Saw the trailer. Looks interesting. I like dystopian/post-apocalyptic sci-fi and enjoyed Jennifer Lawrence's performance in Winter's Bone. Elizabeth Banks looks creepy in her makeup, and was that Lenny Kravitz? Looks like Fight Club plus Rollerball plus Brazil. I'm intrigued!
I haven't read the books, but my girlfriend is a huge fan of the series and is looking forward to the movie. She's not usually into sci-fi, but she really likes The Hunger Games series. After reading the books, she was reading character guides on the Hunger Games Wiki and looking at maps online. It was so cute, and reminded me of when I first got into Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones. So I thought I would get her reaction to the trailer.
Watch the trailer below, and then read my girlfriend Danielle's thoughts on it. Also, SPOILER WARNING for those who haven't read the books.
Danielle says:
First of all, I want to say how excited I am to see this movie! The trailer was more revealing than the small clips we have seen so far. I know some people may disagree, but I am still hung up on Jennifer Lawrence being cast as Katniss. I feel like she looks older than the Katniss that was written (and that I imagined) in the book.
The opening scene where Katniss and Gale are hunting in the woods was just how I imagined it to be. I liked the reaping scene (where the characters get chosen for The Hunger Games). It had a sort of old-fashioned, almost creepy feeling to it (the costumes added to the mood). The moment where Katniss volunteers to take Prim's place is nerve-wracking, since we know what is going to happen next. (What happens? Read the books!)
The scenes of the training in the Capitol are more futuristic than I imagined, since I pictured this taking place in a boring-looking gymnasium. Since the books are set in a dystopian future, the high-tech training room is more fitting. I'm excited for the crazy-looking fashions and faces of the citizens of the Capitol and am glad that I can now put a face with the names of the other Tributes. Also, I'm looking forward to seeing Katniss' outfits during the interview scenes that are created by Cinna (Lenny Kravitz's character).
The scene at the Cornucopia is what I pictured, with all the Tributes running towards the supplies in the center of an open field. I'm excited for the scenes in the Arena, the Tracker Jackers, and the Peeta/Katniss kiss.
I really got into this book series, discussing it at length with my hair stylist and going so far to Google "Map of Panem." Really looking to the movie in March!
Nick says:
Tracker Jackers? Cornucopia? Lenny Kravitz? Already I like this way more than Twilight. Clearly I need to read the books before the movie comes out in March.
What do you think? Are you excited for The Hunger Games? Have you read the books?
This trailer gave me goosebumps! I LOVED the books and much of what I saw in the trailer was exactly as I pictured it. However, I have to disagree with Danielle, even though she's not exactly what I pictured, I do think Jennifer Lawrence is a good fit. My only complaint so far is that she looks too clean. The book always stressed how starving they were and I pictured her badass with ripped & dirty clothes looking all Slumdog Millionaire, not all smiley going to meet a cute (also too clean) boy and hunt with a cute jacket on. Katniss is not clean, the book makes a point of talking about how dirty and knotty her hair is. And also, what the heck was up with Hamitch's hair??? Overall, I thought it looked great and am very excited.
Soooo excited. I loved the book series so much. I'm not entirely sold on Jennifer Lawrence, but I don't think it would put me off seeing the movie either.
Also this is on a totally different (better) level than Twilight.
I love the books, but hate both the male leads in the trailer, particularly Gale - I think he would be tougher, leaner, and darker. Both the guys are typical hollywood pretty boys, which I could just about accept for Peter but not Gale.
I think Katniss looks far to gormless most of the time - she's supposed to be clever and is trying to hide her emotions, something she's good at since she's spent her whole life doing it to keep out of trouble.
Having said all that, I'll probably see it anyway, if only to grumble!
I thought Gale would be tougher too! I think the actor they cast as Gale seems too "pretty" for lack of a better word.
I also thought the characters would be a little less polished, but it is a movie.
That being said, I am super excited to see the movie!
What are you guys looking forward to seeing the most in the movie?