Low Maintenance, High Standards
It was a sincerely great movie. There were a few things that were cliche and/or predictable, but it was genuinely funny and had some really touching and emotional scenes. I was surprised just how much I liked it.
Going into this, knowing it had so many familiar faces (as it follows so many different couples), I was prepared for it to feel like Valentine’s Day or New Years’ Eve. Both are fine, light movies that star some big (and some of my personal favorite) names, but, overall, predictable and a little shallow.
So I was pleasantly surprised that it had a very Love Actually feel to it instead. The stories flowed well, I felt all of the couples got a respectable, even amount of focus and time, and they intersected in a nice, believable way. All of the actors and couples were so believable and funny.
I’d have to say that Elizabeth Bank and Matthew Morrison were standouts for me. Banks is genius in her role as this woman who has these idealistic ideas about pregnancy…who discovers the truth. And Mr. Schuester is left in Lima, OH, and Matt gets to show some great acting chops. He worked well off of (a surprisingly not annoying) Cameron Diaz, and he had some fantastic lines and moments.
I really recommend the film to men and women alike. You will most definitely laugh (the Dads club is pretty friggin’ hilarious; Chris Rock was fantastic as the group’s unspoken leader), but don’t underestimate the heart behind it as well. Also — Chase Crawford is very good looking.
A-
Spoilers (This segment has 9 talking points.)
*DISAPPOINTING CHANGES/OMISSIONS - AKA: THINGS THAT BUGGED ME
1. KATNISS & PEETA WERE NEVER PRESENTED OFFICIALLY AS A TEAM
— I didn’t understand why they couldn’t have taken a few seconds to have Haymitch and/or Cinna tell Katniss and Peeta that they must train together and present themselves as a team.
— The presentation of them being a team is vital in pulling off the star crossed lovers angle, and it definitely helps with both of their survivals since it’s hard to separate them in your mind if you’re a sponsor.
— It bothered me that Cinna didn’t tell them to hold hands during the ceremonies. It made sense for Peeta’s character to initiate it in some way, but doing it halfway through their ride seemed off to me.
2. THE TRIBUTES WERE NOT ONSTAGE DURING EACH OTHER’S INTERVIEWS
— The crowd couldn’t see Katniss’s reaction when Peeta made his confession. They can’t be star-crossed lovers if the crowd doesn’t think she could be in love with him too.
— Furthermore, they literally had no crowd reaction to Peeta’s confession. This made the whole thing feel less effective because you never get a sense before they go into the Arena that he really did make her look desirable, that by making his confession of love, he heightened their chances of sponsors and survival.
— Even Stanley Tucci’s reaction to the confession felt lackluster. “Oh, that’s bad luck.” I anticipated the cries, the agony in people’s faces when they watched this kid. It still feels disappointing three views later.
— Peeta and Katniss’s pretend situation is unique. Having this weird flirtation going on between Cato and Glimmer not only felt strange, it felt like there was something no longer special about Peeta and Katniss. Besides, I feel like a flirty Glimmer would have just been easy prey for Cato.
— I loved how Josh ran up, screaming his head off. “RUN! RUN, KATNISS! GET OUT OF HERE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! RUN!” Despite the laughs it got in the theatre, I thought he put in the right amount of panic and pain. But Cato wasn’t anywhere to be seen.
— Correct me if I’m wrong, but I didn’t think having the sponsor parachutes make noise was a good idea. Sending those parachutes is a way for you to increase your Tribute’s chances of surviving. So if you have it drawing attention to itself, you risk another nearby Tribute either stealing it or just coming over and killing you.
— I’m not one of the fans who thought it was vital that Peeta have his leg amputated. It’s really not essential to future stories. However, you see the Mutts tear at his legs on the Cornucopia. There needed to be some kind of injury to the leg. Because that sets up my issue with number 8.
— The actual execution of their almost-suicide was divine. Jennifer and Josh really made that brief moment just heart wrenching. Everything about their reaction to the rules changing back to the original rules was phenomenal, and my stomach just churned watching Jennifer’s eyes shift into the horror and realization of what she would have to do. Then what was the problem, you ask?
- Peeta: No, Katniss. You have your sister and your mother. They need you. My family…they’ll be okay.
- Katniss: I won’t. I won’t be okay.
And then go into how they need their victor. Just that two second exchange would have made a world of difference in how that scene (which was my favorite in the book) was handled. Otherwise, it was perfect, particularly with the addition of that braid detail.
8. THERE WAS NO RECOVER TIME.
— Katniss’s intial freak out on the ship immediately following the Games was essential. If Peeta had some sort of injury to his leg, they could have shown her reaction, which was “her best moment by far” throughout their whole charade.
9. THERE WAS NO REUNION/THE FINAL INTERVIEW WAS WAY RUSHED
— The entire ending, in general, felt really rushed.
— It would have been great to see Katniss’s reunion with Haymitch and Cinna because of how they both said goodbye to her. However, the fact that they left out her reunion with Peeta was ridiculous. That make out session is literally vital in her survival with President Snow. It also feeds poor Peeta’s belief that she has fallen in love with him too, making his realization later that much more tragic.
— First off, the yellow dress she wore for the interview was just stunning, and probably my favorite of her costumes. But for two people who are supposed to be so in love that they would have committed suicide rather than go home without the other, they were awfully far apart. They were in separate chairs, and the hand holding was so forgettable than if they had just added that little detail - a loveseat where they cuddled next to one another. I don’t understand what changing it to separate chairs and lots of space between the two did for the story…
— The film was already two and a half hours. Seriously, what is five or ten more minutes to fully do the ending justice? I thought that through Haymitch’s exposition and Jennifer’s execution of the interview conveyed the fact that Katniss was putting on a show. But we never fully got to see anybody else believing the show those two were putting on for them.
More spoilers…(This segment 8 has talking points.)
