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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Box Office on Fire

Tonight, after waiting ever so patiently, I'm going to see The Hunger Games.

!!!!!!

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.

Here, we have a film with a female lead who isn't being showcased for her zany dating life. Guys are showing up to the film. To watch a movie starring a woman. Is it really the end of the world? Mayans, is this the apocalypse you spoke of?

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.

What did you think of the film? Did it exceed your expectations? Were you disappointed? Did you want to stuff Peeta into an Easy Bake Bread Oven?

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).

8 comments:

  1. 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. ;-)

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  2. I loved it. Loved it loved it loved it. I thought Jennifer Lawrence was perfect....hope you have a great time!

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  3. I 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.

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  4. I 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-^

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  5. I'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. :)

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  6. I think we'll be going this weekend. I've heard it stayed pretty close to the book...yay. So cool you took archery :)

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  7. I'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.

    My 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!)

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  8. 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..."

    I 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!

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