The Hunger Games Review (Minor Spoilers)

Let the games begin!

THE MOVIE: CRITIC'S TAKE

The hunger games is one of the best selling novels of all time. It has excitement, violence, a good story to tell, and star crossed lovers. After watching the trailer it looked promising enough to do the book justice. After watching the film I can say it's not a disappointment. I loved the style of the film and how it forced the actors to show fear and pity with their emotions and not their words. This movie is a must see for all book lovers.

STORY

The 74th hunger games is about to begin but for the residents of district 12 things aren't so exciting. Katniss sister is having nightmares about the games. Katniss reassures her that this is the first time her name is up for grabs but she needs not to worry. The odds of her getting picked are slim. She wanders off in the woods to catch some food but is interrupted by a trusted friend. He wants to move away from the districts and live in the woods. He invites Katniss to come along but she declines. She has very little interest for that life style and she doesn't see her sister living that way either. She will later wish she took him up on the offer because her sister was indeed picked for the hunger games!

I love my sister!

She decides to volunteer and take her sister's place. A boy named Peeta, played by Josh Hutcherson, is also picked for district 12. On the road to the games they meet their mentor Haymitch, played by Woody Harrelson. He is a drunk and has little interest in helping them win. This upsets Katniss to the point of challenging him. It wakes him up and he gives the advice that will keep them alive. He thinks that Peeta has what it takes to survive longer due to his social skills, but Katniss has the survival instinct to outlast everyone. Knowing this, Peeta tells the world that he has a crush on Katniss. This infuriates her but Haymitch sees an opportunity he could not miss.

Fuck you all!

He uses this to bill them as star crossed lovers, making them favorites. This gets them sponsors to send them food and medicine. It even gets the capital to change the ruling from having only one winner to two, if both come from the same district. This drives Katniss to team up with the clever Peeta to win the games together, but will he win over her heart is the real question. Too bad the other district tributes weren't on the same board.

Like this guy.

ACTING

The actors did a good job with their roles. I liked how they showed their fear and not talked about it. Jennifer Lawerence didn't need words to show her emotions. Josh and Lawerence had enough chemistry to pass as pretending lovers. I even wanted to see them kiss but it didn't happen. Woody Harrelson played his character to the bone which may make the fans happy. I even enjoyed Wes Bently's role because he was a likable villain. Actually I don't think he was a villain, just a man doing his job. Donald Sutherland played the cold hearted President Snow. He gave off an eerie presence that tied a knot in peoples throats. A job well done for most of the cast.

Where's the vodka?

SPECIAL EFFECTS

The effects are simply eye popping. Loved the fire on the dress scene. It was classy and not over the top. Everything looked as real as it could be for that type of world. Loved the unique outfits and hair cuts. It made the film feel more stylish and reminds me of the Fifth Element. It could have used more violence but I can live with that.

Too cool!

WRITING AND DIRECTING

The film was written by too many writers to care for and Gary Ross. The story flows at the right pace setting up the main characters and people that you will care for later on. I just wished they had more character development for the other tributes. Their deaths would have been more meaningful if they had more lines. The directing was nicely done and kept the tone of the movie. I felt like I was watching a classic and not a action snuff movie.  I wish this team works together on the sequel because they really have something going here.

THE END

It's a must see. The movie is a classic. Some people may not like the action because it was shot in a different tone. It's not an action packed movie but more of a love story and trust between friends. I say go see the film. You won't regret it.

Well maybe not everyone!

OVERALL

STORY 8 out of 10
ACTING 7 out of 10
SPECIAL EFFECTS 7 out of 10
WRITING 8 out of 10
DIRECTING 7 out of 10

OVERALL 8 out of 10 (MUST SEE)

P.S. A little girl dies during the film. Very sad so bring a tissue.