* CHANGES I LIKED
1. SENECA CRANE, PRESIDENT SNOW, THE GAMEKEEPERS, DISTRICTS
— I loved that these filmmakers used their medium for good instead of evil. Obviously, movie adaptations will take their own artistic liberties that differ from the books, make changes and so forth. And these people did it (mostly) right.
— I loved seeing more of Seneca Crane. They presented him and the rest of the Gamekeepers in that control room the same as they would a control room for any live television show. There’s a director and a specific way to execute each shot.
— I thought showing Seneca Crane call for the raging fire, a falling tree, the Mutts, general camera commands was a genius call. All of these kids really are part of a sick game that is controlled by other people for entertainment. It was a powerful image seeing someone in the director’s chair for this.
— They obviously have to set up Snow for the sequels, particularly with the garden of white roses, but I liked how they showed his link to Seneca so that his death packs a harder punch later on in the film. It was also interesting to see Snow throughout the Games as he is the one letting all of this happen.
— I enjoyed the fact that they showed how the people in the districts felt throughout the Games. It wasn’t too much, but it gave you the chance to remember that this is televised, and that the family and friends of these kids are being forced to watch them kill each other.
Verdict: EXCEPTIONAL
2. KATNISS ATTACKS PEETA
— To be honest, I always thought when Katniss pushed Peeta into a potted plant after his interview was kind of lame. In the film, she full on pins him up against the wall, her forearm pushed right into his throat, her face close, her teeth bared; she’s pissed. It’s a great time for all of this pent up emotions to come rushing out of her in that moment — the reaping, the training, the fact that Peeta suddenly wanted to prepare separately… She’s losing control. She’s always in someone’s control, and she hates it, and she goes crazy.
— Haymitch did a good job of explaining what his actions did, but it still leaves the audience wondering — does Peeta really feel that way about her or did he make it up to get in good with the audience? Is the “star-crossed lovers of District 12” a plot or a hope? It was a good change.
— “MANNERS!”
Verdict: EXCEPTIONAL
3. KATNISS MEETS FOXFACE
— I absolutely loved the moment when Katniss runs right into Foxface as she’s escaping the bloodbath at the Cornucopia. They both stare at each other, both severely petrified, and it’s just understood that they are the same in that moment: We’re both kids from the districts, scared out of our minds, we don’t want to fight, we want to run. And they do. They turn around and run opposite directions. Jacqueline’s foxlike twitching of the eyes is a nice touch!
Verdict: EXCEPTIONAL
4. THE TRACKERJACKERS
— While part of me could have done with more hallucinating on Glimmer’s part, I thought this scene was fantastic. Instead of focusing on erupting sores and ants crawling into the eyeballs, they took the opportunity to show what happened with Katniss’s father and help explain what Katniss meant when she told her mother she can’t check out again. Being able to see the explosion and how Katniss became head of the family was wonderful. I also appreciate that they put some focus on Peeta and how he saved her, which tells the audience he really wasn’t with the Careers.
— I agree with Josh Hutcherson when he said the editing in the scene was fantastic. It was trippy and weird, and the way the sound mixed in, I felt like I was also experiencing these hallucinations.
— I am so thankful they didn’t feel the need to do a big, disgusting close up on the trackerjackers. Ugh. My arm just got covered in goosebumps. Glimmer’s corpse looked gross though.
Verdict: GREAT
5. HAYMITCH’S NOTES
— We can never get inside of Katniss’s head the way we do in the books so I thought that this was a clever way to put their connection out to the audience without having to be super blatant about it. You still understand that Haymitch and Katniss are on the same wavelength without having to have the note say “Kiss Peeta so people think you’re in love and will become your sponsors.”
— “You call that a kiss?” It’s still awesome.
Verdict: GREAT
6. DISTRICT 11 RIOTS
— In the book, after Rue’s death, District 11 sends Katniss some bread in a really beautiful gesture. And part of me missed that in the film. But it was so powerful seeing the people of District 11 salute Katniss right back and then snap. They’ve had enough. They had to watch their little girl get killed, yes. But also, there was this girl from 12 who may die as well, and she was a true friend to Rue.
— I think including this look into the unrest and anger and defiance in the districts sets up the sequels nicely and gives the movie audience an immediate understanding of why Snow is furious Katniss ends up winning and being a spark in this rebellion.
Verdict: GREAT
7. CATO’S MONOLOGUE AND DEATH
— ONE OF THE BEST SCENES. I’m so thrilled they gave Alexander this monologue. It really drives home the idea Haymitch presents in the book - “Remember who the real enemy is.” Cato is a ruthless killing machine; he says so right there. It’s all he’s ever known. But he’s a kid from the districts too. He’s raised for slaughter like the rest of them. And even though he’s someone to be feared, he’s also someone to be pitied just like Rue. The Capitol is the true enemy here. Giving Cato that humanity was special.
— Yeah, Cato’s agonizing death lasted hours as the mutts ate away the armor that stood in the way of his flesh. But I’m glad Katniss was merciful enough to kill him quick in the film. I had no problem that that part didn’t last longer. It was the kind thing to do in the end.
Verdict: EXCEPTIONAL
8. SENECA CRANE AND THE NIGHTLOCK
— GENIUS. This was pure genius.It might cause some problems in Catching Fire when Katniss is in private training and all. But to turn the table around on Crane was haunting and awful and epic. It’s such a big “fuck you” from Snow, and it’s so creepy and horrible and awesome.
Verdict: EXCEPTIONAL
This movie was truly sensational despite some important things they skipped.
CASTING: A+
ACTING: A+
CAMERA WORK: B
COSTUMES: A
SOUND MIXING AND/OR USE OF MUSIC: A+
OVERALL ADHERENCE TO THE BOOK: A-
GRADE: A
Spoilers… (This segment has 12 talking points.)
*CHANGES/OMISSIONS I DIDN’T MIND
1. NO MADGE
— She never becomes integral to any part in any of the stories. They could have had her meet Katniss at the Hob, but not having Madge give Katniss the Mockingjay pin wasn’t a big deal to me. If anything, the thing that annoyed me about the pin was that no one explained the significance of the bird.
