This is understandable seeing as how the movie itself did not involve any poetic script or seasoned actors. But I believe that any critic/audience should always read the book before the movie. It has never made sense to watch something that was adapted after a material you never bothered to look at. However, lots of people haven't read the book for a number of movie made stories,. {Guilt. I hated reading Lord of the Rings, but the movies are still some my favorites.}But read the book!
In this story, it is difficult to understand the main character, Katniss, without reading the book. Katniss is, for a large part of the book/movie, in a the arena by herself. Her character is also bad with expressing her feelings. The book provides all of the internal thoughts/feelings that movie goers would otherwise be left to guessing.
As for the book and the movie matching up, I thought it was spot on. I rarely see a movie made after a book done so point on than Hunger Games. While I knew what would happen next, I still didn't know how the director/producer would do it and that kept me on my seat the entire night. I was pleasantly surprised when they kept all the scenes that was most entertaining and significant for the story. I felt involved because I had read the book, I knew, at specific moments, exactly what Katniss was thinking. The book involves a lot of details and dialogue that is key for a reader, but would make for a dreadfully long movie if they translated all of that onto the screen. The director did a great job in keeping up the pace but making sure nothing important was left out.
On top of all of that, I love the cast. I knew that Jennifer Lawrence would do a fabulous job. I have seen her in one other film...as a supporting lead, but she already stood out. I was skeptical of the male cast though. Both were not my first choices due to their previous roles. {Gale from Spark's The Last Song with now-girlfriend Miley Cyrus yuck and Peeta in Bride to Terabitha which was so so sad.} But as expected, I fell in love with Peeta. Gale, while devastatingly handsome, disappears after the first 15 minutes and only has two short appearances throughout. Peeta obviously has the advantage being in the arena with Katniss since we witness for ourselves how awesome Peeta is. However, Peeta really is lacking in the muscle and man department. I envisioned Peeta looking like Chris Hemsworth. But I guess what you lack in looks, you make up for in personality...and in more appearances.
{ I did find out that Liam Hemsworth and Chris Hemsworth are brothers. Chris was Thor aaannnnd the father of Captain Kirk in Star Trek. And they are Australian, you know what that entails. What kind of genetics run in this family?}
Overall, the movie was everything my brain imagined when I read that book. I know some readers were disappointed that the tributes were not more stylish clad and the fights were somewhat short/avoided. I agree that there is always room for improvement, and with any movie that is made after a book, you can't satisfy them all. Everyone will have what they believed happened, but in my personal opinion I give Hunger Games a solid A.
I am planning on seeing it again very soon. Maybe with a second closer look I will spot flaws and my rating for it will drop. But until then I am left very content with the movie and can not wait for the second! Until then, some eye candy.
