Thoughts on The Hunger Games

Ok, first off. I don't want anyone to ever mistake me for a bandwagon jumper oner, or a trend follower or anything like that because I'm really not. I like to decide for myself if I like something or not. Example: I've never, ever read any of the Harry Potter or Twilight books. I also have never seen the movies. And guess what? I never will! Because, even though, they've been all the rage with society and with pretty much all my friends I checked out what they were about and I decided that wasn't something I was interested in.

So there's that.

Now, The Hunger Games is a different thing altogether. I've known for a while that this would be a story I would be interested in. Mostly because even though I'm not a sci-fi fan per se, I do like futuristic settings. I also am drawn to survival stories as well as stories about the underdog rising up against injustice. Thus I knew, this was a book trilogy I would probably enjoy reading.

I've only read the first book but trust me when I say that I devoured it. I bought it on a Friday and by the following Wednesday I had read it twice. I sorely regret not just splurging on the entire trilogy at once because I am very anxious to get on with the story and find out what happens in the world of Panem. Anyway, yes I enjoyed the book. It was well written with complex and beautiful characters along with a tragic storyline about the deep injustice of dystopian societies. I also admit that I am in love with the Katniss and Peeta storyline.

And I know, I know, it's "about" kids killing kids. And everyone who is trying to be a good person says, "How can you read a book or watch a movie about THAT? It's horrible!" But that's the thing, it is horrible! It's unjust and disgusting and no one should be pleased with it! That's kind of the point of these books, the country of Panem is grossly dominated by the Capitol and in order for them to remain in control they intimidate, steal from and bully the surrounding 12 districts. The Hunger Games is just one of they ways the Capitol reminds everyone that they are in charge and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Or at least that's what you might think.

I also watched the movie. Yes, it was violent and no, I wouldn't suggest anyone under the age of 15 watch it but it was very well done.

One last thing: dystopian societies are real, that's not a reality that is far removed from us. None of them might have something as horrible as the hunger games but they have other tactics of control, just as horrible. I just wanted to put that out there.

Pick of the Week...

On Saturday after a full day of emptying my wallet in the beginnings of the tradition that is giving gifts at Christmas I went to "Voyage of the Dawn Treader"

It. Was. Fabulous.

I didn't have very high expectations after Prince Caspian and all the creative licence that was used there. However, the third installment in the beloved classic series penned by C.S. Lewis was so well done! I was pleased and amazed. I plan on watching it in theatres again, and I never do that.

Go watch it!

Cheesy Movies With Good Lessons

This past weekend Debbie and I decided to invite some teeny bopper girls over to watch a movie. We watched Aquamarina, it's a pretty cheesy and lame movie made by the Family Channel but I was pleasantly suprised by the lesson that came out of it. In case you havn't seen the movie and were planning to I am going to give away the ending in this blog. Just so ya know!

The story is about a mermaid who has "swam away from home" to prove to her father that love exists. If she isn't able to prove this in three days she is going to have to return home and be married to a merman of her fathers choosing. (I told you, it's lame!) So she comes ashore and meets two teenage girls who befriend her and agree to help her out. She meets a cute guy and starts to get to know him, all in the effort to find love. The movie goes on, she astounds the cute boy, her friendships with the two girls deepens and it all appears to be working out for her. It's day three of the agreement with her father and she must prove to him love is real. So she asks the cute guy if he loves her.

I know what you're all expecting. A classic cheesy line of his undying love for her, a romantic (family channel approved) kiss, a sunset and a happy song! That's what I was expecting! But instead he says, "I like you yeah but love? We only just met. Why do we have to be in love right now?" In my mind I was like, "Yeah! Way to go Family Channel!" And so the mermaid girl is all dismayed and her father is trying to pull her back to sea, the two girls she has befriended jump in to rescue her, it's all very dramatic! Ther mermaid asks, "Why would you do all of this for me?" and the one girl answers, "Because we love you Aquamarine!" The ocean is calmed, the wind settles and the happy music plays. The girls have proved to Aquamarine's father that love really does exist.

As I was sitting there with three 14-16 year olds who latley are all about boys and 'falling in love' I was happy this was how the movie ended; that love in friendship was elevated and romantic love was encouraged to grow with time.