The Hunger Games
by Kathy Cano-Murillo
Director: Gary Ross
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Stanley Tucci, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Wes Bentley, Liam Hemsworth.
Rating: PG-13 for violence, mature themes.
Runtime: 142 minutes.
Official synopsis: Set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister’s place for the latest match.
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Review:
I’ve been a fan of The Hunger Games trilogy for almost a year. While cleaning out my art studio (a three-month job), I bought the series as audiobooks to help me stay focused on reworking every crevice. It went beyond that. Katniss’ story gripped me so much that I took the books with me on every excursion, even if it was just to cook dinner in the kitchen.
I couldn’t wait for the first film to come out, knowing that author Suzanne Collins co-wrote the screenplay. It had to be great!
Here’s my wrap up – I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Having read the books, I was pleased that the filmmakers were able to include all the key plot points. Thumbs up for casting as well. Jennifer Lawrence fully embodies all that Katniss is, and I’m excited to see her role develop as the series expands. She portrays a strong, brave female role model, devoted to her family and willing to bust through her insecurities. There were moments when I held my breath, when I jumped, when I cried and even laughed.
Now the critical angle – I worry about movie goers who haven’t read the books. There’s a lot of backstory that was simply abbreviated for the film. Yes, the content and scenery are there, but only the top layer of the actual story. What made the published tale so compelling was that the Collins presented depth to every scene and action, every thought and decision by just about every character. Obviously there wasn’t enough time to translate all of that in the movie, but unfortunately, it takes away from the emotion.
Regardless, I enjoyed the film, it satisfied my itch to see it played out on the big screen and I’m going to see it again this weekend. My advice to anyone who sees the film and is intrigued – go read the books!
3.5 out of five stars
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Great review. This is a colorful and entertaining film, and I was constantly wrapped up in it as a drama. It isn’t the kind of bombastic event we usually get as a franchise blockbuster and for that I’m thankful. It also helps that the ensemble cast is nothing short of amazing either, and that Jennifer Lawrence’s career will hopefully totally hit super-start status after this because she’s great as well. Check out my review when you can.
I agree with you – you need to read the books for fully get what is going on. But I did really enjoy the movie and I would recommend it to any of my friends! I think the actress playing Katness is perfect and when she was shaking before getting in the tube it was so real! BUT – I think they should have picked a hotter, taller actor for Peeta (a girl needs her eye candy *wink*)!