The Hunger Games is one of my favorite young adult series, and I can remember scanning Amazon three years ago, seeing the first book, its few reviews and perfect five star rating. It piqued my curiosity and I took a chance. I'm happy I did. I went crazy on shelfari recommending it in all my groups. In real life, I became an evangelist for Katniss Everdeen.
I'm happy with the casting for Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Gale (Liam Hemsworth), but not too thrilled with Josh Hutcherson as Peeta. Color me shallow, but I think he's fugly.
There's not much buzz about the other actors in the movie, which puzzles me because the movie has an awesome cast. Elizabeth Banks will make an excellent Effie Trinket (exactly how I imagined her), and Woody Harrelson's drunken snark will be perfect for Haymitch Abernathy. Donald Sutherland can play an epic bad guy-- cool and suave and nice, yet so threatening and dangerous-- so he'll be quite convincing as President Snow. I've loved everything Stanley Tucci has ever done, so I'm excited to see him as Ceasar Flickerman, although he could as easily played an intimidating Snow.
A movie rarely lives up to the book because readers get so much more information about the characters and the world, making the experience that much more visceral. Plus, each reader brings something different to the story, spice from their own imaginations and life experiences, making the book resonate differently for them. It's impossible to capture all of this in a screenplay. Having said that, I'll still plunk down my ten dollars to go see it. I can't resist; I'm psyched! How about you?
Check out some photos on set.
Be well, happy reading, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
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Thanks for the feedback. Be well, and happy reading!