While at my volunteering, before the film, I had traced the outline of my Mockingjay pin and then added the details. Quite pleased with the drawing. Had to take a picture of it with my phone.
Anyway, onto the review (well, more like opinions). THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THR FILM AND READ THE BOOK. you've been warned!
Most of the review will be a comparison of the book with the film.
Before I even watched the film, I was quite angry because I found out that they hadn't included The scene where we see young Haymitch competing in his games. I love that part of the book as it contains such brilliant character development and is a part I love in the books. There's a YouTube fan-made video of Haymitch in his Quarter Quell and it is brilliant (The video is below... right at the bottom... may require a bit of scrolling). I was hoping that since this video was brilliant, the actual film would excel it. But they chopped it out instead.
So now onto watching the film...
Overall, I was happy with it (but I had prepared for disappointment). I shall go in chronological (as much as possible, but I am likely to digress) order, saying both positive and negative views:
1) I love how it was filmed. The scenery was beautiful and the scenes looked like they had depth. They didn't blur out the bloody scenes but there weren't many in the first place.
2) I love the foreshadowing; foreshadowing both what will happen later in the film and in Mockingjay. I also loved how some of what the characters say was the exact phrase from the book.
3) I love the Capitol's technology, such as the cameras in the Victors Village and the new training room and equipment.
4) I wish the tour was elongated. They didn't show us Peeta's paintings. However, I loved seeing the rebellion in the other districts and how when Katniss was reaped again, her mother and Prim both did the 3 finger salute thing, which probably risked their lives.
5) I wish they did show Katniss having to get over the fence when the current came back. That's a chance to see her witty/sarcastic humour. However, that fence isn't even 6m high in the first place (which annoyed me in the first film). But her injury led to her and Peeta developing their friendship so that was missed.
6) I love the reactions to when the District 12 victors find out that they'll have to go back into the arena. Especially Haymitch's. You can feel their fear. Also, when Effie is crying when Katniss is reaped. That got to me. I also love how Effie is portraying them all as a team. It's so sweet. I wish they did show Katniss' prep team crying over her.
7) it annoyed me how they didn't include the signs that District 13 exists. I don't think in the first film they even mentioned it was obliterated.
8) The last kiss between Katniss and Gale annoyed me. It wasn't in the books and wasn't meant to happen. It's like the film wants to make it more into a love triangle which isn't the important part!!
9) I love how Prim acts grown up. I also love how Snow's granddaughter sees Katniss as an example. You can tell it annoys Snow mwahahaha.
10) the outfits are gorgeous.
11) I love Johanna and Finnick. They are perfect! I love how they included the humorous parts. Especially Johanna's rebellious attitude. After seeing Jenna Malone (who acts Johanna) in Saved! acting a shy girl, it's awesome to see her like this. And I love the holding hands thing the victors do to rebel.
12) I must add, I loved when I could spot the little hints that Plutarch was on Katniss' side. Also, the actor who plays Snow is brilliant.
13) Jennifer Lawrence acted so well at Cinna's death.
14) the arena was one of my favourite things about the books. Seeing the trailer it had disappointed me but it is actually really good!
15) in the first film, there was no explicit language but in this, there were a few swear words. However, in the context I do think they were suitable, especially as there are such strong emotions in this film. Mostly they made me laugh.
16) There were quite a few parts that made me laugh. Such as in training, for the Seneca Crane Dummy, Katniss added his funky beard (speaking of that, they didn't display the scores!), when Finnick gives Peeta CPR (Jennifer's acting was brilliant in this part), when Katniss kisses Peeta and there's a trail of slobber and snot that the film makers decided to keep (also they didn't talk about the 'baby') and Johanna insulting the Capitol.
17) the wounds from the fog weren't what I expected but they were really good. Made me laugh when Katniss completely submerged herself in salt water and dunks Finnick, because in the book it specifies she had to treat bit by bit so they don't die from immense pain. Also because they had no ointment or scabs, they didn't do the funny part in the books where Finnick and katniss put their green scabby faces in front of sleeping Peeta and scare him awake!
18) I wish they showed Mags making the hut and bowls. It shows her resourcefulness. I'm glad they kept hers and the Morphlings death exact but I wish it was more effective.
19) it annoys me how in both films they make it seem like Katniss has been able to find water so easily. Also, she didn't indicate about her artificial ear 'hearing' the force field.
20) the pearl was black... What?
21) the locket containing the photos of Prim, Gale and katniss's mother are stills from the hunger games. Like really?
22) they didn't do the bread code...
23) the ending was sad and I love it but it's sad and the characters are never going to be sane again :(
25) also I should add, I liked how Katniss saw Marvel when when she shot a turkey. Shows the psychological effects.
26) love how Peeta has his rebellious streaks
27) still no mention of Avox's -.-
28) still wish they included Madge. She was so important, the one who gave the mockingjay pin, her family's house where Katniss sees the disruption in other districts etc.
Overall, I think there are more positives than complaints :)
Will add more if I think of any
Haymitch's Quell
Haymitch's Quell
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