Just Another Jen Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 For once the movie is as good as the book. I highly recommend it. As an aside, someone brought 4 year old twin girls to the showing. They twirled around like Katniss in the aisle during the movie. I do not recommend that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 I'll be seeing it today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 We're going today too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Excelsior! Academy Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 Dh and I saw it last night. As good as the first? What did you think? how on earth are they going to split the next book into two? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prairie~Phlox Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 We will be seeing tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Another Jen Posted November 22, 2013 Author Share Posted November 22, 2013 Dh and I saw it last night. As good as the first? What did you think? how on earth are they going to split the next book into two? I think it was as good as the first. It stuck to the book a bit more. I'm not sure where they will split the third book. There is no logical stopping point that I can think of. They should just do it in one. Catching fire was 2 1/2 hours and I didn't notice the time at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvnlattes Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 Glad to hear the good review. I can't wait to see it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
extendedforecast Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 We saw it last night. It was good, but I felt that the writers had to cram so many events into the allotted time, which was just under 2.5 hrs, that it felt rushed. I would have preferred a longer movie. The first movie was much better, I think. DH, who hasn't read the books, enjoyed it a lot and is looking forward to the next two movies. Effie was my favorite character in the movie, though I liked Haymitch best in the book version. These are my first AM thoughts. When I wake up a little more, I'm sure I'll come back to add more thoughts to this post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 Did it maintain its suitability for an 11 yr old to watch? My son has watched the first and obsessed with the books. We are hoping to take him to see it soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariannNOVA Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 Thank you for sharing. We will be going on thanksgiving day, and the kids have been waiting for the film's release. We have friends whose son was an extra in HG and he is back in CF. Dh has not read the books, so I am glad to see that others, who have not read the books, enjoyed the film. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Another Jen Posted November 22, 2013 Author Share Posted November 22, 2013 Did it maintain its suitability for an 11 yr old to watch? My son has watched the first and obsessed with the books. We are hoping to take him to see it soon. If he has read the books he will be fine. I think it's easier to watch if you know what's coming up. He knows what happens in the arena so it won't be a shock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SailorMom Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 Tomorrow or Sunday!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXMomof4 Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 We're going this afternoon! Can't wait! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Excelsior! Academy Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 We saw it last night. It was good, but I felt that the writers had to cram so many events into the allotted time, which was just under 2.5 hrs, that it felt rushed. I would have preferred a longer movie. The first movie was much better, I think. DH, who hasn't read the books, enjoyed it a lot and is looking forward to the next two movies. Effie was my favorite character in the movie, though I liked Haymitch best in the book version. These are my first AM thoughts. When I wake up a little more, I'm sure I'll come back to add more thoughts to this post. Upon reflection, I agree with this completely. The movie did not feel long at all. It could've been another 1/2 hour and wouldn't have been too long. I also liked Haymitch better in the book. His character had more depth in the books. You got the why of his alcoholism. In the movie he just appears to be caught up in the excesses of the capitol's allowance of availability of alcohol to the victors. Another thing from the movie, I liked how they handled the love triangle. I wasn't sure how well that would play out, if you would really feel Katniss and Gale's internal torment. Also, when Katniss had to switch between talking to Cinna and being in the games. Wow, you really could feel her disorientation, then realization of reality. Thank you for sharing. We will be going on thanksgiving day, and the kids have been waiting for the film's release. We have friends whose son was an extra in HG and he is back in CF. Dh has not read the books, so I am glad to see that others, who have not read the books, enjoyed the film. Same with my dh. He has now since read the books. He had not before HG. It was interesting to see his perspective. If he has read the books he will be fine. I think it's easier to watch if you know what's coming up. He knows what happens in the arena so it won't be a shock. I agree. My almost 12 year old hasn't read or watched them yet, she's just not ready. While a