Book Review | 'Gregor the Overlander'

Gregor the Overlander
Suzanne Collins
Scholastic
310 pg., U.S. Paperback
3.5 stars | B-



From Goodreads:

When eleven-year-old Gregor follows his little sister through a grate in the laundry room of their New York apartment, he hurtles into the dark Underland beneath the city. There, humans live uneasily beside giant spiders, bats, cockroaches, and rats—but the fragile peace is about to fall apart.

Gregor wants no part of a conflict between these creepy creatures. He just wants to find his way home. But when he discovers that a strange prophecy foretells a role for him in the Underland's uncertain future, he realizes it might be the only way to solve the biggest mystery of his life. Little does he know his quest will change him and the Underland forever.

Rich in suspense and brimming with adventure, Suzanne Collin's debut marked a thrilling new talent, and introduced a character no young reader will ever forget.


Gregor the Overlander is the tale of a young boy named Gregor who follows his baby sister into the Underland, a world that is very much so the opposite of our own. Collins, the author of the 36.5-million-printed-copy Hunger Games trilogy, creates a story very fun, light, and simple, but at the same time juvenile, and sometimes annoying.


I didn't dislike this book, but was irked by its fast-pacing and awkward comments from the main character. Gregor is eleven, and when I was eleven (four years ago, mind you), I didn't have the same naive, dipstick dialect that he did. Gregor seems to be more of the comic relief for this story rather than the hero, something that really disappointed. I was also really bugged by his little sister, Boots, who, while being adorable, was very pointless in my mind, and became an annoyance and burden as the story went on. 


What I liked about the book was its simplicity, as well as its world-building, a skill that Collins has perfected. I did, however, draw similarities between Panem and the Underland, because I can and because it isn't that easy to avoid doing so. 


I do think this book should remain geared towards a young audience, as it currently is, for its childish facade, but I do think that older readers will be pleased by subsequent characterization and the creation of the world that the book's characters live in. 


The book is the first in a five-part trilogy. Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane, Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods, Gregor and the Marks of Secret, and Gregor and the Code of Claw are now in stores for reading pleasure. 

'The Hunger Games' Box Office Update

Since I have no Wi-Fi in my house, it's been difficult to post my updates with The Hunger Games' box office performance. So listed below is a quick recap of midnight sales, opening day sales, and the astonishing opening weekend performance.

Midnight
19.7m dollars, making it the highest midnight opening for a non-sequel
Opening day
68.25m dollars, making it the fifth-highest opening day ever, behind DH2, New Moon, Breaking Dawn, and Eclipse.
Opening weekend
155m dollars, making it the third-highest opening weekend ever, behind DH2 and The Dark Knight

Looks like the film is on the fast-track to the top ten highest-grossing films of all time! Highly deserved!

Film Review | 'The Hunger Games'

The Hunger Games

Directed by Gary Ross

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson

Run time: 2h 22m

Distributed by Lionsgate

Rating: 5 stars (A+)

The Hunger Games is the one film I’ve been waiting three years to see now. I mean, sure there were the final Potter films, and I did wait for those, but the anticipation was entirely different for these two franchises. For Potter, it was definitely more of a sentimental thing for the films to come out, and as wondrous as the acting is in the films, I always valued the story much more than I did the people who represented it. It’s tough for me to admit this, but I think having that closure nearly a year after the final film definitely helps, as well as the release of the first film in The Hunger Games. Looking back, I am able to openly point out flaws in the acting and in the adaptations made from the books to the films, and while I will always value Harry Potter more than anything, I think that The Hunger Games is a wholly better adaptation, and a wholly better film.

