Supermom's Night Out: Hunger Games Edition

I did it. I braved a theater full of 13 year old girls and douchey teen boys to see "The Hunger Games". (I won't talk about the older women rocking the "team Peeta" tees, because honestly, if I had that shirt, I'd be rocking it, too).

Let's back up a bit. Grandpa came to watch the kid, and husband and I enjoyed a nice, adults only evening. We ate, laughed and talked for an hour. Usually, we are so busy keeping kid happy and quiet, we don't have much time to acknowledge one another. My biggest dinner accomplishment? I took my time to eat! I savored each bite; No to go box tonight, honey!

The movie showing was at 7, so by 6:15, my anxiety kicked in. As much as I try, I can't control my overwhelming--is fear the right word?--of being late. In this case, I was worried that we wouldn't get seats, despite me pre-ordering the tickets last week. I KNEW the little fangirls and fanboys would be out. I knew fellow mommy fans would crowd in on their night out with the girls... It's the biggest movie opening so far this year, and all of that was lost on husband. Instead, he had us walk around the outside square until 6:30.

I was getting antsy, watching other people cross the street and rush to the theater. You know they weren't hurrying for "John Carter", LOL. He finally caved, and we went in. He was pretty pleased with himself, seeing patches of open chairs. Each time we approached, it was like the bus scene in Forest Gump, with a lot more "umms" and "likes". "Like, this seat's taken. That one too." "those napkins in those chairs belong to Sage, Claire and Candy. Ummm, like, sorry." And just as I expected, there were no decent seats to be had.

What? Wife was right? YESSSSSS.....

We finally found two chairs waaaay down in front and settled in. Now's when this shizz becomes real.

NOTE: if you have not seen the movie, please stop reading. SPOILERS AHEAD

Let it be known that I am a HUGE fan of the entire trilogy. I had super high hopes for this film, and overall, it didn't disappoint. Katniss is amazing, though she could have been even more fleshed out.

Cinna, Haymitch, Effie... They were exactly what we thought they'd be. I wanted a bit more with Peeta--he felt rushed in spots, too. And maybe more with his prep team, too.

I know it's a hard job taking a beloved book and translating it to screen. We have to be okay with the adjustments Suzanne Collins herself had approved. Sure, there were a few bits that I worry will affect the integrity of the other stories--COUGH COUGH Mockingjay pin COUGH--but we will have to see how that plays out.

The scenes with Rue were fantastic. Katniss cemented herself as martyr/hero when Rue died. Touching and heartbreaking.

I can get over not featuring Madge and the Mayor's family. Is it a huge thing that their "feast" objects don't match the description in the book. NO, PROBABLY NOT. But in the book, Katniss SUFFERS through her time in the games, mainly from dehydration and at times, hunger. In the movie, she was practically perfect. The idea that they were in the arena for a handful of days (movie) versus the weeks we read about made it seem an easier feat than it was. And why did Cato realize he was a pawn at the end? He was one that was all death, all the time, even up to his end. That cheapened his character some for me.

I also missed Katniss' internal dialogue. The book's first-person narrative provided key insight to her motivation and true thoughts on everything.

So you'd think I am on the negative side of the fence, right? One of the things I LOVED about the books is it's fast pacing. The movie kept with that, giving us flavors of stories, locations and more. I care about these people; a love affair that started in the pages of the book. I cheered for Katniss, wanting, waiting for her to win. It was a thinking man's story, dressed up to appeal to the "like...umm" set, too. I give this a solid A-.

Now, I'm back in my mommy garb, waiting for sleep to come. For now, I'll think back on the amazing movie, and count down until I can see it again.

--Supermom OUT