2. HAYMITCH WAS NOT AT THE REAPING
— As hilarious as it would have been to see Woody fall off the stage as a drunken Haymitch, I’m okay with them introducing him later. The Reaping was so emotional, and I think having that comic relief moment in the film would have taken away from the scene as a whole.
3. MR. MELLARK DOESN’T VISIT KATNISS/NO MENTION OF FATHER’S SINGING
— It’s a very sweet moment in the books, and yes, Peeta partly fell for her because of her singing voice. But, in the end, it wasn’t vital to the story that Peeta’s dad loved Katniss’s mother. And as for Peeta, I think the fact that she’s brave and would do something like this for her sister is enough to trump a nice voice anyway.
4. NO EXTENSIVE PREP TEAM SCENE
— This is another element that would have been amusing to see, but the brief view we got of Katniss being prepped for Cinna was enough.
5. KATNISS WENT TO PRIVATE TRAINING BEFORE PEETA
— This detail is so trivial. Besides, they switched it so we would have a more immediate reaction to Peeta’s “Katniss, shoot straight” comment.
6. PEETA AND KATNISS DON’T TALK TOGETHER ON THE ROOF
— They are inside their last night. Another trivial detail/complaint.
7. NO AVOXES
— Katniss mentioned getting her tongue cut out “or worse” in the woods with Gale early on. And while it may have helped with the whole District 13 plot down the road, it wasn’t that vital to the immediate story of this film.
8. KATNISS DOESN’T STRUGGLE TO FIND WATER
— With the time constraint of the film, Katniss goes through other ordeals to make it evident that the Arena is hard. Besides, by briefly showing her use her survival skills to find water at all was a pretty nice touch in and of itself.
9. KATNISS DOESN’T GO DEAF
— I actually was really annoyed after the first viewing. But three viewings later, I’m at peace with it. By including the disorientation and the ringing, they still showed some consequences of being that close without having to deafen her. I don’t necessarily think that by blowing out her eardrum they had to do a whole big thing with it, but I understand why it was cut.
10. KATNISS DOESN’T SHOUT PEETA’S NAME AFTER THE RULE CHANGE
— Considering they cut out the part where this would have been important, I think her whispering it was effective enough. Jennifer had a great delivery on it anyway. But honestly, since they didn’t go into the post-Games interview in depth (more on that later), I don’t think, ultimately, it mattered if she screamed it or whispered it. I’m just happy they had her say it at all.
11. KATNISS DOESN’T GIVE PEETA SLEEP SYRUP
— This is another detail I didn’t think was vital to the story with the time constraint. In the film, it’s clear that Peeta is in and out of consciousness because of his fever so Katniss just leaving to go didn’t compromise any of the storytelling.
12. THE MUTTS DIDN’T LOOK LIKE THE TRIBUTES
— Other than freaking the hell out of Katniss at the time, the fact that the Capitol engineered them to look like the Tributes didn’t mean much. Taking the time to notice them and then never explaining that they weren’t real doesn’t seem worth the trouble. They were terrifying either way so I wasn’t really all that bothered.
Spoilers abound…
*THE GREAT (There are points 15 in all.)
1. THE BREAD FLASHBACKS
— I thought this was executed quite brilliantly. The fact that it was referenced visually in several different parts of the film (the Reaping, the train ride, dinner table, etc.) really illustrated their connection. I loved that Peeta talks about it so passionately later in the cave; it wasn’t a romantic thing for him. He wishes he would have done more to keep her from starving, and that just further demonstrates what kind of character Peeta is.
— I guess the only reason I didn’t feel it was “exceptional” was because it wasn’t evident to the moviegoing audience that Peeta burned the bread on purpose.
2. THE TRIP TO THE CAPITOL
— Different from the book in many ways, but I loved this whole sequence. Katniss tries so hard and so deliberately to keep a hold on her emotions. She refuses to break down, hence her silence with Peeta. But then you have Peeta who isn’t afraid to express everything he’s feeling. He’s crying as he’s leaving his family, he’s adamant about receiving Haymitch’s advice, he’s unabashedly in awe of the Capitol.
— We have our introduction to Haymitch, and it’s quite the display! Like I mentioned before, Woody Harrelson really plays the line between the good and bad of Haymitch quite expertly here. He’s drunk, he’s mean-spirited, he’s sarcastic, and he’s generally unpleasant to be around on this ride. (I laughed the way Josh said the line “I don’t…I don’t know” when Woody had a tantrum about the ice.)
— His speech to the two of them in the beginning really struck a cord with me as a fan of the books because of how vital a mentor can be…and yet, ultimately, not. I will have to paraphrase, but he tells them that they will have to accept the inevitability of their “imminent death. And know in your heart that there is nothing [he] can do to save [them].” It’s chilling, especially because of the delivery.
— The breakfast table scene is also great because it establishes the importance of sponsors, and it introduces the antagonizing relationship that Katniss has with Haymitch.
— “THAT IS MAHOGANY!”
— I do wish they had shown a real approval from Haymitch when Katniss breaks out the knife. While he does hold off on the alcohol later on, it would have been nice to show that Haymitch realizes that he may just have a pair of winners on his hands, a pair of fighters…that maybe he won’t have to watch two more kids die…
3. CINNA’S INTRODUCTION
4. THE TRIBUTES’ PARADE
— The grandeur was evident in the stadium, and the costumes on the Tributes and Capitol citizens alike were spectacular. But the way they depicted the screaming and cheering and excitement, like these kids are these huge celebrities, when really, they’re going to be killing each other for survival. It’s such an eerie scene masked by the spectacle of it all.
— Some said Katniss and Peeta’s fire costumes were underwhelming. I thought so at the first viewing. But honestly, I think it was done really well, and she did look radiant.
— The hand holding aspect will be discussed in further detail later, but I did love Josh’s execution in this scene because it’s so nuanced. To Katniss, she hears “they’ll love it.” But you can see in the way he looks at her hand that he wants it too. Again, I watched it as a fan of the book so I knew something that the audience isn’t supposed to at this point…
— *Notable changes will be discussed later.
