It’s that time again for TGITDNMAR, which (obviously) stands for Thank God It’s The Day New Movies Are Released.
The Hunger Games
Well, this ought to be short and sweet, won’t it? There are very few weekends in a year when there is but one wide release, but this is one of ‘em.
Making this a bit harder for me, however, is the fact that I’m currently in Operation: Shutdown as it pertains to news of the film. I had given some thought to reading the book (and, eventually, other two books) prior to seeing the film, but hadn’t made it a priority and had more or less back-burnered said thought, being way down on my local library’s Holds list for the book (meaning there was no chance I was getting a copy that way before the film came out) and not caring quite enough to just go out and buy it. But late in the game (yesterday), a friend that works in my building with whom I talk books had a copy on his desk and lent it to me. Thus, I’ve decided to rip through it as quickly as possible (pretty easy given it’s size and prose) in order to be all caught up before this weekend.
Thing is, I hate knowing anything about a film adaptation of a book (or series) prior to reading, as now I see Jennifer Lawrence (et al) as Katniss and not whomever I might have conjured up on my own. Thankfully, it’s been so long since I saw the trailer that I don’t recall too many particulars, though pervasive commercials have ensured that I would be well familiar with “I volunteer as Tribute!!” long before reading.
So, needless to say, my percentage below will be 100%, which, not coincidentally, is the same odds that I’ll now be one of those insufferable idiots that can’t stop comparing books to their adaptations. I hate being that guy but simultaneously seem to always be putting myself in such a position (and/or I just can’t help myself).
Just so you know…the book’s gonna be waaaay better, man. (Seriously, though, the casting – as far as I can tell – seems pretty awesome, and the book ought to make for a terrific adventure/sci-fi flick. I’m getting pretty psyched for it pretty quickly.)
Dylan’s Chance of Viewing (in the theater): 100%
Wayne (7)
Andrew (6)
Josh (6)
John (5)
Steve (5)
Justin (4)
Lauren (3)
Nick (3)
3guys1movie (2)
Andy (2)
The book is never better.
Especially if you never read the book.
Twitter: manilovefilms
March 21, 2012 4:24 pm
You got something against books?
I have always believed that if a book is good enough they’ll make a movie out of it.
I hardly have time to watch the movies I want to watch and reading takes even more time than that.
It’s weird, I know, but I love writing and hate reading. Not sure how that happened, but it did.
The book doesn’t even have to be good. Take Twilight, for instance.
Haha nice
Twitter: manilovefilms
March 23, 2012 9:36 am
I just see them as totally separate activities – one isn’t eating the time of the other’s, necessarily. Also, I do most of my reading on breaks and lunches at work, when I wouldn’t/couldn’t be watching movies anyway.
Moreover, as much as I love movies, I get a lot more out of reading. When you invest all that time (and time spent thinking about it when you’re not actively reading), it’s a more rewarding experience.
Who knows, maybe one day you’ll change your ways. I did. I’ve read more in the least three years or so than I had in the previous 15, I think.
Yay!! Another convert.
Twitter: manilovefilms
March 22, 2012 4:02 pm
Convert? I thought I just read a book.
Twitter: pturner1010
March 22, 2012 2:12 am
Embrace your inner book reader. Reading books makes you better than everyone else. Hadn’t you heard?
But seriously the book is awesome and the reviews on the film suggest it’s not going to disappoint. I’ll still walk out the cinema declaring loudly ‘WELL IT’S NOT AS GOOD AS THE BOOK (FOOLS)!’
Twitter: manilovefilms
March 22, 2012 4:04 pm
Seriously, Pete. I’m already a way better person today than I was 3 days ago before I’d started The Hunger Games. I’m even getting a license plate that reads RIF4LYF
Twitter: NeverTooEarlyMP
March 22, 2012 6:09 am
I don’t do well with crowds, so I don’t usually go to blockbusters in the first weekend. Which actually is going to leave me in a somewhat similar situation regarding reading. Not that I’m going to pick up the book, but I need to decide pretty quickly whether I’m going to allow myself to read reviews (and if so, how many) before I get to the theater!
Twitter: manilovefilms
March 22, 2012 4:05 pm
I shall not be reading any reviews. I’ve seen some scores here and there, and have figured the consensus thus far to be pretty positive, but that’s as far as I’m willing to go.
Twitter: agracru
March 22, 2012 6:51 am
Like NTEMP, I tend to avoid multiplexes on opening weekend, as much for my wife’s sake as anything else because she REALLY hates contending with the crowds whereas I only really hate doing that. But we’re making the exception for Hunger Games because we love the books, and I personally am a huge fan of Lawrence and want to be part of her movie crushing opening weekend. So there’s that, too. Also, I’m thrilled by the early positive word, especially from places I didn’t expect like Badass Digest.
Twitter: manilovefilms
March 22, 2012 4:07 pm
Hell, there’s barely been a film in the last 3 months that’s had me worrying about seeing it on opening weekend. Such foreign territory now…I can scarcely recall what I full theater feels or looks like.
Pretty sure the wife and I will be seeing this this weekend, either together or separately (if it’s the latter, we won’t have to worry about full theaters – you can always find an open seat in the handicapped section).
Twitter: mrsthuro
March 22, 2012 7:39 am
Just sped through the first book again in less than two days (would’ve been less if it weren’t for work and parenting). Even more excited than I was three days ago. 9:00 A.M. on Saturday can’t get here fast enough. Yes, I said 9:00 A.M.!
(Glad you converted
Twitter: manilovefilms
March 22, 2012 4:09 pm
Wow. That’s impressive, even for a not-so-long book like this that’s also easy-to-read. I’ll be through with it tonight, but that’ll be three days. Which, given your exceptions above apply to me as well, ain’t half bad.
Again with the conversion, eh?
I got the book but haven’t read it yet. I’m totally checking this out though, just because of the hype and all. It’s not like there is too many alternatives at the theater anyway
Twitter: manilovefilms
March 23, 2012 9:43 am
You know you still need to get around to seeing The Vow. Don’t quit on it, Castor!!