Book-to-Movie Adaptations #2

"FIRE IS CATCHING! IF WE BURN, YOU BURN WITH US!"

-Katniss Everdeen (THE GIRL WHO WAS ON FIYAH!)

So, I know that I come off as a classical-books-and-classical-music-and-tea kind of person, but I have to be honest with y'all: I really like The Hunger Games!

The books, I admit, are typical YA lit, but despite that I find the books very imaginative and entertaining. A little violent, albeit (or, okay, a lot violent), but a fun read nonetheless.

The movies are all pretty great adaptations, except the first one, which kinda sucked. If you want more info on the non-accuracy of the first movie, watch this (warning: the video is PG-13!)

Anyway, the last movie, Mockingjay Part 1, was released last November. In my opinion, it is an exceptional adaptation. It's not quite as accurate as Catching Fire (which was SCARILY similar to the book) but it is more accurate than most book-to-movie adaptations.

In this episode of this blog series, I'll be outlining the several reasons why I believe that Mockingjay Part 1 was pretty epic. And, as always, I'll use a LIST!

1. Accurate, Accurate, Accurate!

There were several differences between the book and movie, but it was, overall, very accurate. For example:

-The destruction of District 12 and Katniss's two visits to it

-The strictness of District 13, including the uniforms and rigid schedules

-The making of the propos, from the existence of Cressida and the insects as well as the switch from filmed propos to in-the-field improv

-The jealousy of Gale (even though it annoyed the crap outta me)

-The hijacking of Peeta and the return of Johanna

...and more!

2. Good Movie Changes

The filmmakers made great decisions when changing certain parts of the book to suit an on-screen adaptation. Here are just a few:

-Keeping Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks) in Mockingjay Part 1, when in the book she only existed in the last portion of the book. She added a sort of liveliness to an otherwise depressing storyline. Plus, Elizabeth Banks is awesome!

-Having Katniss speak with President Snow. That scene was suspenseful, and strengthened Snow's character with the knowledge that he was constantly watching Katniss and somewhat obsessed with ruthlessly destroying her. The scene also nd added the idea that he was omniscient, in a way.

..etc, etc.

Those are the two main reasons why I believe Mockingjay Part 1 was a fantastic book-to-movie adaptation. The movie has been released on DVD, so go watch it and decide for yourself!

Rating: 4 stars

#mockingjaypart1 #booktomovie