Hunger Games:: Midnight Premier

Several summers ago, I texted my fellow book whore and asked for recommendations.  She practically yelled at me (via text) that I MUST read The Hunger Games.  She never let me down before, so I picked up a copy at the store.
And fell in love on the first page.  So I ran to the library to pick up the second book.  And devoured it.

The worst part about reading a series is always waiting for the next installment.  But that's what I did.. I waited (impatiently) for MockingJay, book 3.   I was at Target the day it was released and finished it  later that night.

When it was rumored there would be a movie, Hotpants and I FREAKED OUT.  I scoured for any information about the casting and a release date.  

Being the mom that I am, I begged my boys to read the books after I finished them.  I KNEW they would love them.. especially A.  Being the boys they are, they ignored me.

Until recently.  I bribed promised them that if they read the book and enjoyed it, then I would take them with me to the midnight premier.  It wasn't until Andrew was grounded that he picked up the book.  
Our convo's that week:

(after reading the first half of book1) A:  Dude. Why didn't you tell me to read this sooner? 

Do you have the next one? 

(after starting book 2)  MOM!  This is so good.  You're gonna need to get the last book.  For real.

(3 days later)  So..  Are you really gonna take me to the movie?  I wonder what they'll do.  Think it will be good because this was AWESOME! 

I kept my word and took him to the midnight premier last night.  He was literally bubbling over with excitement. 

I bought our tickets, made plans with friends and headed out for my date with the most handsome 15 year old I know.

In Walgreens buying goodies.  And the cashier thought we were a couple.  WTH. 

waiting outside in line before going in the theater..we were cracking up over the  guy & girl "DISCUSSING"  Peeta vs. Gale

In the middle of a conversation,  I looked over when he wasn't answering a question.  It seems SOMEONE needed to take a cat nap before the movie. 

People?  The movie was absolutely AMAZEBALLS.  Read the book and then run to the theater.   They did such an incredible job::  the directing, the adaptation from the book, the acting, cinematography and costumes were just like I envisioned while reading it.  

Honestly, I was more than a little skeptical about Josh Hutcherson as Peeta.  By the end of the movie, I knew they chose the right guy and all of the doubt I had from the beginning only made me like him more.  It reminded me of how I wasn't so sure about the character from the book, but then grew to cheer for him and love his character. 

One of the things i loved most about The Hunger Games was Suzanne Collins choosing a strong-female lead character.  Katniss wasn't sitting at home twiddling her thumbs waiting for a prince to rescue her.  She fought for everything she had.  Frankly, she kicked ass and took names.  In a male dominated society,  Katniss became the hope her society needed.  

Jennifer Lawrence is now my newest girl crush.  She nailed the role spot on.  From the way she held her bow and arrow with confidence to her scenes with Rue during the games.  

Woody Harrelson, who I have loved since his days on "Cheers",  portrayed Haymitch as if he were born for the part.  Quirky, drunk who at the end of the day really wanted to see his tributes win. 

Cinna, played by Lenny Kravitz?  Yes, please. 

why wasn't he shirtless in any of the scenes?  

Stanley Tucci and Elizabeth Banks characters were so off-the-top but still believable and provided some much needed comic relief.  

Tucci as Cesar, the Games' host who interviews & spectates

Effie Trinket with Katniss during The Reaping

Costumes and set design were equally brilliant.  The Capital was everything I hoped it would be.  And I'm more than ready for Catching Fire.. although I've read we will be waiting until November 2013.  
Even the kid left was excited about the experience as I was.  He complained briefly at a few scenes being edited and shortened. I reminded him that it's not a book.. Movies are always different.  He agreed and said  that at least they did a great job with this one.  Although, he still wishes that EVERYTHING from the book had been included even if it meant a three hour movie or longer.


Going into the midnight showing, I assumed there would be a few teenagers.  What I wasn't prepared for were the parents that brought their children who were no more than 8 or 9 years old.  Really?   I'm not questioning whether or not their kids were mature enough for the content of the movie.  If they read the books, then maybe they were.  But a midnight premier?  No way.  Absolutely not.   People wonder why our kids today are growing up too fast.  It's because parents are more concerned about being their child's friend and not their parent.
Okay.. stepping off my soapbox now..

Moving On...
In my sleep-deprived state this morning, I decided to try a new look with Cheek's hair for school.  I gave her the Katniss' braid.   It wasn't too difficult.. I need a little bit of practice with the side french braid, but I definitely think she will be wearing it again.
The best part?  During drop-off as she was getting out of the car, her art teacher rushed towards us smiling and asked, "Is that the Hunger Games braid?  I LOVE IT!"
Yep..  I felt completely validated..

 “Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in

 your favor.”