The books are excellent.
It isn't Walt Whitman, but I enjoyed the story. Then again, I like Harry Potter, Ender's Game, and Robert Frost poetry. Simple and elegant doesn't bother me (i.e. not everything has to be written by Whitman or Eco, IMO).The books are excellent.
I remarked to my friend that Woody was a great choice but Snow should have definitely been done by John Hurt.Love the Woody Harrelson casting, but hate the idea of Donald Sutherland as Snow.
The movies are going to be PG-13, so it'll be pretty tame.I really enjoyed these books. Anxious to see what they can do with the movie, but the subject matter is going to be pretty tough and likely controversial once it comes out.
I liked 'em.The books are excellent.
me toI liked 'em.The books are excellent.
Add me to the list as well. The books definitely read like they were aimed at teens, but that didn't hurt the first book at all.However, while I did enjoy reading the 2nd and 3rd, there were a lot of ideas and directions the books took that could have benefited from either a more mature outlook or a better writer.Regardless, I'm definitely looking forward to the movieme toI liked 'em.The books are excellent.
This was my point.The 1st book had an interesting plot, but the 2nd and 3rd deteriorated big time. I'm trying to recall the analogy from a funny skit, but I can't remember it. The author was constantly trying to put the heroine in the Games arena (either directly or implying that a city was set that way) or having her use a bow.Add me to the list as well. The books definitely read like they were aimed at teens, but that didn't hurt the first book at all.However, while I did enjoy reading the 2nd and 3rd, there were a lot of ideas and directions the books took that could have benefited from either a more mature outlook or a better writer.me toI liked 'em.The books are excellent.
Regardless, I'm definitely looking forward to the movie
Thought I heard there would be 4 movies, something like they are splitting the last book into two movies. I could be making that up though...i drink a lotJust about to finish up book #2. Trailer looks pretty sweet....I'd assume there will be 3 movies.
I'll stand up, just a bit, for Mockingjay. I don't think any of these books are "good." Not even really by Young Adult standards. I think Catching Fire is by far the weakest, however. As ludicrous as much of the action sequences in Mockingjay are, the portrait of Katniss as essentially permanently scarred by PTSD is kind of affecting. Collins isn't a skilled author, but she's got guts. She basically spits on the romantic triangle that much of her fanbase obsessed over. And there's a kind of truth to that, because no guy is going to be able to "heal" a heroine that's gone through that. That's a much more minor key, semi-unhappy ending than you usually get in YA.This was my point.The 1st book had an interesting plot, but the 2nd and 3rd deteriorated big time. I'm trying to recall the analogy from a funny skit, but I can't remember it. The author was constantly trying to put the heroine in the Games arena (either directly or implying that a city was set that way) or having her use a bow.Add me to the list as well. The books definitely read like they were aimed at teens, but that didn't hurt the first book at all.However, while I did enjoy reading the 2nd and 3rd, there were a lot of ideas and directions the books took that could have benefited from either a more mature outlook or a better writer.me toI liked 'em.The books are excellent.
Regardless, I'm definitely looking forward to the movie
One good young adult read. Two helpings of dreck.
I'll buy the grades. First book was at least intriguing, even if the premise was fairly out to lunch. Second book had some interesting elements, but overall, the ideas lost interest, exposing the sometimes goofy writing a lot more. By the third book, the storyline had jumped into la la land. Still, I liked them well enough to read them. They only took a couple of hours each as they read a bit like Nancy Drew goes to a dystopian future, but if it's going to be weak, at least make it easy to read.Battle Royale with a very similar premise, is a far superior book and an amazingly well done translation. It stumbles a bit at the end, but I was aghast that Collins didn't even acknowledge it as an influence. She acknowledges Lord of the Flies, which is like Pauly Shore acknowledging Peter Sellars, but fails to mention a book that she clearly ripped off? Weak.First book - BSecond book - CThird book - FCollins is not a good writer by any stretch but she had a decent concept for the first book but she played the love triangle why too hard. Also the "arena" in the second book was way too over the top. I couldnt finish the 3rd book but that was mostly due to Dragon books.As someone else said the movies are pg-13 so dont expect anything crazy. Just probably a ton of overacting from unknowns a la Twlight.
Rollerball! I still liked the books, though. Well told story.Yeah, Running Man, Battle Royale....I feel like this plot has been done many times before.
As the third book seems to be the worst, I would hope they'd just get it done with one. Unless they changed enough to make it worthwhile.I don't know though, I'm just into the start of the games in the first book.Thought I heard there would be 4 movies, something like they are splitting the last book into two movies. I could be making that up though...i drink a lotJust about to finish up book #2. Trailer looks pretty sweet....I'd assume there will be 3 movies.
