Forget about Saint Patrick’s Day, the Ides of March, Pi Day, the arrival of Spring, and any other insignificant seasonal celebrations. The release of the much-anticipated Hunger Games movie has overshadowed all March festivities and I don’t know about you, but I am completely okay with that. In fact, as Friday approaches I find myself increasingly giddy, eagerly awaiting my turn to witness Katniss, Gale, and Peeta in action.
If you have read the books, I can guarantee that you are feeling the same way as me: drifting through your classes helplessly daydreaming about how the onscreen romances will unfold, what the tributes will be wearing, and whether or not Lenny Kravitz will be able to pull off the character of Cinna. Visualizing the nation of Panem seems like a better use of time than studying for that philosophy midterm or writing a history paper.
For all of you who are not as familiar with The Hunger Games, or are purposefully resisting the series, I have decided to take on the challenge of convincing you of the amazing cultural phenomenon that is The Hunger Games. So sit back, relax, and get excited for the must-see film of Spring 2012, The Hunger Games!
- Extreme Girl Power – The main character is the fearlessly courageous, independent, and heroic Katniss Everdeen. She stands up for herself, her family, and her friends, survives in an extremely restrictive society, and rocks a bow and arrow. Need I say more?
- Indie Soundtrack – The soundtrack to The Hunger Games has been compared to the various Twilight soundtracks, featuring a combination of undiscovered indie artists as well as some bigger names in the music industry. Definitely check it out on iTunes and be sure to listen to my favorites: “Open Eyes” by Taylor Swift, “Come Away to the Water” by Maroon 5, and “The Ruler and the Killer” by Kid Cudi.
- Costumes – There has been endless hype about the costumes for the movie, especially since the movie’s costume designer, Judianna Makovsky, has had so much experience with satisfying fanatic expectations (she managed the wardrobe for films including X-Men, Pleasantville, and even Harry Potter). And believe me when I say that the wardrobe expectations for the series are off the charts as fashion plays a huge role in the books. For a taste of the futuristic fashion that will be in the movie, check out the Capitol Couture Tumblr!
- Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, and Elizabeth Banks – These well-known celebrities agreed to play the pivotal roles of Cinna, Caesar Flickman, and Effie Trinket. Each character is uniquely eccentric, complex, and will be sporting outlandish make-up, hair, and clothing. While this may not be so far-fetched for the flamboyantly stylish Lenny Kravitz, it will be strange to see Tucci and Banks styled as futuristic citizens of Panem.
- Katniss’s Bow and Arrow – Action movies all seem to feature the same kinds of fights using the same kinds of weapons. Swords, guns, or even plain old fists seem to be favorites in Hollywood. The Hunger Games is changing the action scene, showing that a simple bow and arrow, when used correctly, can be pretty awesome. There are going to be some amazing action scenes featuring eye-catching archery from Jennifer Lawrence. Lawrence had her own archery coach, four-time Olympic archer Khatuna Lorig, so the stunts will be 100% accurate and completely legit.
- Ticket Sales – The Hunger Games has already broken the US box office record for most advanced tickets sold for opening day, a record that was previously held by Twilight: Eclipse. Beating out Twilight for anything is a real feat and let me tell you, as a reader of both The Hunger Games and Twilight, this movie is going to have Twihards forgetting about vampires and werewolves. There will no longer be a enamored schoolgirl debate over Team Edward or Team Jacob, but a complicated discussion about whether Gale or Peeta is the best option for Katniss.
- IMAX Release Baby! – Having the option of viewing the movie in IMAX has fans excited all around the world. What could be better than feeling as if you are actually part of the movie, living in District 12, searching the arena for sustenance, and sharing intimate conversations with both Gale and Peeta?
- Suzanne Collins – Thankfully, the brain behind the successful Hunger Games book series on which the film is based helped to bring the story to the big screen. Collins co-wrote the script and co-produced the film, so chances are that the movie will stay true to the book.
- Gale and Peeta: Nothing is better than having a drop-dead gorgeous male lead on screen. That is unless there are two drop-dead gorgeous actors appearing in a film. The handsome Aussie, Liam Hemsworth, is playing Katniss’s best friend, Gale, and Josh Hutcherson is playing Peeta, Katniss’s fellow tribute. Talk about eye candy (and a possible love triangle)!
- With a Trailer Like This, How Can You Not Be Excited?
Sounds pretty amazing, right? I bet you are frantically scouring movietickets.com right about now for a coveted opening night Hunger Games ticket or maybe even a ticket for tonight’s midnight showing. I wish you luck and, “may the odds be ever in your favor!”
Photo Sources:
http://lubbockonline.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/superphoto/11015… http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2012/03/hunger-games-josh-hutcherson-i-mig… http://iwriteinbooks.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/movies_the_hunger_games…