Fangirl | What Did I Just Watch?!-Catching Fire Film Review

Dear Blue,

....

....

Hear that, Blue? That's my awed silence in wake of Catching Fire! After so many horrible YA adaptations, I've learned not to have much of an expectation, but Lionsgate continues to show the whole of the film industry how these films should be made! They've managed to step up their game without over sensationalizing it because of a larger budget. Grab your mom, dad, your friends, siblings, coworkers and go see a spectacular two hours and some odd minutes of awesome! I left the theater in a haze of excitement that could only be remedied by second viewing yesterday! Both of the audiences I sat with irrupted in applause at least three times during the film...that says loads.

It goes without saying that Jennifer, Josh, and Liam did an absolutely fabulous job of capturing the maturation and, in Katniss and Peeta's case, the post traumatic stress of surviving The Hunger Games. Jennifer always thrills me with how true her emotions are during heartwrenching scenes. 

Much of my delight came from the new cast of characters we meet in Catching Fire. Jena Malone is Johanna Mason. She is one of the characters that my cousin, Ash, and I turned to each other raving about how spot on Lionsgate is when casting characters. Jena captures Johanna's fierce and rebellious spirit so so well (Edit: that Elevator scene. Classic)! Lynn Cohen as Mags...absolutely adorable! Of the new characters the one that most surprised me was Sam Claflin's portrayal of our seafaring warrior Finnick (Isn't it awesome that we may have varying opinions of Peeta and Gale, but everyone's on Finnick's team?!). Sam, quite frankly, blew my mind as Finnick. He brought that smooth confidence, sex appeal, and vulnerability that shows through the cracks in his armor. In Love. Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee, genius. It was during his discussions with President Snow that the hair all but raised on my arms. So chilling and deceptive.

Can I say that I would wear every single outfit that Katniss dons during the tour? (I feel a Sartorial Lit post coming on for this). The Wardrobe department blows minds and steals hearts with each scene. Johanna Mason's dresses are so beautiful, and Katniss' wedding dress...that's obvious! I loved Peeta's regal suits. I loved how they were slightly asymmetrical, and imaginative in the sights of the Capitol, and yet slightly downplayed, and debonair, reflective of Peeta's character.

Catching Fire sets were beyond gorgeous. The capitol seems more overwhelming than before, reflective of the higher stakes in this sequel. The arena is beyond what I could've imagined. It holds a startling beauty, that beguiles as much as it threatens. Loved it. And the film score....my gosh it's golden!

I wish that I could say more, but, I'd hate to throw spoilers your way. Oh the Everlark feels, Blue stocks and ties *cries*. Emotions run high in this film, every hurt so fresh and heartbreaking. 

Just, go see it. It's one of the best movies this year.

(Edit: My only problem with this movie: Gale kisses. Really Gale?)

I am, most respectfully, (hugs and points to everyone who can pinpoint where this comes from :-).

Sartorial Lit: Lessons from The Women of District 12

Sartorial Lit is a feature at Novel Days that combines fashion with fiction.

One of the most striking aspects of The Hunger Games film is it's attention to fashion. Most are in awe of the bizarre garments donned by the citizens of The Capitol, or custom costumes conceived by Cinna. But I was most drawn to the simplistic nature of those warn by the citizens of District 12. Even as District 12 is a stark portrayal of hardship, it carried for me a nostalgic beauty that shined through the bleakness. For this Sartorial Lit post, I've drawn inspiration from Katniss and Primrose Everdeen's reaping dresses, hand me downs inspired by styles from the Depression Era.

It would seem that a young woman of District 12 wouldn't have very many opportunities to dress up, but on a foreign occasion, hopefully happier than the Reaping, the fashion would be natural, classic, and nostalgic. Katniss's dress is a simple one that shows off her natural beauty. Primrose's outfit is similarly simple and clean, revealing an effortless modest beauty. Given the harsh circumstances that would have flooded the days of a young woman from District 12, there would be no room for excess. A woman from District 12 would do what she could with what she had, no more, no less. Clean, soft skin; tousled hair perhaps braided or in a messy bun; clothes often handed down from many woman in her family or sewn; heirloom jewelry of the simplest nature (e.g. pearls (wink wink), lockets, timepieces, etc). Her clothing would not only highlight her natural beauty, but also her strength in a rustic terrain.

The color scheme seemed to fit that of soft and faded shades: cremes, beiges, soft florals, deep blues or browns, etc.

Featured Designer/Shop:
Modcloth: Dresses  1 | 2 | 3 | 4 / Shoes: 1 | 2 | 3

1928 vintage looking jewelry, $32

J.Crew tahitian pearl stud earrings, $50

Butter London lacquer nail, $14

Butter London nail polish, £12

Butter London nail polish, $14

Butter London lacquer nail, $14

Butter London 3 Free lacquer Bumster, £12

newburycomics.com - The Hunger Games - Mockingjay Prop Replica Pin, $20

Of course, the fashions represented by the Capitol are nothing short of magnificent, but the natural, classic beauty of District 12 is also not to be missed. 

