Mockingjay Book and Movie Review

Status: read all the books and seen all the movies. 
Rating: 7/5 stars

*** Warning contains movie AND book spoilers. Do not be spoiled ***

After seeing the movie, I decided it was time for a reread of one of my favourite trilogy's conclusion. Collins' words are harsh and bleak. They speak of the pain and greed which scars the victors of the Hunger Games.

The story unfolds in the depths of District 13's underground bunkers which are about as cheerful as they sound. Although I was slightly unimpressed by the lack of imagery of 13 when compared to the lavish descriptions of the Capitol and District 12, the setting reflects Katniss's caged feeling as she refuses the role of rebel symbol.

I loved the role of minor characters such as Hatymitch and Finnick in the novel. This was something the movie definitely lacked. It was in these intimate interactions between the victors that readers truly appreciate the effects of the "circuses" of Panem have had on individuals. Finnick and Haymitch's stories add a depth to their characters which is downplayed in the movie. Particularly Finnick's story which is used as almost background noise to the real action is sorely missed by fans of his character. This downplaying of the victors' roles may decrease the emotional effect of some characters' deaths in part 2.

Katniss's sarcasm and bluntness shines when she grates against Plutach's optimism and enjoyment of the war. As a character, she has unprecedented complexities as a young female protagonist in youth fiction. Her assassination of the President shows balanced on the weight of a profound promise of honesty shows her rebellious nature and her struggle with accepting hard truths.

I loved this novel more this time around particularly after seeing the first half of the story played out on a cinema screen. I am very very very very excited for the last film.

Let me know what you thought about the movie adaptation. Ciao!

The Fault in Our Stars Movie Review

WE MADE IT!!!! THE FAULT IN OUR STARS IS HERE!
I went to a pre-screening yesterday with another big fan of the book and let me just tell you, you want to see this movie.

1. The acting was on point. Perfecto. Flawless. Ansel Elgort was Gus. Shailene Woodley was Hazel. Everyone was amazing. The relationships, the easy banter was all there.

2. It was so faithful to the book. You know how defensive I get when Hollywood wants to make my favourite books Hollywood. It was obviously John Green's Hazel walking and talking and yelling at her lungs off and saying "douchepants". It was obviously John Green's Gus limping and staring at Hazel and loving her.

3. The soundtrack. It was amazing. Hazel was crying and Birdy was singing her to sleep. At the end, Ed Sheeran sung us out of the cinema, weepy but still alive and ready to face the world again.

4. The impressively seemless book dialogue to character dialogue. The book is written in quite pompous prose at the start to reflect the tragic romantic genre. Actually hearing written words aloud though can sound clunky and strange. The balance between the prose's beauty and the way a real life Hazel would speak was really well done.

5. It was funny. They made a real effort to make the first have as enjoyable, ridiculous and cute as possible. We knew the lines, but the screenwriters mixed it up a bit so even fans were pleasantly surprised. For instance when Hazel's mum pulls up after support group and says "You ready for Top Model?" and Augustus raises his eyebrows, awkward.

6. It was sad. I cried 4 times, all at the same places that I cried in the book. Tfios makes you feel feelings. Hearing the sniffles and sobs around the cinema, I was reminded how one story can mean different things to different people. I was crying for the characters. I was crying for not appreciating every second I get in this world. I was crying for my friend's mum who suffered from breast cancer. I was crying for Esther Earl.

7. It was beautiful. It's crazy how something so broken and awful can be beautiful.

I came away from the movie feeling like I'd cried everything out of me.

I felt light.

Beyond words, reviewing The Book Thief movie

I am a strong advocate for great Australian authors and boy am I proud to claim Marcus Zusack and his brilliant imagination as ours. The Book Thief is one of my all time favourite books. I read it in two sittings –an accomplishment as the novel is a literary mountain. My eyes were hurting from lack of sleep and a constant stream of tears. Despite the sadness in the book, the unfairness of it all, I truly believe it to be a, “life affirming story,” as my little flyer said.

I’ve learnt over time to appreciate novels and movies as separate entities. With this in mind I had fun experiencing the story cinematically. There’s always an odd moment where you realise that what you are seeing is exactly what you thought you would see, a strange feeling of déjà vu overcame me as we entered Heaven Street and met Papa. Geoffrey Rush was incredible as was Emily Watson and our heroine, Sophie Nélisse.

There were so many beautiful cinematic moments such as the first look at the library. Liesel’s awe was a precious sight to behold. How the gold titles reflected in her eyes. Hans’ nickname for Liesel, “your Majesty,” melted my heart. The indoor snow fight complete with buckets for helmets and barracks was hilarious. Last but not least, our last look into the book thief’s life before the screen turns black *sigh* I knew the voice of Death, colours and faces would be forever burned into my memory.

My only critique was with the narration. Don’t get me wrong, I loved how direct narration was used sparingly –we all remember the Great Gatsby’s disaster narration, I felt like I waded through an entire book reading- but the voice of Death was not what I imagined, or liked. He was too polished, perfect. Not at all old, gravelly or sinister. It bothered me the whole time and I know I wasn’t the only one.

All in all, this was worth watching and I know it will grace my movie collection when released. Where were all the award nominations? But just a note, wear water-proof mascara and bring tissues. A whole box. To watch the trailer click here.

Let me know your thoughts. Was I too harsh on Death? Did you like the adaptation? Do you think it affirms life as such? I will definitely be responding to your comments J Ciao!