young adult novel, the adult themes are not something we are ready to discuss with her. You know your child best. If he can handle other PG-13 movies, he will likely be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 We enjoyed the movie but I was pretty bummed that they cut out Haymitch's back story. Well, everyone's back story. I like a good back story. Overall, I think they did a good job. The acting was excellent and I they definitely upped the production budget. I laughed, I cried, it was a good time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readwithem Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 I thought the movie could have been an hour longer and fleshed out some of the "inner" stuff - Haymitch's history, Katniss's internal struggles… but I thought the cinematography was amazing, and the acting was superb. Effie outdid herself in the costumes. Short sidetrack, I went to a preview Monday night which included all the red carpet stuff from Hollywood - we watched it "live" from the Hollywood premier, which meant it didn't start till 8:30pm here in Texas. It was fun seeing all the interviews, and all the other actors said how down to earth Jennifer Lawrence is. And she's cut her hair super short and dyed it blonde! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2OandE Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 We saw it this morning. Loved it. My 11 year old went as well as her friend and both girls enjoyed it. One had read the book, one had not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 Did it maintain its suitability for an 11 yr old to watch? My son has watched the first and obsessed with the books. We are hoping to take him to see it soon. We just saw it this afternoon. It was great! I took my dd15 and ds11 and they loved it. It is intense, and emotionally rough, but if you son read the books then he'll be fine. I did not take my ds8, because I thought it would be too much for him. I think I was right. There is no real relief from the sadness of everything. I highly recommend the movie. I think they did a good job of following the book, and honestly, it was even a bit better since the actors who played the other tributes were able to convey how scared and angry they were too. I think that was a bit lost in the book. It was touched on, but since the story was told through Katniss's eyes you sort of miss it. The acting was great, and I think Finnick was especially good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyThreeSons Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 Thank you for sharing. We will be going on thanksgiving day, and the kids have been waiting for the film's release. We have friends whose son was an extra in HG and he is back in CF. My two younger sons were extras in HG. Middle ds was able to pick himself out in the Reaping crowd scene, but I had to look really hard when he told me. Youngest ds is clearly visible in three shots during the Reaping. Youngest submitted for CF, but was not called. He did make enough connections that he has worked three different TV shows and another movie (I think -- he cannot tell anyone what the project was). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 I went to the midnight show opening night. It was very good. It is Saturday, 2 days later, and I am still paying for staying out until 3am. Dang old age. Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpyTheFrog Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 Is the movie all shaky like the first? I felt disoriented for an hour after seeing the first one in the theater. If the camera work is similar, I will have to wait for this one to come on DVD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JessReplanted Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 I'm dying to see it! I very rarely care about movies, but I really love these books. But, I'm 3 weeks away from having a baby, and I don't know if my husband and I will be able to squeeze a date in before she arrives. I should try to do some creative planning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymilkies Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 For once I'm happy with a movie version! Yeah, they left some out, but the acting and effects were good, the emotion and stress the book represented was palpable...overall, I think I'll be buying this one. Excellent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 We saw it today and we all liked it. I agree it could have been even longer, for me, but most people wouldn't have tolerated that. DD10 read the first book and part of the second and she really enjoyed it, too. I feel like reading the books again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Another Jen Posted November 24, 2013 Author Share Posted November 24, 2013 Hoppy- can't quote from my phone- I only remember the camera shaking once this time. I agree about the first movie, it made me feel sick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 DD12 and I went and both really liked it. I thought it was better than the first movie. Glad they got a good Finnick! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 Did it maintain its suitability for an 11 yr old to watch? My son has watched the first and obsessed with the books. We are hoping to take him to see it soon. I plan on making my 11yo cover his eyes for the Johanna strip in the elevator scene. They kept it tame, but I still don't want him to see her bare back. Otherwise, I agree, time just flew. I usually fade out on long movies. I am personally ok with them not making it longer to include the back story. I loathe movies that stretch past the 2 1/2 hour mark. Jennifer Lawrence is just a superb actress. She really, truly takes these movies to the next level. I also loved Phillip Semour Hoffman as Plutarch, but I always love him. And, yes, Elizabeth Banks completely embodies Effie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 Effie's outfits were something! They got lots of laughs in the theater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 My DH, who is 64 years old, loved the Hunger Games books and both movies. He took two of the boys to see Catching Fire on Friday evening. (Then he came home and talked about another book series he likes called Wool.) That surprised me, as I'd bought the both book series for the kids on Kindle, but hadn't a clue that DH would like them, too. DS2 loves to hate movies so he can unleash verbal vitriolic reviews about them. To his total disgust, he liked this movie so much that he didn't have anything to say, except that he thinks the movies are better than the books. I'm the only person in our family who hasn't read the books and/ or watched the movies. I might have to do that, just to see what I'm missing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrub Jay Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 DH and I loved it. I liked the first one a lot but loved this one. And I was very meh on Peetah in the 1st, he just didn't do it for me. I liked him (the actor portraying him) much better this time around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaya Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 my 14 yo dd saw it last night and loved it! she hasnt read the books but now she wants to (first time she's actually requested a book!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Excelsior! Academy Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 I thought the movie could have been an hour longer and fleshed out some of the "inner" stuff - Haymitch's history, Katniss's internal struggles… but I thought the cinematography was amazing, and the acting was superb. Effie outdid herself in the costumes. Short sidetrack, I went to a preview Monday night which included all the red carpet stuff from Hollywood - we watched it "live" from the Hollywood premier, which meant it didn't start till 8:30pm here in Texas. It was fun seeing all the interviews, and all the other actors said how down to earth Jennifer Lawrence is. And she's cut her hair super short and dyed it blonde! When I saw her see through dress, I kept wondering if Liam Hemsworth was having Miley flashbacks. I went to the midnight show opening night. It was very good. It is Saturday, 2 days later, and I am still paying for staying out until 3am. Dang old age. Dawn I know! Right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 I saw it this afternoon and thought it was good, and definitely far superior to the first movie. Thank goodness no shaky camera work this time around! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dahliarw Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 I thought they did a great job with this movie. I loved how they portrayed the arena - I was worried about that. I did miss the back story. Haymich's back story really explains a lot about how they knew how to get out of the arena, as well as why he is the way he is. It also adds some depth to why Katniss and the other tributes have to be compliant, or they risk their loved ones being hurt. I did think too many of the tributes were young. Mathematically, if the 3 "strong" districts win a majority, there would be more middle-aged people and older people as tributes. They all looked to be 25 or younger other than nuts and bolts and mags. Just not statistically how it could be. I hadn't heard they are doing 2 more movies. I'm guessing $$$$ because it could easily be one - long - but one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 Dh and I saw this on Sat and loved it. I thought it was better than the first as well. I loved Haymitch and Finnick and Effie and well, all the actors were really superb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 DH and I loved it. I liked the first one a lot but loved this one. And I was very meh on Peetah in the 1st, he just didn't do it for me. I liked him (the actor portraying him) much better this time around. I wasn't crazy about Peeta in the books...but I liked him a lot in this movie. small spoiler.... And Gale got to kiss Katniss...that's worth something, right? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justkeepswimming Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 We all LOVED this movie! It's been days and we are still talking about how good it was. We're all prodding another family member who hasn't yet finished the 2nd book to FINISH already so we have an excuse to go see it again!! I'm betting all the backstory for Haymitch will come in with the next movie(s). Since they're doing 2 movies for 1 book... they'll have time to get Haymitch's story in there. Can't imagine them leaving it out entirely... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dahliarw Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 I'm betting all the backstory for Haymitch will come in with the next movie(s). Since they're doing 2 movies for 1 book... they'll have time to get Haymitch's story in there. Can't imagine them leaving it out entirely... Possibly, but its WAY more relevant to the 2nd book than the 3rd. I mean the whole force field thing especially. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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