Filed under: Lists, Movies | Tags: action, back to the future, explosions, Fight Club, Ghostbusters, Independence Day, Inglorious Basterds, Jaws, Month Python, Scanners, Spaceballs, The Dark Knight
Since I haven’t posted in about a year, I figured I should come back with a bang… literally.
10. Spaceballs
…Mostly because if you can include Spaceballs on a list, you should.
9. Back the the Future III
No train, regardless of what chemicals they used, would ever explode like that… but it was fun to watch.
8. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
“That rabbit’s dynamite!”
7. Jaws
They blew up a fish. If you know me, you know I have to applaud this.
6. Fight Club
The glass shattering was a nice effect. Plus, one of the buildings they blew up was a credit card company. I get that.
5. Inglorious Basterds
It wasn’t just a regular explosion, it was a Tarantino explosion!
4. The Dark Knight
Anything that involved the Joker was worth watching. The rest… meh. However, the hospital scene was especially memorable.
3. Ghostbusters
They blew up a marshmallow man… A MARSHMALLOW MAN! Classic.
2. Independence Day
This was the first scene to came to mind and it made every list I looked up as a reference. Wonderful, impressive series of explosions.
1. Scanners
Nothing, not even exploding the White House, a fish, a killer bunny or a marshmallow, will beat exploding a human head.
Filed under: In memoriam | Tags: 91 Online, 91FM, Basement Radio, Caleb Braudrick, Fat Caleb, funeral, memorial service, Nitetime 91, obituary
I miss you. I really thought we would have more time to talk, but I understand that you had to go… although I don’t think I fully comprehend that you’ve left yet. I want to cherish these few moments before reality sets in, because once it makes sense, it will be truth. Until then, I’ll be on the lookout for a random “I love you, Jams” text or a status update about Kevin Smith re-tweeting you.
I’m writing because I’ve wanted to tell you a few things – some you know, some I don’t think you realize.
First of all, I’m very proud of you. I’ve been meaning to tell you that for weeks. I know we haven’t chatted much recently, but the fact that we hadn’t, coupled with the entire change of tone in all of your status updates was a pretty clear sign to me that this was it – everything you’ve worked toward finally paying off.
I shared in your excitement about your move to New York, even though I didn’t get the chance to say it. And honestly, I was dreading saying goodbye to you, so I procrastinated in doing it. It seemed like a good theory at the time. Turns out I was incorrect. Nonetheless, in spirit, I was so immensely happy that you had found peace in your life. From completing school, to embracing fatherhood (something that had terrified you for the first several months of Zeke’s life), to falling more in love daily with Amber, to actually being able to sleep at night for the first time since I have known you – things were just… good. I don’t know if people understand everything you wrestled with to get to “good,” but I saw it. Good doesn’t seem to come as easy to you and I as it does some others, but that’s why we always found each other in the rockiest moments of life.
Secondly, you’re one of the cool kids. I know that means very little to you, but that’s part of the reason you earned the title. You’re smart, funny, compassionate and most of all, genuine. I always admired the fact that, unlike so many Christians, you never put up a facade. You never claimed to know everything or to be perfect – you were far from it – but it was that visible struggle that made you so relatable to everyone. Your struggle was your ministry. Because you were honest with yourself and with others, we knew that you would understand. You would never judge. You would always respond in love.
The staff of 91 along with Kyle, Greg and Steve got together last night to pray for Amber and the kids and talk about you. As you know, that group is more like family than former co-workers. Still I was pretty amazed as everyone shared specific moments in their lives that you were a part of that they said made a major impact on where they are now. I don’t think the same would be said of me in my absence. You should know that, whether you ever realized it or not, you changed all of us. Brandon, Brent and Stan all commented to me that they feel like you and they were a lot a like. I’m fascinated that three of the most opposite people I know could relate to you so closely. That’s a gift that I don’t know that you saw in yourself.
Thirdly, I love you. There is no doubt in my mind that this is something you left us knowing. It’s how pretty much every conversation with us began and ended. You never once spoke with me without telling me how beautiful and valuable I was. You and I grew together through our struggles and pain. In each other we found support and comfort. I knew that no matter the situation, you would always be honest and compassionate. I did nothing to deserve that from you, you just gave it freely. I will never forget how you were so adamant in letting me know that because I saw you at your worst and loved you through it, that I will always have a special, irreplaceable spot in your heart. I hope you know that you share a place in mine as well and you always will.
