Film Friday: The Hunger Games

"I refuse to see this stupid movie!" is what I often said before the Hunger Games film adaptation was released. I'm sure my friends and family knew I would cave in to my curiosity when the movie actually came out. And they were right.

I was extremely shocked...and certainly delighted by the movie. I was shocked that so many of my favourite scenes were brought to life instead of being left on the cutting room floor along with the essence of the original book. The filmmakers were obviously fans of the book and did a great job of bringing Suzanne Collins' vision to life.

Peeta. Mellark. I love his character to death. And sadly death was a close call a few times. When I heard that my beloved Peeta was being played by a short, brown haired guy, I was upset. To say the very least. I think my wallowing was on the opposite side of the spectrum, a tad dramatic perhaps. However, I was floored by Josh Hutcherson's performance. And I might add that he was featured as the background of my phone for a while.

Another similar story, but a slightly less degree was Katniss. I couldn't imagine just any random playing such a hero, but the way Jennifer Lawrence captured the character so well was incredible. I feel like Katniss actually got up on the screen in front of us. Or maybe the role was just written for Jennifer??

Overall, the action and suspense was EPIC and I felt the same adrenaline rush that I did when reading the books. The softer, more emotional scenes were also great. I think the filmmakers just did an amazing job of captured the feel for the books and producing on screen.

Update: City of Bones Movie News!

I know I usually do movie news on a Friday, but...I couldn't wait. Isabelle Lightwood has been announced for Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments adaptation, along with the short already-cast list of two: Jamie Campbell-Bower and Lily Collins.

Alec has also been cast, but Cassaandra Clare was told she couldn't announce it yet. All she said was he is British and has dark hair. There are rumours that it will be Ed Westwick, who was the male voice for the audiobook. I am still rooting for Douglas Booth!! Yesterday Cassandra Clare posted about not being able to talk about Alec HERE. To be honest, I was a bit confused by the "Muglas Nooth" part.

So, it looks like my imaginary cast list (found HERE) will pretty much be a bust, but I can still hope, can't I? Isabelle Lightwood has been cast, and was announced on Cassandra Clare's BLOG four days ago. It is....Jemima West.

She has played Vittoria in The Borgias...Sorry, I really can't see it. But I suppose the cast can't be my imagination come to life, like I would like.

Jamie Campbell-Bower is still signed up as Jace. Unfortunately. Jace is my all-time favourite book character, and I really can't see it, nor can I seem to squash my disappointment. Anyway, there were rumours that JCB was not going to end up taking the role, but he is. He is training, apparently, according to his interview in the British Telegraph HERE.

Lily Collins as Clary. She's not who I pictured, but she is my favourite of the cast that is being forced on us, I must say. Find more about her HERE.

Film Friday: The Host

Title: The Host
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Theatre Release Date: March 29, 2


I am slightly skeptical about the Host being adapted into a film, for two reasons. One: I'm worried that it will turn out like the dreaded Twilight movies. Twilight has kind of become a bad joke, because the movies (especially the first one) were laughable. The second reason why Stephenie Meyer's first adult-oriented book might be a mistake is the same nervous feeling I get when any adaptations is being made now. 

"There is NO way I am seeing The Hunger Games, because Peeta is totally wrong! I refuse!!". Before The Hunger Games movie came out, I must have said that a million times. I was so sure I wouldn't see the movie, because it would "ruin the book". However, I saw it...surprise surprise, I actually LOVED it. And I thought Peeta was a great fit for the role. At the moment I am feeling the same mindset that I felt with THG. But I still think I will see the Host, because it will be too tempting to miss out on when I adored the book so much.

Although I changed my mind about Peeta, I don't think even a great performance can make me like the girl who is playing Melanie/Wanda. Saoirse Ronan has never been on my list of favourite actresses...and not only because I have no idea to say her name. This might sound mean, but I can't stand her very much and I don't think she is a good fit for the character(s) whatsoever.

I'm slightly more accepting of Max Irons playing Jared. Not because that's how I pictured Jared, it isn't, but I like him as an actor. The good looks don't hurt either.

As of now, filming is on its way and the Host movie page on Stephenie Meyer's blog is being updated:
http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/thehost_movie.html

Waiting on Wednesday

Title: Chosen Ones
Author: Tiffany Truitt
Series: Lost Souls
Release Date: June 12, 2012

Life is bleak but uncomplicated for sixteen-year-old Tess, living in a not-too-distant future where the government, faced with humanity's extinction, created the Chosen Ones, artificial beings who are extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

When Tess begins work at Templeton, a Chosen Ones training facility, she meets James, and the attraction is immediate in its intensity, overwhelming in its danger. But there is more to Templeton than Tess ever knew. Can she stand against her oppressors, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

Waiting on Wednesday

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas looks... pretty awesome, if you ask me. I have always liked Cinderella, and reading that the author used the fairy tale as bare bones of the outline instead of trying to retell the story is good to hear. I can't believe I have to wait until August 7th for this book, it looks really interesting!

Upcoming Contest!!

Just as a quick newsflash: I will soon be starting a contest, so keep an eye out! Hopefully details will be posted soon :)

Series Saturday

Series: Clarity
Author: Kim Harrington
Books: Clarity and Perception
Release Dates: Clarity- March 1, 2011; Perception- March 1, 2012

Clarity's Synopsis:

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch an object and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case — but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother — who has supernatural gifts of his own — becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

Teaser Tuesday

Title: City of Glass
Author: Cassandra Clare
Series: The Mortal Instruments
Page: 71/539

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that enter-ing the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Timesbestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments.

Sunday Sequels

Title: Dreaming Awake
Author: Gwen Hayes
Series: Falling Under
Release Date: January 3rd 2012
Pages: 336

She fell for him in a nighttime world. But the time for dreaming is past—and the here-and-now can be just as fragile their love…

When Theia Alderson first encountered a mysterious, handsome boy in her dreams, she never imagined how finding Haden Black—and falling in love—could change her life. To save Haden, Theia sacrificed everything. And the dangerous bargain she made could have lasting repercussions.

Now Theia has returned to Serendipity Falls, and she finds herself struggling with the same deadly hungers that have tortured Haden. When students at their high school fall prey to a mysterious illness, Theia can’t help but wonder if Haden’s control is slipping—and how much longer she’ll have a grip on her own.

And still the nightmare realm of Under won’t let them go. Someone from Haden’s past is determined to destroy Theia from the inside out, starting with those closest to her, forcing Theia to choose between family and friends and a love that may have been doomed from the start…

Congratulations to the graduates!

I just wanted to say a quick congratulations to those who are graduating today or graduated this year!!