!!!!!!
I'm trying to keep my expectations in line, but it's proving to be a teensy bit difficult.
There are so many reasons I'm rooting for this movie's success. First, there are the books. For obvious reasons, I devoured the series within a week. This tumblr post pretty much nails how that happens. Fans can only hope that the movie will live up to the story's greatness.
Then, there's Jennifer Lawrence. After watching Winter's Bone, I could completely picture her as Katniss. It wasn't her stature or her facade - it was the gritty, raw emotion she brought to her character. Her acting abilities are no joke. Whenever I see the clip where she's volunteering as tribute, I get crazy chills.
But the reason I'm most excited about The Hunger Games kicking butt has to do with Hollywood itself. Hollywood, where the Bechdel Test is constantly being failed. Where wrinkles and cellulite are only acceptable when spackled on by a makeup crew. Where women are shoehorned into minor roles, and are usually defined by the men around them.
Yesterday I read that the film franchise is on its way to becoming a blockbuster hit. It pulled in over $150 million smackers in the US alone over opening weekend. Maybe the money will speak for itself. I don't expect this film to spark a sudden feminist revolution (or to even be perfectly executed for that matter). But I do hope it will prove that women can play diverse roles and rake in the cash.
And for getting this far down the page, I reward you with a dorktastic photo of me playing tribute at an archery class in Queens (it was SO fun, and way harder than it looks).
Great post! I hadn't thought about the importance of the movie in terms of a female (non-romantic) lead, but it's definitely true. I saw it, and I don't think you'll be disappointed. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI loved it. Loved it loved it loved it. I thought Jennifer Lawrence was perfect....hope you have a great time!
ReplyDeleteI really liked the movie, even though it didn't follow the book completely. I like that the story features a strong and smart female lead. I also like Peeta. I think you're going to enjoy this, Gina.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen it yet, Gina. My daughter asked me if I wanted to go see it this weekend, but I'm still not sure. It's one of those movies that I think I want to enjoy in the privacy of my home. ^-don't know why-^
ReplyDeleteI'm seeing it on Friday and I cannot wait! I agree that it's awesome that a strong female lead is bringing people to the theaters. :)
ReplyDeleteI think we'll be going this weekend. I've heard it stayed pretty close to the book...yay. So cool you took archery :)
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting for my 12-year-old son to finish the book, since he's a very reluctant reader and he says he really likes it, so we're going to reward him (and motivate him to keep reading) by going to the movie.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and my sister have seen it and say it's great, but they warned me that the camera work is often shaky, so I'll probably get motion sick. I hate that! So I'm a little worried. But I'll go see it anyway!
(I've tried archery, too, and it is really hard!)
Ha! One thing I thought while I was watching the movie was "I wonder how many girls are going to sign up for archery classes now..."
ReplyDeleteI thought the movie was really well done. I loved Jennifer Lawrence's portrayal of Katniss, cried my eyes out at the scene (you know which one) with Rue, was appropriately scared by the muttations... yep. Thumbs up from me.
And I too, am so happy that HG has done so well. Yay for young women having a strong, unflinching role model!