5. CATO IS ESTABLISHED AS THE RESIDENT VILLAIN
— I’ve seen several reviews/opinions that the way Cato watches Katniss following the chariot ride was sexual. I disagree. I felt that it was very much a moment of Cato sizing her up as an enemy in the Arena. Clearly, District 12 stole the show, and as a Tribute, he wouldn’t be accustomed to something like that. Cato recognizes her potential, and it’s the moment to introduce him as the one to beat very early on.
6. THE SCORING
— I was a little thrown by Haymitch’s elated reaction to Katniss’s behavior in the private training, but overall, I found this scene really great for Peeta’s psyche. It just adds another layer for the audience to consider after Katniss gets her 11, and he suddenly wants to train alone.
7. THE INTERVIEWS
— I am not one of the fans who thought there should have been more to the other Tributes’ interviews with Caesar. I thought showing a little of them was a smart move and that focusing on them longer would have been a mistake. The few flashes we got were sufficient.
8. KATNISS’S INTERVIEW WITH CAESAR
I have just returned home from my third theatre viewing of The Hunger Games. I feel prepared to finally write this review because I was not fighting exhaustion or trying to hear over the voices and general inconsiderate behavior by preteens who are wetting themselves that they can stay up past their bedtimes on a school night. Nor am was I distracted by trying to remember every single detail (yes, I took notes) the second time around.
Overall, I thought this film was remarkably faithful to the novel. Despite several things that bothered me, I thought that this was one of the best book-to-film adaptations I’ve ever seen, and that is really saying something as I am one of those “book purists.”
This review will be set up in categories in separate posts:
- PART 1: The Exceptional
- PART 2: The Great
- PART 3: The Good
- PART 4: Disappointing Changes/Omissions - AKA: Things That Bugged Me
- PART 5: Changes/Omissions I Didn’t Mind
- PART 6: Changes I Liked
This will be long. (This particular segment has 22 talking points.) This will be detailed. There will be so many spoilers. But I really hope you take the time to read and share your own opinions with it!
*THE EXCEPTIONAL:
1. THE CAST:
— Jennifer Lawrence: She is a revelation as Katniss Everdeen, an absolute perfect choice. The subtleties she conveyed in silent scenes is truly mind-blowing to watch, particularly for such an undemonstrative character/personality that Katniss is. She has some seriously award-winning moments in this film, and the most obvious are in the Reaping, Katniss’s private training session, Rue’s death, and the Feast scene, all of which I will discuss in due time. But she shines best, in my opinion, in the silent, subtle moments. Her best, in my opinion, were Katniss in her room in the Capitol, Cinna & Katniss right before the Arena, and Katniss seeing that Peeta is with the Careers. (Again, I’ll get to them.) I’ve seen a lot of complaints about Jennifer as Katniss - she’s blonde and blue-eyed, she doesn’t look like she’s starving, she’s got too many curves, she’s too sexy, etc. It all has to do with her appearance. I’d rather she be Katniss than worry about something that can change with some hair dye. And for those who say that she was “emotionless,” then I feel like they just didn’t understand the character of Katniss. She’s amazing, and I hope to God above that this performance is remembered during award season. She was brilliant, and I was so convinced and moved by her.
— Josh Hutcherson is Peeta Mellark. I’m really surprised that the reviews haven’t been mentioning his performance more. He was 100%, spot on perfectly cast as Peeta. He was absolutely exceptional, particularly in those moments with Jen (yes, the cave scene and the berries), the moment Peeta sees the Capitol, and (my personal favorite) Peeta’s interview with Caesar. He completely captured his charm and vulnerability. You really understand Peeta — he’s good with crowds, he does and says the right things, but in the moments that count, you can tell everything that’s in his heart when you want to. Josh played it just right - mysterious when needed (the interview, being with the Careers) and heart on the sleeve when needed (the cave, night before the Games). I was so blown away by how perfectly he was cast, I had a need to send him a maturely written letter about his performance that didn’t drip with teenage blather. He was remarkable.
I do think that Jennifer and Josh had some great chemistry. Apparently, this is up for debate in some places, but I really enjoyed watching these two on screen together, and I think that comes from really understanding the characters the way these two do. As an Everlark fan, I was really pleased.
— Elizabeth Banks gets a standing ovation from me. She really understands Effie Trinket in a way so many other readers don’t. She is a villain. Technically, she’s one of the bad guys. And Elizabeth walks the line beautifully being the comic relief, making her lovable when she’s saying these horrible and insensitive things to these kids being prepared for slaughter. She looked phenomenal, and the accent was everything I imagined it would be. (It’s also important to note that the general ridiculousness of Effie didn’t distract from or undermine the intensity and devastation the Reaping scene. That was a really great achievement.) I really tip my hat to her because she nailed it.
— Woody Harrelson made a great Haymitch Abernathy. It took me a second viewing to really appreciate his performance, but I liked seeing the sensitive balance between bitter, defeated, sarcastic drunk and legitimately caring mentor. I was glad they kept that love/hate relationship he had with Katniss. Hair aside, he was great.
— Wes Bentley really impressed me. Seneca Crane had a much larger role than I ever dreamed, but I really liked him. I was so conflicted on how I felt about his character. In scenes where he’s clearly setting a trap and manipulating the situations, I just wanted to punch him for being this sadistic bastard. But then you have moments, particularly when he’s with Snow, where I thought that, somehow, he was more on the Tributes’ side than you’d think.
— Stanley Tucci did justice to Caesar Flickerman, I thought. Like Effie, he played that sensitive line between villain and friend because on one side, he’s on the Tributes’ sides; you could feel that sense of comfort and care when he was with them in the interviews. But, at the same time, when he was doing the commentary, he’s still one of them — watching with the same amount of amusement as the citizens of the Capitol. You can’t help but like him even though he’s technically one of the bad guys. The faces going on behind him during the interviews were priceless!