I wish you could’ve seen how loved you were. I wish you could see all the people you inspired. I wish you didn’t leave us so soon. I don’t claim to have the answers as to why this happened. A man with everything on the upswing, a child on the way with the job he worked so hard for just weeks away – I can’t give you a satisfactory reason for that to be taken away. I can see good things that your death has put in motion, but they are all of little consolation at the moment. You spoke a lot about faith and trust in God. I’m choosing to believe that there’s a bigger plan ahead and that your family will be abundantly blessed for the hardship they will face without you. I take consolation in the fact that you went home at a time in your life that you were the happiest the closest to God I’d ever seen you.
My promise to you, my dear, is that I will try to carry on at least part of the legacy you began. There’s no way I could carry the load that you did, but the thing that always struck me most about you was your ability to love the people that the world rejected. You have my promise that I will try my best to do the same – to show the love of Christ through being an honest, flawed human being to the people who need love the most.
I also promise to care for your family. Your sweet Amber, son Zeke and your daughter who will know her daddy was a great man through the memories of those who loved him. I will pray for them and do what I can to make sure they know that they are always loved, just as you are.
Thank you, Caleb. Thank you for being you.
With all the love in my heart,
Jams
The last time I sang in public was at an 80s show several years ago. Somehow Caleb had convinced me to put my fear aside and do a duet with him of this song. Since that day, I’ve always smiled when I hear it.
Caleb’s memorial service will be held on Monday, August 6th at 1 pm, located at Life Church South (7800 S. Walker) in Oklahoma City.
For those of you looking for information on how you can help Caleb’s family, please check out the Our Friend Caleb Facebook page. All updates are being posted by the family there and it’s a great place to share your memories.
Filed under: Breaking Bad, Emmys, Golden Globes, Reviews, Television | Tags: Aaron Paul, AMC, Bryan Cranston, drama, drugs, entertainment, final season, finale, Jesse Pinkman, kingpin, meth, TV show, Vince Gilligan, Walter White
With The Sopranos off the air and Dexter clearly unable to deliver after season four, Breaking Bad has cornered the market on morally ambiguous television characters.
By definition that means everything is subjective to the viewer’s perception and moral compass. Understandably, some people are unable to move past the widely-accepted commandment of “thou shalt not kill” and are therefore unable to get behind the serial killer killing serial killer, Dexter Morgan. By the same token, some viewers side with Mr. Garrison that, “Drugs are bad, mkay?” and therefore are unable to comprehend Walter White’s “steal a loaf of bread to feed his family”-esque dilemma.
I, on the other hand, find morally ambiguous characters to be the most intricate and fascinating. To that end, Breaking Bad offers me something that no other show has – the ability to see how a good guy turns into a bad guy. In this case, the journey of a mild-mannered teacher becoming a brutal drug lord. It’s that evolution that has me enamored with the tale of Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul).
In the weeks leading up to the season 5 premiere (which will be the final season, sort of. It’ll be split into two eight episode arcs under a season 5 umbrella – you know, so AMC can ride the wave as long as possible, plus boost DVD sales), a few friends have finally taken the time to catch up on what I consider the best show on TV. In talking to them, I’ve found that we have very differing opinions on the meth-making duo.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
The story opens with Walter White as a kind, unassuming chemistry teacher who contracts lung cancer and decides to use his considerable chemical knowledge to manufacture meth in order to provide enough money for his family after his untimely demise. In the process, Walter involves former student, Jesse Pinkman – a small time ice dealer/manufacturer – to help him distribute his unparalleled crank.
As expected, the transition into his new role is not an easy one for Walt as he is quickly faced with killing in order to protect himself and his secret. After successfully dodging any consequence for the kill (or the drugs), we see Walt start down a slippery slope of ego, power and greed. In the final episode of season 4 (“Face Off”), it’s revealed to us that he has crossed a line into darkness for which there is no turning back. Docile Walter White no longer exists; only a cold, savage kingpin remains.
The yin to Walter’s yang is his partner, Jesse Pinkman – an underachieving drug addict known for his comedic use of the words “yo” and “bitch.” For all intents and purposes, Jesse is a burnout who, if not approached by Mr. White, would most likely have lived his life as an addict and small time dealer, maybe doing a little jail time, possibly cleaning up to have a quaint life with a wife and a couple kids… who knows. Jesse is full of potential, but it’s taken four seasons of killings, beatings, addiction and death to finally see it flourish.