I haven't read the Hunger Games, but I have talked at length with my teenage cousin about it (she is over the moon about the movies coming out). I have read Battle Royale, which I thought was very, very good. The Hunger Games sounds like a straight up rip off of Battle Royale.I wish they would just make a good movie from Battle Royale. Regardless, it looks like the Hunger Games are going to make a ton of loot at the box office. Kids, and evidently many adults, are going crazy for it.Battle Royale with a very similar premise, is a far superior book and an amazingly well done translation. It stumbles a bit at the end, but I was aghast that Collins didn't even acknowledge it as an influence. She acknowledges Lord of the Flies, which is like Pauly Shore acknowledging Peter Sellars, but fails to mention a book that she clearly ripped off? Weak.
83% RT. It's rather heavy handed with the messages but it's entertaining. IIRC the movie caused a big controversy in Japan when it was released.I wish they would just make a good movie from Battle Royale.
I'm definitely aware of this movie, but I personally wouldn't call it good, by any means. I've seen parts of it and I feel like it's mostly unwatchable. It's basically a hyper violent gore fest. I'm not buying the "but they buckets of blood mean something" point of view.It's cool if you like slasher movies. Personally, I don't like slasher movies and I didn't find the book to be written in a horror/slasher style, which I'm sure is why I didn't finish watching the movie.I wish they would just make a good movie from Battle Royale.
Seems pretty narrow to think that a violent film can't have a legitimate message.I wish they would just make a good movie from Battle Royale.
I don't think that's the argument being made. I thought the movie was much weaker than the book and stripped many of the messages in it.I wish they would just make a good movie from Battle Royale.
Did anyone acknowledge The Long Walk by King? They both seem pretty derivative of that.I'll buy the grades. First book was at least intriguing, even if the premise was fairly out to lunch. Second book had some interesting elements, but overall, the ideas lost interest, exposing the sometimes goofy writing a lot more. By the third book, the storyline had jumped into la la land. Still, I liked them well enough to read them. They only took a couple of hours each as they read a bit like Nancy Drew goes to a dystopian future, but if it's going to be weak, at least make it easy to read.Battle Royale with a very similar premise, is a far superior book and an amazingly well done translation. It stumbles a bit at the end, but I was aghast that Collins didn't even acknowledge it as an influence. She acknowledges Lord of the Flies, which is like Pauly Shore acknowledging Peter Sellars, but fails to mention a book that she clearly ripped off? Weak.First book - BSecond book - CThird book - FCollins is not a good writer by any stretch but she had a decent concept for the first book but she played the love triangle why too hard. Also the "arena" in the second book was way too over the top. I couldnt finish the 3rd book but that was mostly due to Dragon books.As someone else said the movies are pg-13 so dont expect anything crazy. Just probably a ton of overacting from unknowns a la Twlight.
How is Hunger Games different than the Long Walk? It involves kids killing each other with weapons. And there's a love triangle. And later there's a ham-fisted political uprising and revolution angle.I saw the trailer, never heard of the books, but how is this story different from The Long Walk by Stephen King (Richard Bachman)? Because that stroy was awesome and I don't know if they ever made a movie out of it and given the ending, I doubt they would do it right.
Ok then. It looked Long Walk-y in the trailer. It's either bad advertising or I just connected it to something I knew. Sorry.Wait, then let me follow up on that thought - it sounds a little like Enders Game as well....How is Hunger Games different than the Long Walk? It involves kids killing each other with weapons. And there's a love triangle. And later there's a ham-fisted political uprising and revolution angle.I saw the trailer, never heard of the books, but how is this story different from The Long Walk by Stephen King (Richard Bachman)? Because that stroy was awesome and I don't know if they ever made a movie out of it and given the ending, I doubt they would do it right.
Don't apologize too much... the premise is very much like The Long Walk. Totalitarian gov't, kids forced to compete, only the winner gets out alive with "the prize". Lots of similarity.Ok then. It looked Long Walk-y in the trailer. It's either bad advertising or I just connected it to something I knew. Sorry.Wait, then let me follow up on that thought - it sounds a little like Enders Game as well....How is Hunger Games different than the Long Walk? It involves kids killing each other with weapons. And there's a love triangle. And later there's a ham-fisted political uprising and revolution angle.I saw the trailer, never heard of the books, but how is this story different from The Long Walk by Stephen King (Richard Bachman)? Because that stroy was awesome and I don't know if they ever made a movie out of it and given the ending, I doubt they would do it right.
Because it was a scholastic book.I liked it, cant wait for the movie'shader said:I just read hunger games. I'm a big reader, and was wary of reading a book that appeals to teenagers. But when I read the description I felt like I had to try it out.
I couldn't put it down. Mix 1984/survivor/Truman show with the Roman games and you have a pretty compelling read.
Still don't know why this book is considered by some to be a teenage book. Just because the main characters are teenagers? Maybe that's it, who knows.
Great book although I have no idea how she is going to progress the story in the next two books.
