Movie Review: The Hunger Games

This review is a little bit late, but I had to make sure I posted and shared my thoughts. The Hunger Games movie was MUCH better then I thought it would be. I saw it at midnight with a group of my friends (I think there were ten of us in total) a couple of which who have never read the books (no matter my begging and urging that they should!). It is always an interesting experience to see people's responses, especially to something like The Hunger Games. 

First off, I was super iffy on the casting. However, I actually enjoyed most of how the characters are portrayed! While I agree that Jennifer Lawrence didn't exactly look like she was starving like Katniss should have, but I think she did a great job at acting like Katniss. Even in the books, Katniss was never meant to be the most likeable character. I, however, do wish they would have shown a bit more of Rue's relationship with Katniss. A few of my friends didn't grasp the closeness between Katniss and Rue, which was a bit saddening. Their relationship was one of my favorite aspects of the novel. 

 I wasn't super fond of Gale (though, truth be told, I didn't really like Gale in the novels either). It could have been because he didn't have a huge presence in the movie, but I'm not sure if I like the actor that is playing him. I guess future movies will tell! However, surprisingly enough, I really liked Josh Hutcherson's acting and he did a fabulous job as Peeta. He seemed really sincere and acted, in my opinion, like Peeta! There were a few actors that I had in mind as my perfect Peeta, but thinking back, I don't think they could have pulled him off quite like Josh did.

Overall, the movie was fantastic and I recommend it to everyone. I haven't found a friend who did not enjoy it! I still really enjoy the novel (more than the movie) but I think the movie definitely did a decent job. Oh! And my friends and I dressed up for the release! I used my Katniss costume from Dragon*Con and my friends dressed as tributes and other characters. We were pretty cool. I cannot wait until Catching Fire hits big screens!

Deathly Hallows Part 2

I was in Italy when the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 movie came out here in the states. I was also on hiatus, so I was unable to write a post about my experience! However, it just wouldn't feel right to NOT have a post on Part 2 when I have posted on the previous releases. So I decided to write about my experience of seeing Part 2 while in Italia.

First off, I was devastated when I found out that I would be missing the release! My friends and I have a thing where we always go (dressed up!) to the Harry Potter releases. Unfortunately I had to miss it this year due to the fact I was spending five weeks in Italy.

However, when I got to Italy, it turned out not only would I be able to attend the release but it was being release two days earlier in Italy (on the 13 rather then the 15). Of course I went out on an excursion to find a theatre near Montepulciano (where I was mostly staying while in Italy). Turned out there was a theatre that was about a half an hour away on bus! I looked up times and off I went!

(My ticket stub from the release day!)

Now, I wasn't sure if the movie would be in English with Italian subtitles or vice versa, but I went with hope. Thankfully, while it wasn't in English, it had subtitles. I can't even express how much I cried during that movie... I know there are a few people who did not enjoy it but I have to say that I loved it and if you haven't seen it by now (the DVD and Blu Ray are now released) then you need to go pick it up immediately!

(My roommate and I at the release outside of Chiusi-- I'm the one in purple!)

That was the first time I saw it in Italy. However, while spending a weekend in Florence, my friend and I happened across an old opera house--now turned into an English movie theatre! Not only were they playing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, but it was in English! That was the second time I saw Part 2 and I still cried my eyes out.

(A bus I saw in Rome)

I have been reading Harry Potter since I was nine or ten years old. Here I am, at twenty-three, watching the final installment of a series that changed my life. It was such a bittersweet moment.

It was my realization that my childhood was over.

On a more humorous note, this warning was pretty fitting:

And that was my Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 experience.

Eli's Weekly Post -20

Hello everyone! Just wanted to post a quick update, as it seems I forgot (again) to post an IMM (which I will make sure to do next week!)

Here are somethings that are going on at The Tainted Poet:

-I still have a contest going on: You can win Need by Carrie Jones, Wings by Aprilynne Pike, and Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz. Ends April 14th, 2011.

-This week I posted a review for 13 to Life by Shannon Delany.

-I finished three books this week: 13 to Life (reviewed), Secrets and Shadows (working on review), and Halfway to the Grave (which is an adult novel so I probably won't review).

Next week you can look forward to:

-A review for Secrets and Shadows by Shannon Delany.

-A review for White Cat by Holly Black.

-A contest to win your very own copy of White Cat by Holly Black!

Also, I saw SuckerPunch this weekend. Did anyone else see it? It was a WEIRD movie, to say the least... What did you guys/girls think? Rocket was my favorite (she was from Pride and Prejudice)! Though Baby was cute (she was from A Series of Unfortunate Events)! The special effects were fun and it took place on three different levels of reality, which confused me at first. I ended up enjoying it, though I think I would only want to watch it on the big screen.

I hope everyone had a fantastic week!

Eli's Weekly Post -14

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to ask if I could get you guys to go over to my left sidebar and participate in my poll? I was wondering what everyone thought of the LinkWithin widget and whether or not I should keep it. It would be great if you guys could vote!

Also, I forgot to mention I went to see The Lightning Thief! Anyone else see it yet? I kinda loved it. Obviously there are differences from the book, but I thought it was pretty good. Besides the, you know, corny-ness of the lines. :]

Let me know!

