The Book is ALWAYS Better

"Happy Hunger Games! May the odds ever be in your favor..."

My husband and I finally went and saw The Hunger Games movie, now I don't want to say it was a disappointment, because they did do a great job with many parts, but it just wasn't the book. If you did not read the book you would be lost in terms of many of the relationships between characters and overall character development was lacking. The biggest example being the relationship between Rue and Katniss. It was there and a very dramatic part of the movie (I am trying to avoid any big spoilers for those of you who have not yet read the book), however the connection between Rue and Prim was not made clear at all. Another disappointment, for me, was president Snow ...I am not sure what it was, but he was nothing like what I pictured, maybe I was thinking someone younger? I'm not sure.

The biggest plot difference was the role of Gamemaker. He had a very prominent role in the movie, that was not expressed in the book. I am going to assume this was done to further explain the games and how they are extremly controlled by the government. Along with the Gamemaker's role, Haymitch's relationship with the Gamemaker was very odd as well, and not all developed in the book as it was in the movie. (Again I apologize for the vague references...doing my best not to spoil the book or movie).

Enough with the negative, because I do have to give the movie some credit for some very positive aspects that were done very well; the actual games were depicted very well in the movie. The violence was very much brought to life and there were a few times I jumped out of my seat. The violence was done in such a way that it did not seem gruesome or over the top; the audience saw a good amount, but some was also left implied, which created a great balance. The way in which the Humger Games section was filmed made you feel as though you were experiencing the same feelings and events as Katniss, for example when she is hallucinating due to the Tracker Jackers you feel as though you are having the hallucination right there along with her. Overall, the movie does hone in on the emotions felt by Katniss throughout the story; and truly made you feel, at times, that you were her. -This, to me, was the best accomplishment of the movie.

Overall, am I glad I saw the movie? Yes. Does it make me as excited to see Catching Fire brought to life, as before? Sadly, no. I found the book far more developed (as it usually is) and just an overall a better indicator of the thoughts, feelings, and relationships between the characters. The hissing cat at the beginning, I clearly knew it to be Buttercup and laughed...didn't read the book? You would have no idea.