Although they share the same occupation, Jesse’s narrative is one of self discovery. As Walt degenerates, Jesse “improves.” (I only include the quotes because, after all, he is still making and selling meth.) Once you get past the initial impression that Jesse is a useless idiot, you find that he’s actually a sweet kid that has made some bad decisions, likely driven by his desire for love and acceptance. Under the mentorship of Gus and Mike, Jesse is now clean and has the confidence, intelligence and drive to take charge of his life.
That is where the debate comes in.
It’s said that adversity reveals character. If this is true, then it seems to me that Jesse has been our protagonist all along. My friends don’t necessarily agree with that perspective. They’re of the opinion that Jesse only serves as an obstacle to Walter’s otherwise flawless master plan to become the overlord of New Mexico and beyond. What they fail to realize is that without Jesse, Walt’s scheme is impossible. At this point, Jesse is more valuable to Walt than Walt is to Jesse.
Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I’ve watched this story unfold over a matter of four years; it’s been spelled out for them in the matter of four weeks. Without the gift of that time to ruminate about the characters, their situations, decisions and actions, perhaps Walt’s decline and Jesse’s ascent seem less drastic.
Maybe some viewers relate more to Walt’s initial motivations and are therefore more understanding and forgiving of him than they are of Jesse.
Maybe Jesse just rubs some people the wrong way, bitch.
Whatever the case may be, the discussion leads me to this: if the final season comes down to a showdown of Walt vs. Jesse (and I have no idea how it wouldn’t), who do you want to win?
Filed under: Jeff Green, Kevin Durant, Lists, NBA, OKC Thunder, Oklahoma City, Playoffs, Russell Westbrook, Sports | Tags: basketball, Kendrick Perkins, nba, Nick Colison, Perk, sports, WCF
(I swear once the playoffs are over I’ll post about something non-Thunder related.)
When someone says they’re making a top 5 athletes, actors or musicians list, you just assume that the ranking will be based primarily on skill. However, when you feel you start to know they people you’re ranking, it becomes harder to not take your personal feelings into account. So what about the flip side? Last week, just for the fun of it, I sat down and ranked each Thunder player based on what I know of who they are as people. Talent and accolades get you nowhere on this list; character and personality are tops.
5. James Harden
The man. The myth. The beard.
For all the fuss surrounding James and his breakout performance to a national audience in this years post season (credited largely to the magical power his beard holds), fans haven’t really had the chance to get to know 2012′s Sixth Man. Grantland posted an article recently talking about how James is sort of an enigma. Quiet, selfless, goofy and yet at any moment can explode and prove to you he’s not one to back down from anything. Then he’ll walk out of the arena in a bowtie and studded Louboutins and make videos with Kevin Durant and Jeff Green of the trio lip syncing various songs in their hotel rooms under the title of “The Broingtons“.
Through season ticket holder events and always watching/listening to any Thunder interviews available, I’ve found that James is quite well-spoken and confident while still seeming slightly insecure about being in the spotlight… and that’s the thing that endears me most to him. Humility. Because of the added exposure to the Thunder this season, the world is coming to see what we in Oklahoma City have known all along – James Harden is the real deal. With the spotlight pointed our direction comes controversy. Murmurs of discontent in a bench role fill the lips of fire-starting reporters. What they fail to mention is that James chose his place. There has been no doubt since the Jeff Green trade that Harden has been our third best player and deserves a starting position – it was offered to him during the off season. James responded that he thought the team is better with him coming off the bench and that is his main concern – the team. Someone as talented as he is being willing to play a supporting role without one single complaint is one in a million… maybe more.
As his accolades continue to grow, I look forward to learning more about the man behind that spectacular facial hair.
4. Russell Westbrook
Quickly becoming one of the most hated players in the NBA today, Russell Wesbrook beat out 12 other remarkable men on the Thunder roster to claim my #4 spot.
Go with me here… I understand why people hate Russ. Heck, for a while he’s wasn’t exactly my favorite either. Known for throwing fits, getting techs and accused of being a ball hog who despises sharing the spotlight with superstar, Kevin Durant, if you’re not a Thunder fan, what is there to like about him? As it turns out, a lot.
The kid we drafted in 2008 is not the man with number zero on his chest today. Russell Westbrook has become an adult before our eyes – and what an outstanding man he is! Gone are the days of Russell flying off the handle, now he’s one of the most composed players on the floor in any given situation. Like a superhero who must learn how to harness their super powers, he now uses the blatant chip on his shoulder to win basketball games. But what brought about this change?