— Lenny Kravitz surprised me in his portrayal of Cinna, and I thought he really captured the gentle, understanding and intelligent essence of the character. He and Jennifer had great chemistry.
— The Tributes: Amandla Stenberg made an adorable and sweet Rue. Immediately lovable, she was able to make the audience (even the members who hadn’t read the books) really care about her in the little screen time she had. Alexander Ludwig brought a real sense of ruthlessness but also sympathy and humanity to the role of Cato. I was really pleasantly stirred by his performance because he was so different than his real self. I guess I wasn’t expect him to be a real actor, and I’m glad he proved me wrong. Isabelle Fuhrman was everything I wanted my take-no-prisoners, blood-thirsty Clove to be. I loved that Jacqueline Emerson got Foxface right by showing not only her cleverness and stealth, but also her terror and clear aversion to confrontation. Dayo Okenyi made me fall in love with his Thresh despite his very limited focus, but I thought he was more forthcoming than the strong and silent Thresh I read in the books. Jack Quaid and Leven Rambin (Marvel and Glimmer, respectively) did a respectable job as the other Careers, really bringing out the cockiness.
— Willow Shields did a really marvelous job as Primrose Everdeen. I instantly felt a connection and real sense of love between her and Jennifer, and she was remarkable the way she expressed her emotions. It was refreshing to see someone so young have such real acting talent, be so aware of the material. There has been some murmurings that the script made Prim feel like a “whiny crybaby,” but they seem to forget that Prim isn’t really shown to be the little girl from District 12 everybody loves until the sequels and/or inside of Katniss’s head/memories. Because the film had to really focus, we only get Prim during the day of the Reaping, and since she loses the person she loves best on that day, of course Prim is going to be scared out of her mind and devastated. And since that’s the role she had to play, I think Willow did a great job.
— Liam Hemsworth’s portrayal of Gale Hawthorne really surprised me. I felt that he was much more personable than the brooding boy we see in the books. He’s much more playful in his first appearance with Katniss than I imagined, and I felt like he was less intense. That’s not to say I didn’t like Liam’s performance; I did. While it isn’t necessarily the most canon portrayal, I do feel like I was able to actually see the true bond and friendship that Gale and Katniss have on screen without having to have Katniss’s inner voice tell me about it; I could see it for myself. I know a lot of people were annoyed that they showed Gale’s reactions several times to a point that some felt it was extensive. And obviously the triangle isn’t the focus of these books. But objectively, ships aside, these two are best friends, and I thought it was good to see how he (and her family) were during these Games. Even though he isn’t the one in the end, he is an important part of Katniss’s life, and that should be acknowledged.
— And Donald Sutherland played a fascinating and eerie President Snow. I was a little wary of how much more he was featured in the film, but, in the end, I think it sets up the sequels really nicely. It’s clear he’s a villain right off the bat, but Sutherland gives such a quiet performance, and that makes him feel more dangerous. Then again, it’s not like I expected him to give a bad performance, you know?
2. THE REAPING:
I have a lot of feelings about the film, and seeing it more than once (especially at a normal hour when I’m not exhausted and straining to hear over the chattering preteens) really helped with those feelings and my perspective on the film adaptation as a whole.
Reminder: I will be posting movie spoilers, possible gifs, etc. from the film beginning tomorrow. These spoilers will be tagged with the following: “The Hunger Games,” “thg,” “thgspoilers,” “spoilers” so if you still haven’t seen the film, you’ll know what to look for and possibly blacklist.
ABRAHAM’S DAUGHTER by Arcade Fire
- I’ve never been a fan of Arcade Fire to be honest. But I am certainly a huge fan of this song. It is haunting, dangerous and intense. The lyrics perfectly resonate with the idea of these children being sacrificial lambs like Isaac in the Old Testament. And it gives me chills thinking of Katniss, this “Abraham’s Daughter” who speaks up to save her own sister, this “Isaac.” I think it’s really an extraordinary song on its own, but in relation to the material, it’s an exemplary match.
- This song genuinely brings a tear to my eye. I really love the folksy, soothing quality, and the lyrics are very moving. It takes me directly into that last night when Peeta and Katniss are freezing in each other’s arms on the Cornucopia, listening/waiting as Cato slowly dies. They know that they will be going home soon, and even though they’re in pain from the battle and the cold, tomorrow’s just got to be kinder.
NOTHING TO REMEMBER by Neko Case
- First of all, this is the first time I’ve heard Neko Case, and I have to say that I love her voice! I’m really looking forward to hearing more from her. I like the song a lot by itself. And with the feel of the rest of the album, it fits in its sound. If you put this with the material, it feels like it would be a fit with the end of the book when she grabs Peeta’s hand. It’s a nice song overall, and I really like hearing Case’s warm voice.
SAFE & SOUND by Taylor Swift feat. The Civil Wars
- I’ve been very open about how much I really admire the product Taylor and the Civil Wars have created. Musically, it’s spot. on. with the material - somber, foreboding, chilling, evocative with lyrics that are have an element of fear and comfort. At first, it reminded me of Katniss and Prim. Then, I thought it would be a pretty good fit with the moment when Katniss is huddled, paralyzed and deaf, in the bushes. But Annemarie pointed out that it’s perfect for the moment when Katniss gives Peeta the sleep syrup. According to Taylor, it’s about Katniss’s empathy and compassion for Prim, Rue and Peeta at different places throughout the book, which makes complete sense — with Prim before the reaping, with Rue as she dies, with Peeta as he struggles to survive his wounds. Taylor’s voice is in its element, and she and the siblings blend so naturally. It’s really a beautiful piece of music and remains my favorite on the soundtrack.
