I’m gonna put this right out there: I don’t hate it.
Honestly, the just announced Nerf Rebelle line sounds pretty awesome. In an article on EW.com, we got news on the line and a look at the first item from it. That item?
A pink and black bow called “The Heartbreaker.”
Also gonna put this out there: I want one.
A bow is a great choice right now as it seems to be the cool current weapon for action heroines. Katniss Everdeen of The Hunger Games. Princess Merida of Brave. Kate Bishop of Hawkeye and Young Avengers.
Look, I will bring Kate Bishop into this discussion if I want to, dammit!
But, almost immediately, there was an outcry from the internet about “Of COURSE your toy for girls is PINK!” And normally, I’d be among them and in this case I don’t think they’re entirely wrong.
But, see, my feelings here are complicated.
I like the idea behind the line. It’s not just the same Nerf Elite line with “girl” colors, though the Rebelle weapons will be just as powerful as the Elite toys. Instead, Nerf is making the Rebelle line’s size and general design easier for people with less upper body-strength to use WITHOUT sacrificing firing power. The line also has a social aspect that will encourage cooperative play.
And that’s awesome. I mean, this isn’t just “we gave Malibu Stacy a new hat.” This is actively attempting to make toys that are girl-friendly and encourage activity.
I can see why people are upset, though. I mean, yeah, while Nerf’s marketing research may have shown that the colors, designs and social aspect will appeal to girls, you don’t need to announce that or act as if these are specifically for girls. Because our system still tends to go straight for “if it’s for girls, it’s not for boys” and vice versa. Announcing a new line with x improvements and an extended selection of colors would probably have set off fewer alarms.
But while I understand that, I worry that the angered reactions reflect the continued problem of, intentionally or not, demonizing things seen as traditionally feminine. I hate the idea of “pink is just for girls” or “pink is bad for girls.” Some girls like pink things. Some girls don’t. Some boys like pink things. Some boys don’t. I don’t want to see their choices influenced by being told what their gender should or shouldn’t like, in either direction.
And let’s face it, those bow-wielding heroines I mentioned earlier? They all come from different backgrounds, have different tastes, have differing levels of “traditional femininity” and they are all awesome.
So, let the kids who want pink bows have their pink bows, hope that Nerf doesn’t make all of their Rebelle line pink (I’d love to see some purples and blues and other colors thrown in there) and add a Heartbreaker to my wish list. Because, like I said: I want one.
–Ashly danced ballet as a child and is currently one of the worst examples of ‘traditional’ femininity you’re likely to find. You can see her cuss like a sailor and talk about comics and pro-wrestling on Twitter at @newageamazon
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Once every two years (winter and summer) I get forget that I can’t stand watching televised sports and give it up for the Olympics. How many times did I cry during the opening ceremony? About 5 times. The first was within the first 4 minutes.
What is it about the Olympics that makes me go crazy? It is because these are our best, these are young kids (quite often) that give everything to go compete against the world.
Be right back, needed a tissue.
Snuffles . . . we’re good now.
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With the recent success of The Hunger Games movie, ladies everywhere are looking for more wearable styles inspired by their favorite badass huntress, Katniss Everdeen! To answer that demand, I’ve taken quotes directly from the books and applied them to styles that will make you feel like a tribute yourself! May the odds be ever in your favor in these outfits!
Hunting Outfit
“I swing my legs off the bed and slide into my hunting boots. Supple leather that has molded to my feet. I pull on trousers, a shirt, tuck my long dark braid up into a cap and grab my forage bag.”
Shirt: Mossimo Scoop Neck Tee in Heather Gray – 8.00 at Target
Pants: 1969 Bootcut Jeans in Medium Tint – 44.62 at GAP
Boots: White Mountain Loon Riding Boots in Black – 49.95 at DSW
Hat: Washed Military Hat in Army Olive – 13.99 at Sears
Bag: Military Tote Shoulder Bag S9 – 28.51 on Ebay.com
Reaping Day:
“To my surprise, my mother has laid out one of her own lovely dresses for me. A soft blue thing with matching shoes.”
