“The Hunger Games” phenomenon has often been compared to the famous “Harry Potter” and “Twilight” series, but really, how will it compare on screen? Until March 23rd, 2012, when the movie is released onto the big screen, we won’t know for sure.
Fans at EHS seem to have their own opinion of how they believe the movie will compare. Senior Danielle Kellogg, a hardcore “Hunger Games” fanatic is “super pumped for the film!”
Some are worried that the movies won’t be as good as the books, like many other movies turned out. Based on the trailer and the comments underneath the clip though, many fans were pleased. A top comment on the YouTube trailer was, “Epic. Can’t wait to see it!”
The movie franchise decided the “Hunger Games” would be a film in March of 2009, and the role of Katniss Everdeen was chosen on March 18, 2011. They took quite awhile to find Katniss, but after they saw Jennifer Lawrence, Gary Ross, the director, told Entertainment Weekly, “It was the easiest casting decision I’ve ever made in my life.”
Most were happy with the choice because of her acting ability (she was one of the youngest to receive the Oscar nomination for best actress in “Winter’s Bone”) but others were upset because they didn’t think she looked enough like the role. Lawrence responded to this with, “It’s easy. I can dye my hair. Done.”
The other lead characters, Peeta and Gale, were chosen to be played by Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. Fans seem to be happy with the choice. Junior Claire Madden exclaimed, “I love Josh Hutcherson!” At least happier than “Twilight’s” at first negative fan reaction to the casting of Robert Pattinson.
Of course, the never-ending question regarding a movie’s success is, “Was it as good as the book?” Although the movie hasn’t been released yet, many have high hopes for the franchise. Sophomore Katy Peck told, “I really hope the books will be as good as the movie, but you never know!”
Overall, fans at EHS have a positive outlook on the film, and the soundtrack is getting good feedback as well. Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift featuring the Civil Wars and One Engine by the Decemberists are both the singles and the tops hits of the soundtrack on iTunes.
Tickets for the midnight premiere came out on February 22nd, so order them quickly in order to be one of the first to see the 74th annual “Hunger Games!” Also, if you want to see the Hunger Games cast in person, use your Friday off school (March 9) and go to the Mall of America.
