I stopped whatever I was doing this day (although I’m super excited to continue reading the Immortal Rules. I’m one luck bi—, er, girl that I got to read it this early). Guess, what???! Guess what??! I just watched The Hunger Games. Yes, peeps. I did and it was awesome. I was planning to write this in my fandom blog (which up until now is still in WIP status). Hey, it’s still book related so I’m not steering away from the blog’s subject. Ok, enough reasoning. Here’s a semi rave, hell who am I kidding, this is a rave and few super duper minor concerns with the movie.

It’s nice that we’re one day ahead so we got to watch a day earlier (or maybe two, since the release date here is on 22nd—today). I wasn’t sure yesterday if I can make it. But I’m so lucky for having the best sister ever that our movie date pushed through. Too bad for my other sis though she can’t make it due to her work. I digress, so we got our tickets we even opted the lazy couch seats—because we’re lazy and it’s comfortable. And we prepared ourselves to one of our most anticipated movie of the year. I wanted to squee when I saw the Lionsgate insignia. The movie is now starting *triple heartbeat rate*

The pacing was a bit too fast for me. But maybe I have read the book plenty of times that I was so used to Katniss’ voice. When a book in first POV is made into movie, there’ll be changes, right? The world in the book is secluded to the narrator’s perception. But here, we got the chance to see it in a more diverse view. One thing that I noticed was that Seneca Crane’s part was extended. He’s very visible in the movie and later I even found out how Seneca administered the games. It was one uber cool control room. Super futuristic and techish and all that! A hint at the end showed how he’ll… well, die.

If you’re like me who is Katniss-Peeta shipper (there’s no portmanteau for their names, I mean a less obscene one) you’ll be a little upset or find the moments too…less. They cut short the scenes. The kiss, the part where Peeta told Katniss about her singing and most of the cave scenes; those didn’t have the same impact as the book. But in some strange reason, in whatever small impact it has for me (though I must praise Josh and Jennifer because even if it was abrupt I still find it believable) the upcoming love triangle is starting to play out. When they kissed we saw Gale’s (Liam) reactions. Priceless moment number 3 for me. LOL. Actually Gale has more screen time than expected. Maybe preparing viewers for the sequel because there is where his role became more important.

A few minor details were changed. There’s no vase breaking when Katniss suddenly attacked Peeta after the interview. Instead of injection it was sort an ointment or something, I forgot what it’s called. Katniss didn’t drug Peeta with sleeping syrup. And you know already about the mockingjay pin. And some others that I forgot. I think there are more but very, very small details to get upset with. It can be overlooked actually. Overall the pacing was fast but definitely fluid.

The violence was subtle, it was smartly done. But it’s still shocking but not to the extent that you wanted to puke for the goriness. This is a PG-13 movie, I can see why. I think I’m pretty much ok—satisfied with it. I’m not after the bloodbath and how gruesome it is. I’m after Katniss’ survival. In short, she ain’t Cato. 😛

My favorite parts: was the parade of the tributes. Awesome girl and boy on fire. When Peeta waves the people of Capitol and his interview with Caesar (funny, cute scene). Rue’s death was exemplary executed. I love that they added the reaction of District 11. That made me cry. The short cave scene. And the final battle with Cato. Actually the entire movie. It was awesome. They needed to cut the scene, added a few ones (e.g. Pres. Snow and Seneca’s moments and the viewer’s reaction). But it didn’t ruin the story. The movie is a great companion of the book. BUT it cannot replace the book. Because for me the book is still better. But it was still awesome, I can’t wait to see the cast (and oh holla, Finnick Odair) for Catching Fire! As I always say ‘bring it on!!!’