New Moon The Movie

So last night, I attended the New Moon movie premier at midnight. I brought my boyfriend (who absolutely hates Twilight) and I went with a friend and her boyfriend. (I promise this contains no spoilers).

First off, I have to mention that my boyfriend actually LIKED it. That is telling you something right there. The directing was so much better then Twilight's. Everything was improved 110%. The acting, the special effects, the accuracy to the book-- everything. I have to say I loved it. Now, I'm no Twihard, but I have at least read every book around two or three times. So it takes a lot to impress me when I know the books so well. Twilight was a disappointment. New Moon wasn't. I was actually speechless.

If you're iffy on seeing New Moon because you're afraid it will be as poorly done as Twilight, reconsider. I highly recommend it to anyone. Go see it! I promise it won't be as disappointing as Twilight.

The Lightning Thief Trailer

As I'm sure most of you know, The Lightning Thief is being made a movie. Well I just saw the second trailer and thought I would share it! I'm sure you have all seen it, but just in case here it is. :) Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief comes out February 2010.

Cirque Du Freak:The Vampire's Assistant

So I saw Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant on the 22nd (or the 23rd, since it was at midnight) for the midnight launch! I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it, though it was SO different from the book. It was cheesy in a good way, and I plan on seeing it again soon. I don't usually review movies, but since Cirque Du Freak is close to my heart, I thought I would write a bit about it.

If you read the books, do not go in expecting it to follow them closely. The Vampire's Assistant, in my opinion, was mostly composed of ideas from book 1, 2, and 11. There were characters from book 3, but the basic plot line from book 11 was thrown it which was interesting. New characters were thrown in, like Rebecca, and old characters were completely disregarded, like Debbie. I came in with an open mind and I have to say I enjoyed it.

When I first heard that John C. Reilly would be playing one of my favorite characters, Mr. Crepsley, I was horrified. How could someone who played a main character in Step Brothers possibly play serious Mr. Crepsley? However, after seeing the movie, John C. Reilly was my favorite character. He did an excellent job and I really loved his portrayal of Mr. Crepsley. Truely! So all those skeptics, watch the movie and see what you think. I can see why people might not like it, but I have to say that I will definitely be buying anything with Cirque Du Freak written on it in the future (Which I'm sure Hot Topic will eventually release). Because, there IS a little freak in all of us.

All in all, I give the movie a 4.0/5.0

**Warning, I am a bit biased. ;)

Trailers and More!

I have recently stumbled upon a few of these Book-becoming-movie trailers and I thought they were worth a post! Enjoy!

The Lovely Bones (December 2009)



The Lightning Thief (February 2010)



Dorian Gray (September 2009)

Cirque Du Freak Movie Trailer!

So I know I have been excitedly awaiting the Cirque Du Freak Movie-- Well the trailer was just released!! Ahh! Let me know what you guys think! Don't forget to check out my review for the books and my interview with Darren Shan. Here it is!



My interview with: Darren Shan

My review for: Cirque Du Freak

Eli's Weekly Post -1

Hello! So, my poll results came in and it appears above everything else (contests, reviews, interviews...) you guys would like to know a little bit more about me! I'm actually very flattered and would love to answer any questions you ask. So... please do comment with questions!

As a result of this Poll, I am going to be posting a weekly "Update" post to let you guys know whats going on with me. I will eventually have a set day to do this on, but as of now it is random. Anyways-- here are a few things about The Tainted Poet!

My basic Bio:

My name is Elise, but I go by Eli (which is pronounced Ellie). I am a nineteen year old college student who lives in the southeast. Besides my love for reading and reviewing, my other hobbies consist of Civil War Reenacting, sewing, drawing, writing and painting. I like the arts in general. Darren Shan is one of my favorite authors and it is because of him that I got into reading. My favorite genres are paranormal and fantasy, though I do love the occasional Chic-lit book. I am a very friendly person, so feel free to shoot me an email any time at: taintedpoet@gmail.com. That email is made particularly for this blog and I check it daily.

My Update:

Ok! Since this is an update post, I really do want to post some sort of update, haha. Well, it's 4:30ish AM on July 15th and I just got back from seeing... Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. It turned out pretty well, though I can't say it was amazing in particular. I am actually very curious how it seemed to someone who has yet to read the book. What are your opinions? Because of the fact I read the book, I obviously knew everything that was happening and I think it would have been more fun to have been experiencing it for the first time. I think I might have liked it a bit more, though I really did enjoy it. It was very funny actually, which was something I didn't expect.

Anyways, while at the theater, I saw a poster for The Gemma Doyle Trilogy which I thought was interesting. It wasn't a movie poster, though I know that it has plans to eventually become a movie, but more of an ad for the books. Anyways, just thought I would share! Anyone else see this around their theaters?

Well, like my sidebar says, I am currently reading Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink and I have to say I absolutely love it so far. It has already hit some book stores (its release date is set at August 1st), so if I were you I would go out and check! I have seen it and it is absolutely gorgeous.

Well that pretty much wraps up my very first Update post. But I want to end with this note: I have a contest coming up very soon, so if I were you I would keep checking back! ;)