THE RULER AND THE KILLER by Kid Cudi
- It’s pretty much unanimous among the fandom that this is President Snow’s Theme. This is not the kind of song that I would normally listen to, but I am amazed how much I dig it! To borrow an expression from those much cooler than myself, it’s sick. There is such a presence of fear and mockery within the song that just brings the idea of the Arena and what the Games actually ARE to life. And yes, it’s a reflection on the Capitol, but Snow keeps it going. He’s got the power. And there are so many moments where Seneca Crane and the other Gamekeepers manufacture danger for the Tributes. But this whole song just makes me think of President Snow sitting in his luxurious quarters, watching these kids suffer and die and kill each other. The title truly describes who Snow is.
DARK DAYS by The Punch Brothers
- I’m loving the country representation on this album so much! Another song that I think really captures the feel of the Gale, Prim and Katniss’s mother as they watch Katniss fight in the Games. I’ve seen some posts about how it reminds them of Katniss and Peeta, but I see a very clear, very precise picture of family in this song. The families are all going through dark days as they watch their children kill or be killed, and they’re all praying that their children are the ones to come home. I like the lyrics “hide our love away” because it’s so indicative of how dangerous it is to voice dissent or objection or love. If those people voice anything but praise and celebration for this children slaughter. Great contribution.
ONE ENGINE by The Decemberists
- This one isn’t my favorite. I really like the Decemberists, and this, by itself, is a nice enough song. I really do like the lyrics! But the actual music behind it (and possibly the vocals) seem so separate from the other songs. I can’t put my finger on a specific part of the book or the film where it would be most appropriate, but, musically, it makes me think of the Capitol. I don’t hate it by any means, but I don’t love it either.
DAUGHTER’S LAMENT by The Carolina Chocolate Drops
- So the vocals are wonderful, and I appreciate that they incorporated more specific lyrics that reference directly to the books. I really loved the lyrics, and it’s clearly about Katniss, this girl who lost her father and had to grow up way too fast. The odds have never been in this girl’s favor. It’s nice to have a song that reminds me of Katniss in her daily life in the District on the soundtrack. I think the idea to sing it acapella is a really good one, but the execution was a little shaky simply because they started off with some really interesting instrumentals at the beginning, and I wanted to hear more of that. Much like “One Engine,” I liked it, but I wasn’t over the moon about it.
KINGDOM COME by The Civil Wars
- This is definitely in my Top 3 for this soundtrack. I think the Civil Wars are brilliant, and their contributions to this album (and therefore, the story) is so flawless. The quality and tone and passion of their voices melding together the way they do just makes their music soar. Not to mention, the actual sound they create comes right from Panem, right from the Districts and in that Arena. I feel like this song automatically makes you desperate for Katniss, for Peeta, for all of the Tributes and those who love them. Their ability to make you feel something is really remarkable, and I congratulate them and thank them for it.
TAKE THE HEARTLAND by Glen Hansard
- I’m getting a Cato vibe in this song. I think this would be a good song to use in the background of the Training Center or when the Careers are hunting for Katniss after she blew up the food supply. I think that manic, gritty, violent quality could give you a sense of the psyche into Cato and Clove especially, both of whom are not just ruthless but a little unhinged. I’m not wild about it enough to listen to it outside of the context of the books, but it’s a good fit for the story.
COME AWAY (TO THE WATER) by Maroon 5 feat. Rozzi Crane
- I’m not interested in arguing about who’s song this is. It’s my understanding that Glen Hansard wrote the song, and he does a lovely rendition. But I prefer Adam’s, and this is my favorite song behind “Safe & Sound.” Adam’s voice just fuses with Rozzi Crane’s just beautifully. I think this song really fits the Careers as well, but from a point early on in the games before the Tracker Jacker incident. It makes them dangerous because it’s so calm and so patient and coaxing. I can just see Glimmer’s smirk and Cato’s knuckles cracking. Simultaneously, as they make their way towards her, I also think of Katniss at the same moment, her skin burned almost to the bone, soaking in the water, trying to alleviate the pain. Such an eerie anthem and performed to such surprising perfection. I love it.
RUN DADDY RUN by Miranda Lambert feat. Pistol Annies
- At the U.S. premiere, these ladies all said they related to the books because Miranda was a crossbow hunter, and the Pistol Annies - one is a daughter of a coal miner, and the other lost her father and had to help provide for her family. This is clearly about Katniss and her father. It really goes with the feel of the rest of the soundtrack, and the ladies sound wonderful; the harmonies are to die for.
RULES by Jayme Dee
- Jayme Dee is another artist I’m going to have to look up after this! Her voice is lovely. I can definitely hear this playing the background of those moments with Katniss and Peeta in and out of the cave as he heals, her trying to figure out what he’s doing, where his motivations are, if his feelings are real or not. I really feel this song as it ends with Haymitch sending the parachute as Katniss really kisses him. Fabulous song.
EYES OPEN by Taylor Swift
- Taylor, herself, said:
“Eyes Open” is more of a depiction of Katniss’s relationship with the Capitol. She knows she can’t trust anyone in the government, and that’s why I wanted the song to feel more frantic—like the sound of being hunted or chased.” (Source)
It’s not as dark and dangerous as some of the others, and this definitely has a credits feel to it, but lyrically, I think it’s a really beautiful song and commend Taylor for both of her songs for the soundtrack.
LOVER IS CHILDLIKE by The Low Anthem
- The lyrics are really interesting. But the music (I love the winds in the song) reminds me of Katniss after the Games as she’s recovering, coming in and out of consciousness, tired and confused and frightened. It definitely marks its place among the songs on this soundtrack, and while I may not listen to it much outside of the HG context, I still think it’s a great addition.
JUST A GAME by Birdy
- I love it. I just love it. The ending gets me. It has so much of Peeta, it has so much of Katniss… I just…it’s so good.
The soundtrack is really remarkable, and I am so impressed with the outcome. Of the artists interviewed, they seem to be legitimate fans of the series, and it’s no secret that the cast and crew love the original material. Suzanne Collins expressed her happiness with the finished product. I hate hate hate to get my hopes up, but I have nothing but optimistic excitement about this film. I cannot wait! 8 days.
A Review
Warning — It won’t cover every single scene. It will be very ranty; expect ALL CAPS and bolding. And it will include profanity and anger-fueled commentary as I will basically be liveblogging from Hulu.