Dress: Belted Shirtdress in Blue – 14.50 at Forever 21
Flats: Orlena Canvas Flat in Grey – 19.00 at Target
Dress: Darling Slate Blue Dress – 45.00 at Lulus.com
Heels: Audrey Brooke Marian Suede Pump in Grey – 59.95 at DSW
Interview Dress:
“Because my dress, oh, my dress is entirely covered in reflective precious gems, red and yellow and white with bits of blue that accent the tips of the flame design. The slightest movement gives the impression that I am engulfed in tongues of fire.”
Can we all just take a moment to lament the fact that the Tributes in the blockbuster movie of the same name, The Hunger Games, were NOT dolled up in Capitol-worthy couture and looked more like they were heading to Junior Prom? No wonder the Sponsor gifts were few and far between. Since this style of clothing is nearly impossible to find, not to mention unaffordable, here is my alternative to Katniss’ interview dress for the film and the one I wanted to see her wear the most, from Georgio Armani’s 2010 Fall Haute Couture line. You can’t tell me that this wouldn’t work better than that drab orange monstrosity. I get that they were going for “affordable,” but that is not what I envisioned from the Capitol.
Arena Outfit:
“Cinna has no say in my outfit, does not even know what will be in the package, but he helps me dress in my undergarments, simple tawny pants, light green blouse, sturdy brown belt, and thin, hooded black jacket that falls to my thighs. The boots…are better than I could have hoped for. Soft leather not unlike my ones at home. I think I’m finished when Cinna pulls the gold Mockingjay pin from his pocket.”
Top: Racerback Ribbed Tank in Olive – 4.50 at Forever 21
Pants: Linen-Blend Cargos in Shining Armor – 25.00 at Old Navy
Jacket: Hooded Rain Anorak in Black – 34.99 at Target
Boots: White Mountain Loon Riding Boots in Taupe – 49.99 at DSW.com
Belt: Basic Leather Belt in Brown – 16.50 at OldNavy.com
Pin: Mockingjay Prop Rep Pin – 11.34 on Amazon.com
Backpack: Targus Sport Backpack – 5.95 on Ebay.com
Games Recap Dress/”Innocent Dress”:
“Cinna comes in with what appears to be an unassuming yellow dress across his arms. I am still the ‘Girl on Fire.’ In this dress, I give the illusion of wearing candlelight. I look, very simply, like a girl. A young one.”
Dress: Tiers of Joy Yellow Lace Dress – 42.00 at Lulu’s
Shoes: Glittered Sandal – 10.50 at Charlotte Russe
Hair: Silver Arrow Headband – 23.00 by Bellamantra on Etsy.com
Face: Benefit Moon Beam Luminous Complexion Enhancer – 26.00 at Sephora
Victor Interview Dress:
“When Cinna comes in, he shoos them out and dresses me in a white, gauzy dress and pink shoes. Then he personally adjusts my makeup until I seem to radiate a soft, rosy glow.”
Dress: O’Neil Honalula White Gauzy Dress – 39.95 at Zumiez
Shoes: Qupid Tanya Kitten Pumps in Blush – 25.00 at Lulu’s
Face: Too Faced Caribbean in a Compact in Snow Bunny – 29.00 at Sephora
Lips: Dior Addict Lip Glow – 30.00 at Sephora
That’s it for Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games! Which fictional hero would you like us to tackle next? As always, if you try out any of these styles yourself, show us in the comments or via Twitter and Facebook!
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Six of us set out to see The Hunger Games with very different backgrounds. Some of us read the books, some of us don’t read at all, and some of us cosplayed. We aren’t saying who is who, but we will tell you that this is a movie that can appeal to anyone, no matter what knowledge they come into it with! Keep reading to find out our who’s who in reviews!
Katniss and Haymitch discuss strategy before entering the Arena.
