The Hunger Games: Review

This week we take a look at another film adapted from a book series, The Hunger Games. Firstly, this not a film for little kids. There are some scenes that simply put are not appropriate for young children. However that shouldn't stop anyone of age from enjoying this film.


Breakdown:


Director:
Gary Ross


Stars:
Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen)
Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark)
Woody Harrelson (Haymitch Abernathy)
Lenny Kravitz (Cinna)
Donald Sutherland (President Snow)
Wes Bentley (Seneca Crane)
Amandla Stenberg (Rue)


About the film:
Genre: Action/Sci-Fi/Drama
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 142 Minutes
Released: 3/23/12


Plot:


Based on the book written by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games is set in a post-apocalyptic future. What was once North America is now the nation of Panem. Many years before the events of the film, a war broke out in which the 12 districts that make up Panem rebelled against the corrupt capital. Once the capital proved victorious, they devised an annual competition called The Hunger Games to let the rebels show their forgiveness for their treachery. Each year all of the districts must choose one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to represent them in the games. The 24 contestants (called Tribunes) battle it out live on TV until there is only 1 left.


The film follows Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl from district 12 who volunteers for the games when her sisters name is picked at the reaping. Paired with fellow resident Peeta Mellark, the two of them are taken to the capital to join the other contestants. Along the way they begin to realize that The Hunger Games is about more than just survival.


Part Gladiator, part Survivor, the story is one of betrayal, respect and survival. The film takes awhile to get to the actual games and that's not a bad thing. The events leading up to The Hunger Games are intriguing and will keep the audience engaged. After the events kick off the film reaches its peak presenting good action scenes and well acted drama.


Visuals & Sound:

The Hunger Games features two distinct visual styles. District 12 is a poverty stricken mining region, while the capitol is a very rich, trendy and futuristic place. This really helps establish the old idea of the haves and have nots. Clever video editing was used in the film's action sequences to establish that this is a very brutal and dangerous event without going over the top. This is probably most evident when the tribunes first enter the arena. Equally as ingenious was the use of sound to set the mood. There is a scene between Rue and Katniss where the brilliant use of sound really helps emotionally engage the audience.


Performance:

Jennifer Lawrence does a good job as Katniss Everdeen. It's established very early on that she is a skilled and tough individual. She has a bit of an attitude, but also has a softer side that is shown throughout the movie. Jennifer Lawrence played all sides well and did a good job of carrying this film. It is her interaction with the other characters that make this film memorable. Her interaction with Rue makes for some of the best scenes in the movie.



Peeta Mellark was played by Josh Hutcherson. Peeta is selected at the reaping to represent District 12. While not the focal point, his friendship with Katniss is the core relationship of the film. He may not be as skilled as his counterpart, but he is a smart guy. His performance matches Jennifer's. Cunning and enigmatic at times, Hutcherson displays more than enough range to deliver a convincing performance.


My favorite performance of the film is Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy. He is a former Hunger Games winner from District 12 and is Peeta's and Katniss's reluctant mentor. Seemingly always drunk, Harrelson does a good job in this film. His performance and one-liners kept me entertained even during the movies lulls.


Wes Bentley is Seneca Crane, the head of The 74th annual Hunger Games. Although he was the public face of the games, he comes off as little more that a puppet. While Bentley's performance is solid, it wasn't good enough to make me care about the character.


Donald Sutherland is the sinister President Snow. He is the true power behind Seneca Crane. Don't let his title fool you, he the absolute ruler of the districts. His only care to continue the dominance of the capitol. Snow has no regard for the lives of others and Sutherland play this role eloquently. I would've like to have seen move of Snow in the movie. 


The performances in the film were good overall. There are very few performances that I would label as forgettable. 


Rating:


I can't say that The Hunger Games is great, but it is really good. The story manages to feel both classic and futuristic at the same time. The relationships between characters is what pulls you in and takes you on an emotional journey. The action scenes are exciting without being gratuitous. That being said, this a not a movie for little kids. But don't let that or Lenny Kravitz's gold eyeliner stop you from seeing this one. I give The Hunger Games 4 out of 5 stars.