Wanna Be Startin’ Something (Full Studio Version) — Darren Criss with Cast
Darren sounds perfect in this song. Sexy, cool and confident, he really was the perfect choice, in my opinion, to lead this song. And since I’ve already seen the scene for the song, it makes me love the scene even more. It’s great to see Darren play with Blaine, and he’s making that progression from dapper Warbler to sexy New Directioner… A+
Smooth Criminal — Naya Rivera & Grant Gustin
Fabulous! I love this cello arrangement so so much. Grant sounds fantastic, and Naya kicks ass as usual. I can’t wait to see the scene; so much chemistry, I’m hearing… A
Bad — Warblers vs New Directions
I’m loving New Directions singing to the Warblers’ acapella! …like A LOT. I’m so excited to see this scene, possibly out of all of the songs. This is another example of how the right leads can really do a lot of the song, and I think each person we can hear individually on this song really brings something great to the song, particularly Kevin, Darren and Naya. I’m intrigued to understand the “bad” story line in recreating the music video…it’s not like it’s a rumble. (But too bad Jesse St. James isn’t in this episode. He’d finally get that threatening sing off Rachel was so nervous for in The Power of Madonna.) A
I Want You Back — The Warblers
I’m in love with this song! It’s a combination of the song, itself — a classic — and the acapella version the Warblers rock. I’m actually glad that we have Sebastian as a part of the group so we get more Warblers numbers because I absolutely adore them. Grant’s voice is dreamy here, but I kind of wish we could have heard Darren or Kevin on the lead on this song because I think either of those guys would have just slayed it! But the acapella arrangement is just delightful, and I can’t to see what is sure to be an adorable performance. A
Black or White — Kevin McHale, Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Amber Riley, Naya Rivera
It still boggles my mind we have yet to have a legitimate Kevin/Lea duet!! This is a phenomenal choice as the closing number; it’s a great song, and all of these leads sound top notch! I’m sure the performance will be fun. I’m particularly obsessed with Chris’s vocal in here just because he is soooo good in his lower register, and I love when they bring that out for him! A
Ben — Chris Colfer, Lea Michele & Cory Monteith
So I understand why people are annoyed that this isn’t a Kurt solo to Blaine since he is the boyfriend and they want them to have a one-on-one serenade. I agree with that. But on the other hand…. the song, itself, isn’t exactly romantic. It’s very much a friendship song, and it seems that at least Rachel has been getting to know Blaine a lot better. I’m just not sure about the song choice for the situation here, but we’ll have to see how it goes. Now… Chris and Lea sound divine on the track! And Cory sounds lovely but, much like Darren in My Favorite Things, his deeper register kind of throws the rest off. Overall, it’s a lovely cover. A-
Just Can’t Stop Loving You — Cory Monteith & Lea Michele
No surprise how great Lea sounds, and Cory harmonizes like a dream with her. I think it’s apparent in their voices how they both really care about Finchel, particularly in Cory’s passion near the end of the song, which is a very nice touch. This song is reminding me of “Home” from Home in Season 1 musically…. But I think this is clear that this is Rachel’s answer song with her “I do.” I think it’s going to be another cute Finchel scene like we had last episode. They’ve had better duets, but they both sound great, and I’m sure the emotional payoff for Finchel fans will help it. B+
Never Can Say Goodbye (Full Studio) — Dianna Agron
I’m so excited to see Dianna get a non-psycho story line. I think it’s too early to “wrap up” her story line for the series, personally, and that “spoiler” kind of pisses me off. Anyway… the song, itself, is a little boring after a while, but Dianna really shines vocally on the song. And I’m intrigued by the song choice considering her past boyfriends…and the whole Beth situation, which seems to have evaporated…. But a lovely, lovely performance for Dianna! B
Human Nature — Amber Riley & Chord Overstreet
I’m devastated that this isn’t a mash up with “Nature Boy” by Nat King Cole to be honest. I was looking forward to that so much! After seeing the spoilers for upcoming episodes, I’m hoping this doesn’t end up in an actual kiss so Mercedes doesn’t end up being just another cheating…I’m so over that story line. But I’m really excited to see more Samcedes! Amber sounds beautiful as usual, and Chord seems to feel at home in Michael Jackson’s wheelhouse vocally. Now the vocal chemistry isn’t any Amber/Kevin, but they sound really nice together. I’m looking forward to seeing the performance to see just how much chemistry Amber and Chord will have because that can make and break them as a believable ship. B
Scream — Kevin McHale & Harry Shum Jr.
I hate this song, and I always have. I’m disappointed they went with this song instead of another MJ for Kevin and Harry to do. Of course, Kevin sounds amazing, and Harry is really impressive vocally! But I don’t like the song. B-
Looking forward to the episode mostly to see Blaine get some development and see how Quinn’s story line goes.
This is going to be a very long scene-by-scene review of the episode. I’m sorry, Ellie, but I did enjoy this one. I don’t think this is one of the greatest episodes of all time, but I think it’s one of Season 3’s stronger installments, and I thought the song choices were actually really nice.
Once again, I think Cory Monteith really shone in this episode. And if you’re not impressed that DAME HELEN MIRREN was, in any form, featured in an episode of Glee, I’ll eat my hat.
Warning: This is pro-Finchel, pro-Wemma, pro-Schue
But clearly changing “The Proposal” to “Yes/No” symbolized — WEMMA: YES, FINCHEL: NO
On January 12, 2012, Annemarie and I attended the 7:00 pm show of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in New York City. It was my first trip to New York and, therefore, my first Broadway show ever.
Darren Criss starred as the lead in the show, J. Pierrepont Finch.
Now, I’ve been a fan of Darren’s since 2009 when I saw him and some of his peers perform (what was known then as) Harry Potter, the Musical at the Walgreens Drama Center on the University of Michigan’s campus…at which was was a sophomore. I love the guy, and I’m so happy to see he’s receiving the recognition and success he’s really worked for.