The acting spotlight in this film is definitely shed on Jennifer Lawrence, whose performance as the world-renowned heroine in the oppressing Panem trumps over all over actors in the film. This is probably a result of the fact that Lawrence’s character is the one seen most in the film. She provides a sense of irresistible courage balanced with a sense of haughtiness, something I wasn’t necessarily expecting, but that I definitely loved. I think the second-best acting job comes from either Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss and Peeta’s mentor, or Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman, the Capitol-based talk-show host whose character plays a much more expanded and important role in the film than in the first novel. I read many reviews prior to the official release of the film stating that Harrelson didn’t portray Haymitch as drunk or funny as he was in the book, but I totally disagree. Harrelson’s performance definitely deserves an Academy-Award nomination for its honesty, its complexity, and its hilarity. Tucci just wowed every single person who saw the film, cracking a laugh out of the audience just with his charm and his facial expressions. There always is just something about Stanley Tucci that wins an audience over. My personal favorite character in the series’ entirety is Effie Trinket. Effie was portrayed by Elizabeth Banks, who took Effie’s mannerisms and eccentricities and built upon them in a major, yet surprisingly subtly hidden, way. Effie is perhaps the most frighteningly ignorant character in the series, building a false sense of hope (“Contain it”) at the Reaping, as well as trying so hard to cheer up the Tributes when they arrive at the Capitol (“I don’t think they get dessert. But you do.”). Banks and Harrelson perfectly portray the animosity between their respective characters as present in the novel, and Effie is always irritated when Haymitch is around (“That is mahogany!”). The Tributes, portrayed notably by Leven Rambin, Jack Quaid, Alexander Ludwig, the chilling Isabelle Fuhrman, Jacqueline Emerson, Amandla Stenberg, and Dayo Okeniyi, were all their own characters, something I was worried they wouldn’t be. I liked the romantic build-up between Glimmer and Cato, seeing as they’re both attractive people, as well as immensely strong and powerful. I thought Foxface’s appearance was downsized a bit too much to the point where a non-reader wouldn’t know the threat she posed (she wasn’t brutal, but she was stealthy). Amandla Stenberg, as well as Willow Shields as Prim, delivered a heart-wrenching performance as Rue, Katniss’s ally during the Games. Her death scene truly was painful. And of course, I could not have gone through this film review without mentioning the stylists, most importantly Cinna. Lenny Kravitz’s performance was astoundingly intimate and phenomenal, maintaining the ambiguity of his character as well as providing a sense of adoration and admiration. Truly superb acting from all, really.

As far as direction and adaptations go, Gary Ross was a great director for this film. The cinematography, the screenplay, the set design, everything was just so similar to the way they were in the novel, and none of that could be so without such an amazing director. Lionsgate made the right decision bestowing this tale unto the hands of Gary Ross, and it truly shows. As for book-to-film translations, I believe this film is the most accurate that I have seen in my life. More on omissions and inclusions in the spoiler filled part of this review, appearing below.

Preview | 'The Hunger Games'

The Hunger Games premiers tonight in theaters!

Check out our video preview of the film here.

-Isaac

'The Hunger Games' Ranks 15th Highest-Opening Theatre Amount

Box Office Mojo reports that The Hunger Games has ranked 15th on a list of films with the widest openings--a list that takes the amount of theatres the film opens in as a factor.

The Hunger Games will open in 4,137 theatres on the 23 of March.

What are your plans for the film? Are you going to the midnight premiere tonight like we are?

Anthony Head set to replace Pierce Brosnan as Chiron in 'Sea of Monsters'

Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is set to replace British actor Pierce Brosnan as Percy Jackson's centaur mentor in the sequel to the 2010 film, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Head is probably most known to this audience for his role as the brilliant Giles in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series, co-starring the wonderful Sarah Michelle Gellar (Ringer) and the equally wonderful, talented Alyson Hannigan (How I Met Your Mother, American Reunion).

We here at the Potter People strongly thought Brosnan was phenomenal as Chiron in the first film, but Anthony Head is just as amazing an actor as Brosnan, and we look forward to his performance.

We also have noticed that Robert Maillet (300, Sherlock Holmes) has been cast as the Cyclops Polyphemus. We have only seen this on IMDb, but we will update you if any other word comes about.

RUMOR: 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' Release Date Revealed

IMDb has posted that The Perks of Being a Wallflower starring Logan Lerman and Emma Watson will be released September 21, 2012. This is only posted on IMDb, and we have not yet heard official confirmation from Summit Entertainment on this date, though. Subject to change.

Book Review | 'The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight'

 The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Jennifer E. Smith
Poppy
236 pg., U.S. Hardcover
3 stars | C



From Goodreads:

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A. 

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

This novel comes off as a very romantic type novel (the title precedes this reputation, as does the synopsis commonly recited with the novel's presence), but I saw romance as being a relatively small part of the story, and the big picture being a coming-of-age novel documenting one girl's trek from the States to the UK for her father's wedding. As she departs, she meets a boy called Oliver who seems to be able to empathize with the situation of being duped into watching her father marry a strange woman, or so it seems. The reader embarks on this intellectual and emotional journey with Hadley Sullivan as she experiences what it is like to accept human faults and move on with life.
I did have a few nit-picks with this novel, though. I didn't like how it seemed like the characters were too perfect, save for Hadley's father. Hadley's mother has these philosophical quotes about love that are too good to be true. I mean, my mom would probably say something along the lines of "LOVE IS LOVE, RILEY," but Hadley's mother seems to be so experienced in the art of love that she is able to provide insight on the oh-so-tragic thing that is falling in and out of love. I feel like the author was just trying to slip in her own thoughts on love and being really eloquent with them, something I didn't like. I also didn't like how every single time that Oliver leaned in to kiss Hadley, it was always 'to her surprise.' I think, at that point in the story, Hadley should learn to be expecting a kiss from a boy who's been flirting with her for twenty-four hours.
Overall, the novel was a nice breeze to get through, although it was sort of a pain when it came to characterization. I think that's the problem, though, with books that take place in one day like this one. 