killerrqueen
So. The Hunger Games. Coming from a fan of this franchise and a fresh 2 hour power reread the night before, I went in with low expectations as I do with everything that I enjoy making that terrible trek to film, but was pleasantly surprised. First person perspective limits books entirely too much and I was glad for the breaks from the intensity to visit the real world outside of the Arena on occasion. The characters were spot on, especially the “kids,” but at times the secondary cast seemed one dimensional. I feel like there were places that Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks and (most especially) Woody Harrelson really wanted to visit with their roles and wanted to see their interactions more, but they were limited by being simply background. Jennifer Lawrence completely immersed herself in her role and really shines as Katniss and it is very refreshing to see the girl has acting chops, since this franchise will inevitably be compared with Twilight. As is the case with books to film, things were left out. However, rather than the understandable filler chapters of larger books, this time around it was small details that got the axe. After discussing the movie with my roommate who had never read the books, things that we take for granted as readers weren’t as clear to movie-goers, most notably the whats, whys and more details were wanted about the rebellion of the Districts. Also, I feel that the loss of the Muttations at the end of the movie really took away a lot of horror at how much control the Captiol does have over everything, and could’ve quickly been explained by a short spurt of dialogue in the Gamemakers HQ and a slight revision of the mutt models. Overall, I felt that the movie was both very true to the book and a good stand alone at the same time. And totally worth cosplaying. I mean, watching.
Ladyvader99
I went into The Hunger Games hoping for the best. So many book adaptations suck ass but I’m glad to say this was faithful and all around great. Jennifer Lawrence shone throughout the film and her potrayal of Katniss was spot on. Josh Hutcherson was perfection as Peeta and easily was one my two favorite things in the entire movie. The other? Woody Harrelson’s hilarious take on past District 12 victor, Haymitch. The only thing that kept this from being an A++ film for me was the ending. I wanted Katniss to shatter Peeta’s heart but alas, my inner glee at other’s misery was not to be felt that night. Soundtrack was nothing that made me want to run out and buy it (sorry, Taylor Swift), however I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of gore allowed for a PG-13 movie.
Katniss giving the District 12 respect to District 11 on screen.
NestoRox
I have not read the books and felt lost when watching the movie. Overall, it was alright. I think the movie was geared more to the fans of the book. The movie could of used some clarification on the whole “girl scout” hand gesture. Also, what was up with the Close Encounters of the Third Kind whistle? That is what it sounded like to me. In the end, I would prefer to see Battle Royale.
Deadrabbit92
Love triangle?
The Hunger Games is one of the most solid book adaptations that I’ve had the pleasure to not be disappointed by. Even when it inexplicably deviated from the books, the film’s casting made up for a great deal of these little changes. I’d have to say that my favorite part of the movie was either any one Capitol scenes (which were visually disturbing as well as being spot on from the books) or Jennifer Lawrence’s performance as Katniss. Unfortunately, the movie was a little too true to the books in the annoyingly long and boring “love scenes” that seemed thrown in just to appeal to the young adult audience. Peeta’s seemingly limitless cuteness made up for a lot but I think the Peeta/Katniss exchanges could have been done with a lot less drag. Though if the book couldn’t accomplish that, perhaps it’s not fair to expect it of the film. In addition, the film’s soundtrack bordered on disappointing. Looking to follow the trend of best selling Twilight soundtracks, the music failed to live up with the vampire series’ tracks and was largely forgettable. I’d like to close with a little attention paid to the cornucopia. In my theater atleast, there was a collective noise of relief and clarity when the structure was revealed. Apparently everyone else had as much trouble picturing it as I did. It does seem I can balance out any flaw that I found with the film with a positive :) Go see this movie!
Crabacca
I was pleasantly surprised by the movie, which is a bit rare these days when novels are interpreted on the big screen. Often there is too much in the book to convey in the allotted time on screen; however, The Hunger Games managed to cover most points relatively easy. Still, there were some things left out that I think hurt the story. Personally, I felt the relationship between Rue and Katniss could have been fleshed out more. One thing the movie did do that the book couldn’t, was show Haymitch working to get Katniss what she needed during the Games. I really wanted to see this part of the story in the book, as well as the reactions around the Districts to the Games themselves! The book, however, is written in first perspective. So although it wasn’t the “perfect” reflection of the book, it was still an amazing film!
Brittzkrieg
I love the books. I really love the books. And I love the movie. Even if there were talkative 12 year old in front of me. I can completely understand why the purists are flipping out over some things being changed. But that being said, had the changes not been made, the movie would have taken forever. Most likely, the violence and scary factors (Muttations and the like) would have raised the rating level, thereby eliminating the largest movie going factor for the film. Also, I loved dressing up as the bad guy. Yes, there were a billion tweens in line. But only one overdressed villain. (P.S. – Jennifer Lawrence could ave used a more sunken cheek look to be from such a food deprived area.)
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