I guess you could say Russ is one of those guys who was tested by fire. After a preposterously overblown “argument” between he and KD and a string of disappointing performances, Russ was getting blasted from every angle. That’s when hometown fans let him know what they really thought of him, chanting his name in support during free throw attempts in a game against Dallas. It may just be my perception, but Russ has never been the same since that moment. Knowing that his family, his team and his town are behind him no matter what, he has become invincible. That’s where the fun has come in. Instead of press commenting about how he’s a loose cannon, most conversations center around how vital he is to the success of the Thunder or his interesting wardrobe choices in post game conferences.
If you take a minute to get to know Russell, you’ll see that he’s a nice, funny guy with a chip on his shoulder. But really, what’s wrong with that? Interviews like the one he did with the TNT crew after closing out the series with the Lakers where he joked with Chuck about OKC claiming Mickey Mantle (“We gotta claim somethin’!”) and a piece from ESPN telling the story of how a friend changed Russ’ life show that he’s more than he appears to be. Once you get to know Russell Westbrook, it’s impossible not to like him… we’ll unless he’s just absolutely slaughtering your team. That’d do it.
3. Kendrick Perkins
Yep. The other guy you probably hate. That’s cool. Let me tell you a few things about Kendrick Perkins:
1. He sets his fair share of illegal screens.
2. He talks some major trash.
3. He is just what the Thunder needed when we picked him up midway through last season.
4. He’s strengthened us and given us toughness to compete.
5. He is flipping hilarious.
Say what you want about what Perk does on the court. I think everyone is well aware of the benefit of having him in a Thunder jersey. What you may not know much about is Perk off the court.
If you missed his short stint on Twitter, you missed out on some of the best tweets ever. Before speaking his mind about Chris Webber’s comments, Perk’s feed was mostly filled with cheesy jokes and random thoughts. I wish I could find a record of them somewhere. There is one that will forever be ingrained in my mind when Perk asked who was hotter – him or Forest Whitaker. I laughed for a good 5 minutes at that.
Kendrick’s experience in the tweetverse is what first drew me to him, but after learning more about him over time, I’ve only grown to love him more. I remember when we picked him up – with his reputation, the organization was quick to inform people that while he’s a grizzly on the court, he’s a big teddy bear off of it. That has proven to be true. Married to his high school sweetheart, loving father and loyal to his fans, Perk is an all around good dude. Not to mention that even with a championship ring to his credit, he recognizes that he can learn from the players around him.
They say you can’t judge a book by it’s cover… you also can’t judge a man by his bad ass scowl.
2. Nick Collison
Nick Collison has been a working man’s hero from the moment we acquired the Thunder in 2008. Everywhere you go around OKC, you’ll find fans in Collison jerseys. I’ll be honest with you – I didn’t get it. Matter of fact, I was well known for complaining that Nick didn’t do anything; mocking his guaranteed 4 points and 1 – 2 charges per game. What I failed to understand with my tiny, uneducated basketball brain is that, even though it doesn’t show up on a stat sheet, he’s so much more than that. I also didn’t understand how vital those points and, more importantly, charges are to the team’s success.
My apologies, Mr. Collison. I was wrong about you. I’d be crushed if, for some reason, you were no longer on our roster. I now wear this shirt as my recompense.
But this list isn’t about skill, it’s about… everything else. Once I realized the err of my ways, I wandered over to Nick’s twitter account and found out the dude is smart, funny and has great taste in TV shows. I also noticed he has the cutest little girl in the whole world. (A man who has a cute kid that he adores will melt almost any girl’s heart.)
This year at the season ticket holder event, a fan asked Russell and Nick how far away they had fans. Russ’ response was that he had heard from people overseas and all over the globe who had become Westbrook fans. Nick’s response, “I think I got a letter from a guy in Chicago once.” Instantly smitten.
When I thought my affection for Nick could grow no deeper, he began writing a guest blog for GQ filled with a glimpse of what it’s like to be a player in the NBA, all written with the whit and charm that Nick holds. With each article I become more and more impressed with him – his intelligence, kindness, humility and work ethic.
If I were to marry a Thunder player (which, sadly, is a conversation I’ve had on more than one occasion), I’d pick Nick.
1. Kevin Durant
I’d like to be less predictable, but come on. When you’ve got a guy like Kevin Durant on your team, if you say anyone else is your favorite, you’re lying to try to sound cool.
Let’s face it, Kevin Durant is a freak. He’s 23 and has already claimed his spot as one of the NBA’s elite players. And while that may be what draws people to KD, it’s not the most impressive thing about him. Humble, hard-working, generous, confident, positive, loyal, kind… that’s just the beginning.
