My Thoughts on The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I Movie

Image Courtesy of The Hollywood News

Last week, I had the opportunity to watch the first installment of The Mockingjay. I have to say, it was better than the book in some ways but I have to agree with the critiques out there, the movie makers did not need to make The Mockingjay into two movies. Before I get ahead of myself though, I'll give you the good thoughts first and then my bad thoughts. There might be spoilers but I am not certain they will give the whole plot away. 

Good:
There was action. More action than what was described in the book. Do you remember what happened in the book? Well I kinda don't but I do remember Suzanne Collins did not go into detail with the rebellions of other districts. Luckily for you, the movie does and it's totally wicked. 

I have to say though. The movie shocked me at one point. Do you like Jennifer Lawerence? I did but now I like her more because of what she did in the movie other than cry. She sung and she did a good job too! Later she said that she wanted Lorde to do it and spent the rest of the day crying because it was so traumatic* but still! She has this deep and gravelly voice that fits the mood perfectly. If you haven't heard Jennifer sing yet, the video is at the end of the post. 

Image Courtesy of Los Angeles Times

Bad:
Katniss cries a lot and I mean a lot. It seems she could've looked to the brighter side of things but since Peeta, the love of her life, is in the Capitol, she can't function on her own. Poor Gale is trying to help her out of her mood swings but he is pushed away. 

I am not trying to hate on Katniss or Suzanne Collins but I don't like how Katniss spends most of the movie moping and crying. There are scenes where everything seems to be okay but then as quickly as it starts, the scene ends and we are thrown back into the depression state.

This part of my ranting will not cover the movie but the end of the book. So if you haven't gotten around to read the book, this will contain spoilers. For the spoiler-haters, jump down to the next paragraph, please. I will not be responsible for any anger that was provoked in reading the spoilers.

Image Courtesy of The Hunger Games Wikia Page

I wish that Katniss chose Gale instead of Peeta. I don't like how the movie franchise portrayed Peeta as well, in respect of Josh Hutcherson. I always thought from the beginning Peeta was too much of baby. He couldn't fend for himself in the first Hunger Games and he was having a hard time in the Quarter Quell game as well. Gale on the other hand is strong and brave. He will stand up for what he believes in and is not afraid to get whipped for it. Gale was there for Katniss the whole movie but Katniss didn't acknowledge his comforting presence that often. If I was Katniss, I would choose Gale at the end of everything. 


Compared to the book, the movie was a bit better because of the action snippets the director decided to add. The actors and actresses did an amazing job and the director should have a round of applause for his contribution on the film. 

Overall the movie, for me, was just a long trailer to the second half of The Mockingjay but it did have some perks and I will certainly see the Mockingjay Part II. If you have any concerns of what you have read, please leave your comments down below in the feedback box. 

                        Video Courtesy of Republic Records

*Definitely not the exact words she used but I did hear she cried afterwards because it was so embarrassing. 

Finishing One of the World's Best Series!

Rick Riordan's sense of humor is outrageously funny!

A few weeks ago, I finished The Blood of Olympus. Now you might be saying, "big deal" or "who cares?" but let me tell you... I care! I remember picking up the first book, The Lost Hero when I was in fifth grade. All the book geeks at my school were psyched because they had finished the Percy Jackson series like I did and were craving more of Rick Riordan's brilliant writing.

Now four years later, I have read the very last book, therefore completing the task I had set for myself when I read the first book of The Heroes of Olympus series. 

Enough of my gushing. I will attempt to convince you that you should pick up every single one of Rick Riordan's series right after you read this post. I'll give you five reasons.

Image Courtesy of Pinterest

1. If you love a good laugh when you are down in the dumps, Rick Riordan will surely pull you out of your dark brooding state and make you smile or even laugh out loud. The way he writes will make you experience the emotions of the characters like you are in the story too. Plus, who can't resist a good sarcastic comment once in awhile?

2. Who doesn't like well-written characters? Rick Riordan's skill of manipulating your feelings to match those of the characters' is incredible. Everyone in Percy Jackson, The Heroes of Olympus, and Kane Chronicles are full of smart-mouth comments, humorous comebacks, and touching words of encouragement that will make you smirk. The dialogue has a special touch that no other author has. Here is an excerpt from The Lost Hero that proves my point:

"Even before he got electrocuted, Jason was having a rotten day."

3. Each book is told from a different character's perspective which makes you experience more of the story than with just one narrator. I know, it might seem confusing at some times but once you understand what is happening you will get the hang of it almost immediately. There are many side stories and problems that intertwine with the main goal but ultimately the characters are able to solve the problems while completing the main goal.

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4. All of Rick Riordan's books are about mythology: Greek, Roman, and Egyptian. Even though it's not the actual retelling of the myths, Riordan incorporates the gods/goddesses and mythical creatures that try to help or kill the heroes. Even if it is not entirely accurate, you will learn a little more about mythology that you can add to your useful fact compartment of your brain.

5. Last but not least, it's awesome. That doesn't describe much but I can't tell you much without spoiling every single book! Rick Riordan's style and ideas are unique and make a great story to be told. His way of telling the stories of each hero is remarkable and the way he pulls you into the book is funny and leaves you craving for more.

Hopefully, I was able to convince you with these words of wisdom but if I didn't... Well, you are missing big time on the world's best series ever!