The Vow

Tonight I had advance screening tickets to see The Vow starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum.  (Did I mention that I thought it was a Nicholas Sparks book?)  Along with a couple other actors I recognized.  I have to say I kind of live in a bubble when it comes to what movies are coming out or what's currently playing.  That comes from rarely watching any TV at all.  When you don't watch TV you don't see commercials and when you don't see commercials you miss almost all movie previews.  So for me to be aware of a movie it's got to get a lot of hype online.  The Vow didn't exactly have that. 

I got an email about a week or so ago about the screening.  Even if I don't know what the movie is...I normally sign up if its close.  The thing about advance screenings is you have to get there at least an hour before the movie starts because they always overbook the theater to make sure its a full house.  So we got there early and there was quite a crowd.  Which surprised me because I really didn't think it was going to be a hugely popular movie.  The story is a little sappy and sad as its based on a true story and not a Nicholas Sparks book like I originally thought.  (That's what happens when you never watch TV.)  I won't ruin the movie for those of you that really are interested in seeing it, but I was surprised at the amount of nudity in the movie.  I mean I've never seen a Channing Tatum movie where he hasn't been shirtless...but also bottomless was quite the shock.  Especially since it was a PG-13 movie.

All in all the movie wasn't bad.  Wasn't something I'd typically pick as I prefer either truly laugh out loud comedies, action flicks or thrillers.  So if you like a true life story, don't mind seeing a lot of Channing Tatum and want something kinda sappy..this is definitely the movie for you.

Catching Fire By Suzanne Collins

The second book in the Hunger Games trilogy.  We find our heroine is forced to pretend to having a good romantic relationship with Peeta for the cameras.  They find their popularity has sparked a special version of the Hunger Games.  Past winners have been selected to participate in a special edition of the Hunger Games.  This means she and Peeta must face the arena again.  Only this time there is an even smaller chance that they can both survive.

SPOILER WARNING FROM THIS POINT ON

The two find themselves fighting even harder the second time in the arena.  This one is much deadlier with a timed danger in each section following the lay out of a twelve hour clock.  Each section is deadly for an hour in clockwise rotation.  They must keep moving or risk death from the arena before the other tributes even have the chance to kill them.  Only this time the tributes are less inclined to risk death.  Some team up to find a way to thwart those in charge of the Hunger Games.  They figure out a way to penetrate the barrier and are able to escape at the close of the book.  The ending is satisfying but the plot doesn't quite uphold the same standards of the first book in the trilogy.  There are less emotional connections between Katniss and the other characters.  The same level is not reached because our characters have been hardened by their first round in the Hunger Games.

The plot is still entertaining as we wonder what risks are posed to the characters lives, but this book is certainly a transition into the scenarios of the final book: Mockingjay.  There is less insight into the workings of Panem.  We are not presented with much new information into the workings of the dystopian world as less time is spent outside the arena.  Catching Fire is more of a thriller as the focus is on the fighting and dangers in the arena.  The second installment is a good read but expect a lot loss thought provoking content.  Honestly, you could skip the second book and not miss much in the trilogy except to know that it sets up Katniss' resolve to bring down the oppressive government.  Neither Katniss or Peeta dies but they don't resolve their conflicted relationship.

This book left little impact to the point that I had to look up the title because I had forgotten it.  Although the title basically explains the purpose of the second book which is for the idea of revolution to catch fire.