If you didn’t sit in a packed movie theater to see The Hunger Games this past weekend, you missed out. The movie, based on the trilogy by Suzanne Collins, attracted fans of all ages. As many readers of the first book are aware, a two hour and twenty minute long movie represented the book in the best way possible. The director did a great job of downplaying smaller aspects of the book while highlighting the larger events, as well as bringing the eclectic group of characters to life. However, you may read countless positive reviews about the movie all over the Internet. I am here for one particular reason: to rant.
I first heard about the series last year when I learned the first book had become a summer reading requirement for all the students in my high school. Since I was graduating, this didn’t mean much to me, knowing I didn’t have to read it. I assumed it had to be a decent book though, my AP Literature teacher raved about its contents. The plot didn’t interest me at first, as I don’t typically go for fantasy, futuristic novels. I was finally convinced to read it after countless friends basically begged me to, promising the trilogy would be a quick read.
I decided to read the books over winter break, knowing I’d have lots of free time. I ended up reading the entire trilogy in a span of three days, finding it difficult to put each book down. The books are gripping with a unique storyline and interesting characters to boot. At the end of break, I was pleased I read the books. Not only were the books the only constant topic in almost every conversation I had, but I learned there would be a movie coming out. I’m not typically a crazed fan of books turned movies, but I couldn’t have been more excited to see the premiere.
As it turns out, I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t wait for the movie. It became a trending topic on Twitter, it took over Facebook, and followers re-pinned photos of nails painted in honor of District 12, “The Girl on Fire,” and the symbol of the games themselves. This would be no ordinary premiere. My naïve self assumed that all this talk of the movie via social networks was a correspondence between those who actually read the trilogy. Was I wrong, or what?
Don’t get me wrong; I’m all for people who want to promote movies they’re excited for. But a movie based on a book you haven’t even read? Call me old-fashioned, but how can you begin to understand the hype for the movie when you barely know anything about the plot (except for what you’ve seen in the previews)? I take great offense at the fact that we don’t respect books and literature this day in age. Technology has even made it easier for us; buy a Kindle, and you never have to carry around a paperback or hardcover copy of a book again. Yet still, we have those who refuse to read the books.
I know The Hunger Games isn’t the first book-turned-movie that has book readers upset with those who failed to do their homework before going to the movies. The sad thing about this situation is the fact the books are not incredibly long in length, at all. Although I consider myself a pretty fast reader, I’m sure almost anyone could finish the first book in a matter of days.
I’m already predicting that the second book in the series, Catching Fire, will be released in theaters. So now, I’m asking those of you who haven’t yet read the series, do it some justice and read before heading into the theater next time (you’ll be glad you did).