judge movies based on books too harshly. The movies have to streamline for the people who just want to see the movie (yuck), but for those of us who matter it is a way to see some of the book brought to life. We already know stuff, so why do I want them to tell me everything I already know? I'm always explaining all the left out information to my husband (who never reads the book!) and I feel mad at the movie for not instilling in him the love I feel for the book. But how could it? As a full fledged bookworm, I know that my love for fictional characters is a little nutty and that others (like my husband) will never share this with me. I've officially renounced trying to make movie-goers the same as book lovers. We are not the same breed.
So, with my fresh perspective from my already-knowledgeable mind: I loved it! I was already pleased with the casting just from the look of all the actors, but they all portrayed the characters to perfection (with one exception: Haymitch, although I think that was more of a writing/editing problem, not Woody Harrelson's fault). They stuck with the storyline very well and they set up the second book amazingly. Many of the scenes we got to see (District 11, the viewers, the gamemakers, President Snow) we learn about in Catching Fire; I think this will make the second movie better. Jennifer Lawrence was amazing as Katniss, she captured the struggling emotions well that we know Katniss is dealing with throughout the book.
Even with my new outlook, I was still very disappointed with three things. First, where was Haymitch falling off the stage during the Reaping? I feel like that being the first thing we see Haymitch doing really sets up his character; plus, it's so damn funny! Second, was the muttations didn't have the tribute's eyes (or at least I certainly didn't see it and they didn't mention it like they do in the book). That was the most disturbing part of the games for me, so I had been excited to see it (which maybe they can't...but with all the CGI crazy effects they do these days, I'd think they could have). Third, I wanted to see Katniss flailing herself against the glass in the hovercraft when they get picked up from the arena. I don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't seen it, so I'll say I kind of get why they couldn't have this scene, but again that is probably the part of the book where I cried the hardest and was so emotionally wrecked by that I was super let down when it wasn't there.
But, I want to end on a positive note! I LOVED how they made all the Capitol people look (totally copying some of their crazy ass eyeshadow). And, let's all just appreciate Peeta for a minute!