The first time I met Kevin was at an event called “KD’s Giving Tree”. For a few hours you could come up to Penn Square Mall, pick a child’s name from the Christmas tree and buy them a gift. In exchange, you got to meet KD. You probably don’t remember that event happening, but it was one of his more public charitable events. Since then he has been helping people all over the city and across the world, whether it’s through the Thunder organization or on his own time. Not long ago he made random stops around the OKC and tweeted his location. If you could catch him, he’d give you a pair of his signature line shoes. Along with his mom (Wanda) and brother (Tony), he gave out money to single mothers this last Christmas so they could make it a special one for their children. That’s just the kind of guy he is. His generosity goes mostly under the radar and that exactly how he wants it.
He’s also the guy that got bored one night during the lockout and decided to meet up with some college kids at OSU and play a game of flag football. That sounds cool, and it is, but it’s cooler when you know that Stillwater, the home of OSU, is about an hour and a half away from Kevin’s house. And, not only did KD meet the kids that invited him to play, he also picked them up in his pimped out van. (Oh yeah, KD drives a van. Thumbs up!)
And let’s not forget about his work ethic. Superstars in the NBA feel entitled to certain things – not so with Kevin. His ongoing mantra has been, “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.” He is living proof of that. After winning game 5 in the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, Thunder coach Scott Brooks said of KD, “He works like he has no talent.” Think about that for a minute. Nothing will be awarded to Kevin that he didn’t earn through hard work and sacrifice.
A few other things to consider:
He embraces his role as a leader and has expressed that leading his team is his #1 priority.
In a league with so many players willing to throw their teammates under the bus or abandon a city in hope of winning a ring, Kevin has been very public about the fact that he’ll stay in Oklahoma City as long as he’s wanted. That’s kind of unheard of.
He’s becoming a pretty decent actor and really, not a bad rapper either.
Lastly, Kevin loves his family. You can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat their mom, and Ms. Wanda is treated like a queen. (Rightfully so.) KD credits his mom for his success and makes it known how much he loves, appreciates and respects her. Pay attention at any given game and you’ll see Kevin hug his family (usually mom, grandma and brother) before and after every game. Win or lose.
All that said, I feel as though I’ve only scratched the surface of who Kevin really is, much like he’s just scratching the surface of what he can really do on the court.
On behalf of Thunder fans, future moms and society as a whole, thank you for raising such a remarkable young man, on and off the court, Ms. Wanda.
Filed under: James Harden, Kevin Durant, Lists, NBA, OKC Thunder, Oklahoma City, Playoffs, Pop culture, Russell Westbrook, Sports, Video | Tags: nba, russell westbrook, sports
With the game 1 of the playoffs just a few hours away, I thought I’d share my top 5 things that make the love affair of Oklahoma City and their Thunder something truly unique.
5. Airport Greets
OKC fans received national media coverage after the unprompted decision to greet the Thunder at the airport after clinching their first playoff berth during the 2009–2010 season. There have been several airport greets since this one, each one more extravagant than the last, but nothing will ever be as special as the first one.
4. Rise Together
ESPN aired an amazing report on what the Thunder means to Oklahoma City. The impact they’ve had on the community is immeasurable.
3. Kevin Durant
There has never been a superstar like KD and I’d put money on the fact that there won’t be another like him again. He’s certainly on the road to being one of the best players not only of my generation, but of all time, but that’s not what makes Kevin so unique. It’s Kevin Durant as a man that makes him so special. Hard working, well spoken, positive, generous, kind and humble – I’ve never seen anyone with that much talent and money who lacked all sense of entitlement. He sets his own goals and his satisfaction isn’t based on awards. No man will stop him in what he has determined to do and be. I cannot imagine a better role model and we are so very blessed to have him here in OKC.
2. Don’t Mess With Russell
After having a series of off games and becoming public enemy #1 in press coverage for a perceived beef with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook stepped up to the free throw line. At that moment, all 18,302 fans in the arena could feel the weight of the world on our young star’s shoulders. Out of nowhere, the crowd rallied behind the man we have grown to love and chanted “RUSSELL!” I had chills. It was the equivalent of an 18,000 person hug. It won’t be the last undeserved criticism he’ll get, but at least now he knows that the media doesn’t speak for us. He’s ours and we’ve got his back.
1. Pride
A last second shot and that was it. The Lakers ended our first playoff series after six games.
