Entertainment : In Depth: \'Hunger Games\' coming next to Vinton Palace

“The Hunger Games” are here! District 12 tributes, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) enter the arena on Friday, April 27 at 7 p.m. Palace patrons may catch the show every evening through Thursday, May 3, and Saturday, April 28 and Monday, April 30 at 2 p.m.

I must confess to seeing this movie on national opening night! Gerald and I caved to the pleading and gnashing of teeth when we realized we had never exposed Lily and Grace to the “thrills” of a megaplex. They had both read the futuristic series by Suzanne Collins and were DYING to see the movie. And all their friends were getting to go. But, of course, they’ll all watch it again at the Palace.

Seeing “The Hunger Games” in Waterloo was also Gracie’s first experience of “the book was better than the movie.” I enjoyed the film and Grace and Lily really loved it. Gerald, who had not read the book, thought it was great. But, I recommend both. Read the book and catch the movie at the Palace.

According to Collins, “The Hunger Games” was inspired by the Middle East conflict and reality TV shows like “Survivor.” I’m not a fan of science fiction, but this story is compelling! You know it could happen, or worse has happened on several levels and will continue to happen.

The film can’t tell you Katniss’ every thought, which is so much of the book. While it follows the book as much as any I’ve seen, I felt much of the social commentary that is intrinsic to the story was missing.

That said, the movie is highly entertaining and very well cast. Haymitch was my favorite character in the books, and I loved Woody Harrelson in that role. Lenny Kravitz and Elizabeth Banks as Cinna and Effie were inspired; also Stanley Tucci as the game show host.

One more thing – I’m a Gale fan. You young girls can have your Peeta, but Katniss belongs with Gale. And, Gale (Liam Hemsworth) did not get enough play in the movie.

“The Hunger Games” is long, well over two hours, and rated PG-13 for intense violence and disturbing images. This movie is not for young children. Gracie is eleven. I would not have taken her to this movie last year.

MAY

Our May schedule is finally here. Special thanks to Frank the Booker who worked extra hours for me this month. Unfortunately to no avail. We tried to get “Bully” for the high school, and “Hubble 3D” for the middle school, but “Bully” is a very limited release (only five copies), and “Hubble” is only being released to IMAX venues.

We originally had “The Lucky One” on the schedule, but Warner Brothers said no. Not sure why, but Frank is looking into it. So……first up is “Wrath of the Titans 3D” stacked with “Safe House,” “Titanic 3D,” “The Three Stooges,” and “Marvel’s The Avengers.”

We start with Denzel and end with the lovely Mr. Downey, Jr. – it’s going to be a great month!