But I do not have rose colored glasses on. I know what he’s capable of, and I know how hard of a worker he is, but when I heard he was going to star on Broadway in this particular show, I was (of course ecstatic for him!) a little skeptical. Darren’s got that pop/rock/songwriter voice and vibe. He’s has an acting degree from Michigan, not one for musical theatre, and How to Succeed… is one of those classic Broadway shows that really calls for a classic Broadway voice. And after reading a couple reviews of his first couple nights, I was a little…worried.
I shouldn’t have been.
In all seriousness, completely objectively, Darren Criss was phenomenal.
We were lucky because we saw the show a couple weeks into the run. I think reviewing him in the first couple shows is a mistake because he’s being thrown right in there. Seeing it when we did, you could tell he’s in a groove, he’s found his niche in the show, and he’s only getting more and more comfortable.
His voice was crisp and clear, and I can tell he’s been really working on the Broadway sound, which was not only indicative in the sound, but also in his annunciation of some of the lyrics. Admittedly, in some of the bigger group numbers, he got drowned out just a tad, but his vocals were very impressive! He did a wonderful job musically! His strongest numbers were the duets and times when he harmonized. Being so intuitive and musically inclined, he just owns those, and he enhances his co-stars’ voices by harmonizing just beautifully.
The dancing…you wouldn’t believe! We all know Darren’s got the music in him. He can groove with the best of him. But there were two numbers where I just sat in my seat with my jaw on the ground — Grand Old Ivy and the show’s showstopper, Brotherhood of Man. To think this kid had only two weeks to prepare is mind boggling when you see these numbers. Yeah, you see him work. You see him sweat up a storm. But damn! Both numbers are so physically challenging, and the fact he could even catch his breath, let alone continue singing, was so impressive. But he kept up with these professional dancers to a tee! It was really wonderful to see him in that true Broadway triple threat element! He succeeded magnificently! (Also, there was this little cha-cha bit with him and Rose Hemingway that was so adorable and dapper!)
But his acting is what really blew me away. His oh-gosh-shucks persona worked really well for the character he was playing, and he’d break through that whenever the little “ding!” came…for those who know the show, you’ll understand what I mean. But he was just in the comic pocket; his timing was spot on. His acting choices were spectacular, and there was a few moments that just had me and the rest of the audience in stitches!! The way he chose to say a line, the way he chose to crane his neck, etc. He’s just so great at what he does. And the whole music and dance thing he does on Glee always seems to put his acting in a shadow. And it shouldn’t because that’s what his degree is for!! He’s a trained actor, and that was what really struck me about his performance — his acting and the choices he made to make that character his own, make that character uniquely funny.
The rest of the cast is just exquisite! Rose Hemingway is a revelation in her Broadway debut as Rosemary. She and Darren had a great chemistry going, and her voice is to DIE for! She’s really something else! Christopher Hanke as Bud Frump was one of the highlights of the show! He’s a scene stealer for sure, and it’s a shame the character doesn’t do too much solo singing. But he was HILARIOUS, and he literally stole every scene he was in with other actors. Just a fantastic performer! Beau Bridges was a good Biggley and played well off of Darren, and Tammy Blanchard was the perfect Heny! Such a wonderful cast!
The audience, as young and stupid as they were, was really great for most of the show. They were quiet when they should have been, responded when they should have, really created a great energy, and that was great. It was just when Brotherhood of Man ended, people started to fucking leave their seats to go to the stage door. And quite frankly, that’s the most disrespectful thing I’ve ever seen in a theatre. Those other actors with Darren have worked their asses off to entertain you, and they can see you leaving. Plus, when you spend all that money (or your parents do) to come out to NYC, stay there, eat there and get a ticket to see this actor you claim to love, why would you leave before you can give him your standing ovation? It boggles my mind; I do not understand it, and they should all be ashamed of themselves, particularly the parents who think that kind of behavior at a Broadway show is acceptable. I was disgusted.
Outside, it was bedlam — there were screaming tweens everywhere, police officers keeping people back, police tape barricading fans across the street. It was kind of embarrassing to be perfectly honest. But it gave Ashleigh, Annemarie and I a chance to get some pictures. We didn’t even see Darren in that crowd, and I was also pissed because we couldn’t even get through to get our playbills signed by the other amazing performers in the show.
In the end, I was so thrilled to be there! Yes, I was excited to see Darren, but I was more excited to be in New York and to see my first Broadway show! The fact that my first show starred a fellow Wolverine and Harry Potter nerd was pretty cool, and the show, itself, was just perfect for my first show! A wonderful experience, and Darren was just PHENOMENAL!
So I just went to see New Years Eve, and I liked it, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as Valentine’s Day. Unlike the original, New Years Eve seemed too rushed most of the conclusions (particularly the plotline with Lea Michele and Ashton Kutcher) didn’t feel as satisfying or earned. I felt like, for the most part, Valentine’s Day, while jammed packed with stories, entwined nicely and concluded in a full way.
However, I thought Lea did a spectacular job in her first film. I don’t think she felt like Rachel Berry, and she played an actual adult. :) Her and Ashton, what little we saw of them, had great chemistry, and that’s what bothered me most —- they were great together, they had a great rhythm going, but they didn’t get the screen time or a rounded-enough story where I felt satisfied. Their ending felt rushed; they definitely didn’t use Ashton Kutcher the way he should have been used. We just didn’t see enough of them. Same with the Abigail Breslin plotline and, in that respect, Sarah Jessica Parker’s ultimate ending….
Lea Michele’s rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” was breathtaking, and I was in literal tears from her beautiful voice and how it paired with the other stories. And I have to say getting through the Robert DeNiro plot was rough with my grandfather on his own deathbed. Add in Halle Berry’s twist, Hilary Swank’s part….I found this movie more emotional than I expected.
Overall, I liked it, but I was left feeling slightly unsatisfied with a few story lines, particularly Lea and Mike’s.
A very long, scene by scene review…