The Doctor's Next Companion is...

Jenna-Louise Coleman (Emmerdale, Captain America) has been cast as the Doctor's next companion in the British television series, Doctor Who. For those who are unaware, the Doctor brings a companion with him as he travels through time in order to successfully...do what he does, I suppose.

More coverage on this casting and the upcoming series of Doctor Who will be taken by Stefanie.

Podcast | "The Games, the New Book, and the Great Potter Debate" [3.20.12]

Hey Potter People! It's Isaac here with you.

The PPP crew got together recently to record Stefanie's first podcast. In this new episode, we discuss J.K. Rowling's new novel, the upcoming Hunger Games film, fictional ships, and start a new segment wherein Stefanie and Riley attempt to verbally murder each other.

Listen to the new episode here.

Thanks!

-Isaac [PPP Media Specialist]

Exclusive Author Interview | Marie Lu, author of 'Legend'

I recently got in touch with Marie Lu, author of Legend, a dystopian novel which I have reviewed here on the site, to discuss the trilogy she is hard at work on. Legend is the tale of June Iparis and Day Wing, two seemingly polar-opposite teenagers living in a post-apocalyptic America split into the Colonies and the Republic. The two merge when June's brother is murdered, and Day is charged as the criminal.

The following interview with Marie Lu contains spoilers pertaining to the first book in the Legend trilogy.

Without further ado, Marie Lu.

Nathan Fillion Cast as Hermes in 'Sea of Monsters'

The Hollywood Reporter reports that Castle lead Nathan Fillion has been cast in the role as the messenger god Hermes in the film adaptation of Sea of Monsters, by Rick Riordan.

First of many 'Hunger Games' reviews pour in

Major entertainment websites such as The Hollywood Reporter and Empire have posted their reviews of The Hunger Games. The general consensus of reviews seem to be positive, praising Jennifer Lawrence's undoubtedly splendid portrayal of Katniss Everdeen, as well as the sense of realism to the film. The film currently sits at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, denoting a perfect set of ratings from the film's critics.

Check out Rotten Tomatoes for more updates on the film and its reviews.

Jeremy Irons Cast as Macon Ravenwood in 'Beautiful Creatures'

Academy Award-winner Jeremy Irons (The Lion King, Eragon) has been cast as Macon Melchizedek Ravenwood, Lena Duchannes's uncle, in the film adaptation of Beautiful Creatures.

Irons portrayed Scar in The Lion King, Brom in Eragon, and won the Best Actor Oscar for his work in Reversal of Fortune.

Cover of 'Light' Revealed

The cover of the sixth and final Gone series novel, Light, was released yesterday, March 13, 2012.

The cover is shown below, and depicts Sam and Diana.



Thoughts?

Book Review | 'Legend'

Legend
Marie Lu
Putnam
305 pg., U.S. Hardcover
Five out of Five Stars

Pottermore Opening Date Announced

For the past few months (since October, really), Pottermore has constantly postponed its opening date to 'next month' to 'next year' to 'this spring', and now it is finally announced that Pottermore will open in April 2012, six months after it was originally scheduled to! The Pottermore Insider issued a statement discussing new features on the website, including sounds and more exclusive content! To read the full article, click here.

'Beautiful Creatures' update; 'Beautiful Redemption' cover revealed, actor in talks to play Link

A quick update for the Beautiful Creatures series (the Caster Chronicles):

-The cover for the fourth and final book (Beautiful Redemption) has been released!



-Casting update: Thomas Mann (Project X) is currently in talks to be playing Ethan's best friend, Wesley "Link" Lincoln.

The Fates and Tyson in 'Sea of Monsters' Have Been Cast!

Things are really looking bright for 2013's release of Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters; Missi Pyle (whom you may know from Tim Burton films, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Big Fish--she's brilliant, trust us), Yvette Nicole Brown (Community, Drake and Josh, (500) Days of Summer), and Mary Birdsong (The Descendants--which I have reviewed) have been cast as the three Fates seen at the beginning of the story after Percy and Annabeth escape Percy's new school and head back to Camp Half Blood.
Also: Percy's half-brother/Cyclops, Tyson, has been cast! Douglas Smith has been cast as the brother.

Thoughts?