When I read that The Hunger Games was being made into a film about four to five months ago, the storyline intrigued me. I decided to read the novel before the film came out. I enjoyed the book (quick read of half a day) even though it's definitely targeted for the young adult crowd (as were the Twilight and Potter series). Twilight didn't float my boat; however, I found the Potter series engaging. I'm definitely NOT the targeted demographic (I'm so far north of the demographic I'm on the polar ice cap), but the storyline is really intriguing. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
Some of the set pieces in the book are really terrific! I would have loved to see the movie as R-rated, but since the demographic is under 18 for the most part, it came in at PG-13. It would be nice if they release an R-rated version when it comes out on DVD. Hey, maybe there will be a director's cut!
For me, the producers (and the author, Suzanne Collins - she gets writing credit) went for the rather sanitized violence (considering what it could have been) and romantic triangle. It's a good movie for what it is (and I'm sure the young adults are head over heels about this rendition), but there was so much more they could have done. Sociopolitical issues abound. I think that with the right treatment, it could have been this generation's Blade Runner.
However, after seeing the film, the first thing that came to my mind was that it reminded me of expecting an authentic, tasty, spicy Mexican dinner and getting Del Taco. OK, so I'm weird... :-)