And you've got the Major in the Long Walk and President Snow in the Hunger Games. That said, I don't see much similarity beyond the general premise.Don't apologize too much... the premise is very much like The Long Walk. Totalitarian gov't, kids forced to compete, only the winner gets out alive with "the prize". Lots of similarity.Ok then. It looked Long Walk-y in the trailer. It's either bad advertising or I just connected it to something I knew. Sorry.Wait, then let me follow up on that thought - it sounds a little like Enders Game as well....How is Hunger Games different than the Long Walk? It involves kids killing each other with weapons. And there's a love triangle. And later there's a ham-fisted political uprising and revolution angle.I saw the trailer, never heard of the books, but how is this story different from The Long Walk by Stephen King (Richard Bachman)? Because that stroy was awesome and I don't know if they ever made a movie out of it and given the ending, I doubt they would do it right.
I'm not suggesting that a violent film can't have a message. I'm saying that Battle Royale the film is 90% a hyper violent, 10% story driven film. The messages are very, very far in the background, if they are present at all. In my opinion, they saw an opportunity to make an extreme movie about kids killing kids in a blood bath sort of way and jumped on it, mostly ignoring the themes of what was a really good book.I feel the movie is mostly violence for shock value. It's a violent book but the book isn't about violence in an of itself. I feel the movie lives and dies based on if the viewer loves gore.'Hybrid said:I don't think that's the argument being made. I thought the movie was much weaker than the book and stripped many of the messages in it.'Chaka said:Seems pretty narrow to think that a violent film can't have a legitimate message.
Interesting. I thought there was definitely a message and they lacked any subtlety in delivering it.I'm not suggesting that a violent film can't have a message. I'm saying that Battle Royale the film is 90% a hyper violent, 10% story driven film. The messages are very, very far in the background, if they are present at all. In my opinion, they saw an opportunity to make an extreme movie about kids killing kids in a blood bath sort of way and jumped on it, mostly ignoring the themes of what was a really good book.I feel the movie is mostly violence for shock value. It's a violent book but the book isn't about violence in an of itself. I feel the movie lives and dies based on if the viewer loves gore.'Hybrid said:I don't think that's the argument being made. I thought the movie was much weaker than the book and stripped many of the messages in it.'Chaka said:Seems pretty narrow to think that a violent film can't have a legitimate message.
Are we talking about the movie that you have only seen parts of?I'm not suggesting that a violent film can't have a message. I'm saying that Battle Royale the film is 90% a hyper violent, 10% story driven film. The messages are very, very far in the background, if they are present at all. In my opinion, they saw an opportunity to make an extreme movie about kids killing kids in a blood bath sort of way and jumped on it, mostly ignoring the themes of what was a really good book.I feel the movie is mostly violence for shock value. It's a violent book but the book isn't about violence in an of itself. I feel the movie lives and dies based on if the viewer loves gore.'Hybrid said:I don't think that's the argument being made. I thought the movie was much weaker than the book and stripped many of the messages in it.'Chaka said:Seems pretty narrow to think that a violent film can't have a legitimate message.
Of course we are. Why am I going to sit through an entire movie that I feel kinda sucks? It wasn't delivering for me so I turned it off.Have you completed every movie that you have started watching?Are we talking about the movie that you have only seen parts of?I'm not suggesting that a violent film can't have a message. I'm saying that Battle Royale the film is 90% a hyper violent, 10% story driven film. The messages are very, very far in the background, if they are present at all. In my opinion, they saw an opportunity to make an extreme movie about kids killing kids in a blood bath sort of way and jumped on it, mostly ignoring the themes of what was a really good book.I feel the movie is mostly violence for shock value. It's a violent book but the book isn't about violence in an of itself. I feel the movie lives and dies based on if the viewer loves gore.'Hybrid said:I don't think that's the argument being made. I thought the movie was much weaker than the book and stripped many of the messages in it.'Chaka said:Seems pretty narrow to think that a violent film can't have a legitimate message.
No, of course I also try not to comment on the overarching themes presented by those films.Of course we are. Why am I going to sit through an entire movie that I feel kinda sucks? It wasn't delivering for me so I turned it off.Have you completed every movie that you have started watching?Are we talking about the movie that you have only seen parts of?I'm not suggesting that a violent film can't have a message. I'm saying that Battle Royale the film is 90% a hyper violent, 10% story driven film. The messages are very, very far in the background, if they are present at all. In my opinion, they saw an opportunity to make an extreme movie about kids killing kids in a blood bath sort of way and jumped on it, mostly ignoring the themes of what was a really good book.I feel the movie is mostly violence for shock value. It's a violent book but the book isn't about violence in an of itself. I feel the movie lives and dies based on if the viewer loves gore.'Hybrid said:I don't think that's the argument being made. I thought the movie was much weaker than the book and stripped many of the messages in it.'Chaka said:Seems pretty narrow to think that a violent film can't have a legitimate message.
Fair enough. You feel like the overarching themes of Battle Royale develop late in the movie? If so, maybe I should give it a second chance...No, of course I also try not to comment on the overarching themes presented by those films.
I've only read the 1st book. I blew through it in 2 days. We have tickets for opening night. It's that good. From what I've seen of the casting, they've picked the actors perfectly.Haven't heard much about the books or movie before I saw a trailer. This is the only movie on the horizon that I want to see. Not much coming out.