What did you think of the film's attention to fashion detail?

Oh, and before I go, There's still time to enter my 1st giveaway featuring Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris!

P.S.S: I leave you with the music video for Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift feat. The Civil Wars. Such a beautiful video, and Taylor's dress is simply gorgeous!



Source: 1-2

The Odds Were In Its Favor: Review of The Hunger Games Movie

This past weekend was a flurry of Hunger Games madness! Just think, the it's already broken box office records, and I believe its because this is the one series where fans across various fandoms finally agree on one thing: it's greatness.

Last Friday, I rocked my own tamed down version of Capitol inspired makeup inspired by the Mockingjay book cover, as well as my very own Mockingjay pin (Purchased at ToysRus for $11.99), met up with my family to check it out.

More after the jump, as to not spoil anyone...

Novel Days Celebrates: Banned Books Week

I'm happy to be able to take part in my first Banned Books Week!

Have you noticed that the most thought provoking and enlightening books are often banned by governments, schools, or parents? Just thinking about this kind of censorship irritates me, because it takes away our freedom to ponder, to agree or disagree, or to be introduced to something new. I can tell you that there are some books that I think should be more age appropriate regarding books marketed to younger readers, however, I would never go as far as seeking to ban them. As a Christian raised in a conservative household, I cannot thank my parents enough for allowing me to immerse myself in the written word. They never once shielded me from reading (and they're Pastors). Of course, there will always be topics, or stances that we disagree with, but power is not gained by censoring them. The reason I am able to believe and stand the way I do is because I was given the choice to stand of my own free will. Pick up a censored book this week and read it with glee!

Here are some of my favorite Banned Picks:

I consider The Diary of Anne Frank to be one of the most courageous autobiographies of all time. It was one of the first autobiographies I read when I was little, and I like to think it's what really drove my passion to journal, and my passion to write. God really used her, in that she still continued her positive outlook, even while being trapped in the space behind the bookcase. Although the ending seems bleak, her words and her spirit will always be a source of inspiration to readers all over the world.

I believe Ellen Hopkins is the most challenged author in the last few years, as her subject matter falls in 'taboo' category. Unfortunately, I've only read the first of the Crank series, but it was such an influential read. More people than ever have experienced the effects of Crystal Meth, and it's worth taking note of, and understand how it can ravage an individual as well as their families. Ellen Hopkins is also known for weaving a fully layered, awesome novel in verse.

Go Ask Alice is another novel with heavy focuses on drug use and depression. I'll admit that it is tough to take in, but it is no less profound because of it. I tried reading it through when I was little, but I feel I might glean more from it now that I understand the place that it's coming from. My mom gave me her weathered, dog-eared copy from the 70s, so when I was little I felt like I had a little piece of the time. What's most haunting about it is that no one knows whether it is autobiographical or fictional...this adds to its powerful effect on readers. Though it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it's worth reading even once, to understand the lives of what could be countless others who have sought to live up to perfection, and slipped in the process.

I'm sure you all saw this one coming. What's more awesome in the great YA Dystopia than The Hunger Games? I picked mine up last year during the release of Mockingjay. With multiple recommendations, I knew I had to give it a chance. I couldn't have been more please with this novel! I love that somehow, I can always use this novel as inspiration to stand up against whatever I'm facing. It's also profound how most dystopian novels can be connected to how the world actually is. Suzanne Collins is pretty much a genius for coming up with such an engrossing tale, and a heroine that drives you to continue the journey with her!

This week, I've been catching up on my reading of Delirium by Lauren Oliver. It's the perfect novel to read, as it's a dystopian piece full of awesome banned literature and music!

I had loads of trouble coming up with titles to showcase this week, there are simply too many awesome ones. What are your Banned Book Week picks?

"May The Odds be Ever In Your Favor."

(I'm sure I'm late with this one)

Wait a second for it to load up...and then watch on as each piece of the Mockingjay symbol burns through to the surface. I'll admit that I am almost never excited for film adaptations of series' that I love, but I saw this poster in the cinema for the first time this week and I just got really excited. Then I started seeing the film widgets complete with the crackling of fire in the background. I showed it to my Dad, and he said: "Wow, looks like all hell's going to break loose." I concur, Dad. I concur!

Now my mission for the year is to finish off this series before the trailer comes out, and most importantly before the films release. Nevertheless, I would like to purchase some Hunger Game-rabilia.  I will be searching Etsy.com and others to find loads of cool Hunger Games merch!

Seriously, this novel helped give me the courage to go back to Wales and finish up while being away from all of my loved ones. This series is slang worthy, simply gangster in so many ways!

Happy Reading!