movie night: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games.  Sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in her younger sister's place to enter the games, and is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy when she's pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives. If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

 saw the highly-hyped Hunger Games today after lunch for irene's birthday.  i've read the plot synopsis which sounds like a toned-down version of the Japanese Battle Royale, which is one of my favorite movies.  

this movie was filmed here in North Carolina and a lot of it was filmed in Charlotte!  which is why there have been so many Woody Harrelson sightings around these parts.  he is even chowing down on Luna's vegan veggie burgers in two scenes!  *shout out*  he plays a previous winner and "mentors" this years tributes.  he is always sooo good in his roles.  

the fashion was highly-hyped too.  it did feel a little cheap and overly contrived/ costume-y for my tastes, but i still enjoyed it for the theatrics.  i always enjoy movies that take you into another place or era and costuming has a lot to do with it.  seemed like Lady Gaga's heaven *lol*

lots of bright colors, color-blocking, headpieces, extravagant jewelry.

we saw lots of peplums, asian-inspired silks and sateens, floral-y feminine silhouettes.  

overall, the movie was good and entertaining.  i still prefer the gore in Battle Royale over the softened version that focuses more on a love story and triumph... the usual go-to's in American dramas.