I took Mariah to The Hunger Games movie on Tuesday. We are both huge fans of the book, so we were really looking forward to seeing it. I wasn’t very familiar with the actors before watching this film, but I thought Josh Hutcherson was a very believable Peeta, and Jennifer Lawrence did a phenomenal job bringing Katniss to life. I was worried that some scenes would be difficult for a 12 year old girl, but I was happy to see they toned down the violence to what I feel was an acceptable level for this movie. They did a great job of sticking to the original story, but there were some things they left out that I felt were important to the story, or would have enhanced it just a bit more, that I wish they had added. The movie would have been tops on my list had I not read the books, but I did, and like usual, I did think the book was better. You just get so much more- background, emotion, and imagination from reading the books. So, if you haven’t read the books, you are missing out on a lot! Overall, I think the movie was great and I can’t wait for it to come out on dvd.
My mother, on the other hand, had issues with me taking my 12 year old daughter, though she has not read the books. She was just basing her opinion of the movie on the snippets she’s heard from others, which drives me nuts! Yes, it has violence and is a bit twisted at times, but I feel in this story, those things were needed to get a bigger message across. I try to teach my girls that it is not attractive, funny, or cute to act stupid, be a party girl, or have a me me me mentality, but with the media throwing girls like Kim Kardashian and Snookie in our faces constantly, it can be a struggle at times. I think I was so drawn to the books because Katniss is a girl with integrity, values, and grit- a real role model for girls. She puts everyone else’s needs ahead of her own, and stands up for what she believes in. I admire those qualities in a person, and hope I am teaching my girls the same, so that is what I am hoping my daughter takes from the story.
Eeks ok I want to read your post but I'm afraid there's a spoiler inside?? I haven't watched the movie yet!! but glad you managed to go with your kid..
ReplyDeleteAi @ Sakura Haruka
Lol Ai, no spoilers here :)
ReplyDeleteI feel like one of the few people who haven't read the books! I'd honestly never even heard of the Hunger Games until this movie came out lol. But people seem to LOVE the books and are hyped up about the movie, so I'm intrigued for sure. I think it's great you teach your daughters to be true to themselves and not get swallowed up in the media types. I worry about that with my kids! Great post :)
ReplyDeleteBrandi, you really should read them. They are fantastic! When I read the Harry Potter series, I couldn't put them down. I have not found a book that has roped me in so much since then until these came along. You should give them a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed! Plus, if you see the movie without reading the book, your going to rip yourself off :)
DeleteI think I am the only girl in the world who has not read Twilight though lol. My husband bought me them 3 years ago. There's just so many other books on my to read list. Hopefully by this summer though!
I haven't read the books either but thinking maybe I should. I would always read a book first vs. seeing the movie first. It's good that this movie was pretty similar to the books. Hate it when their completely different, or the characters are not at all believeable.
ReplyDeleteMy 17 yr old tried to get me to read the Twilight series a few years ago and I couldn't get into it. Idk if it was just me or what. I kept telling myself "everyone else likes it so you should too"! Well I made it half way through the first one and gave up.
Paula
lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com
I think that may be why I have been putting them off too. So much hype around Twilight, it may be setting me up for disappointment. I hate getting 1/2 way through a book only to realize it sucks and have to put it away!
DeleteMy mom always lets me know what she thinks about my parenting choices too. I guess it's inevitable.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the movie yet but I want to!
By the way, I passed an award onto you, go here if you would like to accept it. :) http://crazymamasblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/tell-me-about-yourself-award.html
DeleteAnd I'm sure we will do it to our kids as well ;) And lol about the award. I have that post scheduled for tomorrow and was sending it to you too! Oh well, I'll leave you on there and people can come read your already published fabulous answers :)
DeleteMy older girls all saw it and agree with you...good but the book is better.
ReplyDeleteSandy
I loved the book, and I want to see the movie, but I was worried that seeing kids killing each other may be disturbing. My 21-year-old daughter was at the midnight premiere and saw it again the next day. She obviously loved it...LOL!
ReplyDelete