"Hunger Games" Adaptation - Hide Your Kids

This just in: Hunter Parrish of "Weeds" is apparently being seriously considered to play Peeta Mellark in the film adaptation of "The Hunger Games," and Jennifer Lawrence has officially been cast as the lead role of Katniss.

First off, let me tell you that when I heard one of my favorite books of the last few years was being adapted into a film, I cringed. I personally think there's too much psychology and too big a world in "The Hunger Games" to fit into an hour and a half, and I'm almost certain they're going to water down the violence for a PG-13 rating (I do not approve of this because the violence of the story serves to illustrate how disturbing the entire concept is, which is the point). When I read the book, I initially envisioned a mini-series handled by HBO or Showtime, preferably with primarily unknown actors and someone like, say, Alan Ball to write the teleplay. I know what you're thinking, but I'm not too picky - I'm just an aspiring producer.

If you haven't read the books, start now.
But be warned: once you start,
addiction is imminent.

Anyway. I was - and still am - very wary of a film adaptation of "The Hunger Games." But now that I know a fabulous, non-mainstream actress has been cast as the b.a. female lead, and that her co-competitor may be played by a hot, understated actor... I am much more optimistic.

Film adaptations of books are an iffy subject with me. As much as I try to remind myself that books and movies are different things, and that we should judge film adaptations independently of the books, I still get way too emotionally involved and judgmental when books I love are adapted for the screen. Generally, I find film adaptations fall into one of three categories.

Category #1: The Rad-aptation

This is a rare and exhilarating instance where the film does the book near-total, awe-inspiring justice by capturing the feel and heart of the story. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's pretty amazing. For examples, see "Fight Club," "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "Bridget Jones's Diary," and "Holes."

Category #2: The Adaptation

In this category we have all the book-to-movie adaptations that aren't hideous, but aren't stellar either - they're either good but forgettable, or just ok. I feel like the majority of adaptations fall into this category. There are many examples, a recent one being "Eat Pray Love."

Category #3: The Bad-aptation

I think you know what I mean. These are the movies you come out of completely infuriated, because they totally change the meaning of the story and/or screw up - or completely leave out - the best characters and subplots, either through bad writing, casting, or overall direction. My most-hated example of this category is the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" franchise.

Here's hoping "The Hunger Games" ends up in Category #1.