Let the Games begin!
The 74th Hunger Games begin on March 23. Are you ready?
Author Suzanne Collins definitely is. Collins posted her reaction to seeing the film on “The Hunger Games” official Facebook page.
“I’m really happy with how it turned out. I feel like the book and the film are individual yet complementary pieces that enhance one another,” Collins wrote.
“The film opens up the world beyond Katniss’ point of view, allowing the audience access to the happenings of places like the Hunger Games control room and President Snow’s rose garden, thereby adding a new dimension to the story.”
For fans of the book, at least one way in which the film differs from the book can be seen in the trailer. Instead of receiving the mockingjay pin from Madge after the Reaping to take to the arena, Katniss gives the pin to Prim before the Reaping for luck.
However, one scene looks just as exciting translated to film as it was in the book; it is Katniss’ impression on the committee. Jennifer Lawrence does a fantastic job expressing Katniss’ annoyance of being ignored for a feast and her feisty nature comes through as she shoots the apple from the pig’s mouth.
Director Gary Ross wanted to stay true to the story as much as possible. He realized Monday night at the premier just how full his hands were.
“This is something I felt strongly about doing because I really love the books. I see no reason to adapt something that you want to depart from,” Ross said to the LA Times. “You have to honor it, you have to be faithful to it, but that comes from wanting to do it and loving the material, and I loved it from the outset.”
Judging from reactions on Twitter, Ross seems to have done his job. Reactions after the premier ranged from “Everyone, this movie is incredible” to “The Hunger Games is so GREAT!!! The book to film translation is flawless with some amazing additions!”
Fans were also advised to remember a box of tissues, because “The Hunger Games” movie provides just as much emotion as the book did.
Make sure to check out “The Hunger Games” in theaters March 23 with midnight shows in select area theaters.
And remember:
“May the odds be ever in your favor.”