The Hunger Games (In Cinemas And My Tummy.)

It’s been a while.

The Hunger Games movie released in India, along with the rest of the world, yesterday. I watched it this afternoon.

Just as I expected, the movie was far from a let down. While minor changes were made with regard to the book, on the whole it was a superb adaptation. The subtle satirical parallels drawn with current reality television and the inherent dystopia amidst all the drama makes for not only an entertaining but also enlightening film. Of course, that point could be missed with the amount of hype surrounding the release of the film. I think that the many comparisons of this series to the Twilight Saga depict the ignorance of the writers of these articles. I mean, come on… a two-guys-one-girl story does not guarantee a cheesy teenage romance. Such assumptions are just plain stupid.

Jennifer Lawrence does a brilliant job as Katniss. She is a much better actor than I expected. I didn’t realise that Caesar Flickerman, the TV show host, was played by Stanley Tucci. He did a magnificent job, as always. The costumes were amazing. I absolutely loved the way Effie Trinket was portrayed. Stunning hair and make up. I’m rather unsure if Josh Hutcherson makes the perfect Peeta Mellark but he did play the part to the T. Overall, the casting was quite appropriate.

I’m so glad Suzanne Collins worked on the screenplay. The adaptation was beautiful, as if they drew it out of my own mind. Don’t miss it. Of course, I suggest you also read the books because they’re too awesome to skip out on.

I’m going to go find someone to make me a sandwich now. Indolence resides even in the best of us on a weekend like this.

Have a brilliant summer! What with the heat setting in, looks like we can all be “on fire.”

I Know Who I Will Be When I Grow Up.

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you probably know of my love for The Hunger Games. You probably also know that I’ve posted one too many times about it. Don’t fear, this isn’t about the book as much as it is about it’s creator. (Oh, if you’re not a regular and haven’t been here before, I think that The Hunger Games trilogy is the best thing that could happen to the world. You really should get yourself a copy. No, I’m not being paid to say that.)

So. I’ve figured out who I want to be when I grow up. Who, you ask? Suzanne Collins.

90s’ Nickelodeon aired reruns of Clarissa Explains It All. As a kid, it was my all-time favourite show. I remember wanting to be Clarissa and have Sam (Clarissa’s best friend) climb through my window. Guess who was one of the show’s writers? Suzanne Collins! Let’s fast forward 10 years, eh? I read the Hunger Games and there she is again – creating brilliant chemistry between Katniss, Peeta and Gale, making me fall in love with all three characters, changing the world. I think she’s simply marvelous.

My joy might seem irrational, but this is the person who wrote stuff I ran back from school and ate my vegetables for! She is definitely one of people I hope to meet someday.

In retrospect, my fear of the upcoming Hunger Games film ruining the magic of the books was rather uncalled for. Turns out, Collins adapted the novel for the film herself. Now that it’s in the best hands, I can’t wait for its release!

I could go on and on, but I should go study. End semester exams start day after. Sigh.

Suzanne Collins, I love you.