Reviewing Movies

First off I would add my voice to those who decry the current trend for movie studios to capitalize on a series' popularity by splitting episodes in half as was this one. That said, I can't imagine this movie being cut in half to make a single show 2 hours long. Secondly I would thumb my nose at those who carp about spoilers. Having read the book and knowing the plot lines in no sense takes away from one's enjoyment of this movie else no one would ever bother to go see a live performance of Shakespeare. The show's the thing and seeing how the actors handle themselves is what it's all about. Thirdly I would re-enter the Gale vs Petah debate on the side of Gale. To me Gale is her true soulmate loving Katniss so deeply he is willing to risk his life rescuing his rival to make her happy.

I liked this movie even though nothing much actually happens. I would argue that having read the book is essential to the enjoyment of the show as so much back-story is left out to save time. In the end this movie sets the stage for the battle royal we know is to come in Part 2. Books and movies are two entirely different genres and while books tell, movies show, narration being a stop gap when nothing else will serve. Actors speaking directly to an audience is normally reserved for live theatre. Hence we are shown details only hinted at in the book where the nature of President Snow's psychological warfare is described.