These kids played their hearts out. After a botched non-call that cost the Thunder seeding, meaning they got to take on the #1 Lakers, the Thunder weren’t expected to win. Heck, we weren’t even supposed to make the playoffs for another couple years. Yet, there we were, making the Lakers work. That was incredible. After the buzzer, fans stood and cheered for five straight minutes. It never felt like a defeat. My eyes welled with tears with the pride I had for these men who had become what felt like family to me. They had taken the Lakers to six games – the best anyone would do against them in the entire series. It was a memory that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Filed under: Art, Michael Jackson, Movies, Music, Reviews, Television | Tags: arts, Big, Drive, entertainment, film, Full House, Godzilla, illustration, pop art, posters, Psycho, spider-man, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, There Will Be Blood, Wayne's World
I’m always on the look out for movie poster re-imaginings (or at least that’s what I call them)… they make me wish I was even somewhat artistic and more creative. My taste clearly steers mostly to minimalist or sometimes retro.
Here are a few of my favorites:
A creative take on one of cinema’s most iconic scenes.
Of all the posters I’ve seen, this is one of the most creative.
I always get weird looks when I use this line. I’m glad someone else finds it as memorable as I do.
This is just clever. I probably never would’ve thought of it.
This poster is better than the ’98 movie.
If I were making a Big poster, it would look nothing like this. I probably would’ve used clean lines and vibrant colors. That’s why I don’t make these. This is perfect.
This should’ve been the movie poster. It’s a seamless mash-up of the DDL poster and the plot…. sans milkshake.
It’s got all the things I love: a comic book/vintage/pop art feel… and Spiderman.
For more posters, check out the Minimal Movie Posters tumblr.
BONUS ART!
I simultaneously LOLed and thought, “That is really awesome!” after finding this. Enjoy, 90s kids!
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. I want this framed in my house.
Filed under: Movies, Pop culture, Reviews | Tags: blockbuster, Jennifer Lawrence, Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games
Trailer: Theatrical
Directed by: Gary Ross
Release year: 2012
Rating: PG-13
Lead actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson
Summary: In some sort of alternate reality, there is a yearly tournament in which all districts must submit two contestants for a competition called The Hunger Games – a last-man-standing wins fight to the death. After her little sister’s name is randomly drawn to participate, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers to be her proxy.
The Good: For a blockbuster, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it was put together from a technical aspect. Not that studios spare any expense when it comes to their cash cows, but it’s not always done correctly in my mind. The visuals worked in creating this world and keeping the mood of the entire film while costume design was spot on from peasants to the most affluent spectator.
With up-and-coming Jennifer Lawrence and respected Stanley Tucci along a cast with promising newcomers, the acting was superior to what I’ve come to expect from book adaptation, big budget flicks.
It’s entertaining. Plain and simple. I have not read the books, nor do I plan to and while flawed, this adaptation managed to keep me entertained for the full 2 hour 22 minute run time.
The Bad: This is yet another case of filmmakers getting lazy and making a movie for people who have read the book.
The film opens with text explaining what The Hunger Games are. Even after reading it, I couldn’t help but think that with three paragraphs we had skipped to at least chapter five in the book. And although I understood the competition itself, I had no idea what world this reality is set in, nor a clear grasp of what why the games were necessary.
I also found it hard to become attached to the characters. In my mind, I’m watching a movie about a tournament where the goal is annihilation – I don’t expect these kids to live. Clearly this was developed better in the books as I could almost feel my neck getting moist from the sobs of the girls in the row behind me as they watched the red shirts fall. I actually found myself chuckling from the absurdity of their emotions. I’m a jerk.
One last thing, I was highly disappointed in the lack of gore. I guess that makes it appealing to a wider audience, but it was a major let down for me. I wondered if they’d have the balls to go for it… they didn’t.
I could sit here and nitpick this movie to death, but I don’t want to do that. It’s decent. My main problem with it, as it is with most book adaptations, the filmmakers left out vital details to help those of us who haven’t read the books with gaping plot holes.
What baffles me is why this series has become so popular among soccer moms and teenagers. I simply don’t get the hype.
The theater I went to (which is the same theater I chose for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 because I knew I could show up 10 minutes early and not have to wait in line for a good seat) was the busiest I’ve ever seen it. The premise is about kids killing each other in a tournament! To me (a girl who loves brutal movies) that sounds awesome, but somehow soccer moms who would be appalled by films like I Saw the Devil, find these books completely acceptable. What the what?
I digress. While some aspects of it shined, this is a pretty average blockbuster – entertaining, but not much depth.
The rating: 7/10
