Movie Review: The Hunger Games
5 Stars
There has been quite a bit of buzz around both the Hunger Games Trilogy and the new movie that just came out. I wasn't getting into any of it because my basic research made me think, "oh, this is just a Battle Royale rip off." And it kind of is.
Here's the summary (from Rotten Tomatoes):
Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which "Tributes" must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. — (C) Lionsgate
The hubby and I were actually going to go see John Carter, but waited way to late to buy the tickets and lucked into a later showing of Hunger Games. Got to say I'm happy we saw it.
Even though I hadn't read the books, I wasn't lost — and that's the way a movie adaptation should be. The narration was smooth, and while we spent virtually the entire movie following Katniss, we still discovered by other means what she wouldn't have been discussing in a particular moment. For example, we learned the rules of the games and other details of what was going on from the commentators. And we also got an insight into the game master and president's conversations with each other to learn even more about the political situation. It was a really nice balance.
What's nice about Hunger Games versus Battle Royale is that you get more insight into the development of the Games, as well as more of the political implications of the games. There is a stark class difference between the heavily-policed districts and the capital, which further adds to the realism.
Plus, their fashions are freaking insane:
…and the one on the left is the normalish one compared to other city dwellers.
The characters were raw and real, and there were plenty of moments with me biting my nails, jumping at sudden action, or trying not to cry. It's a great movie, and is just amazing as Katniss. Plus, it was great to see (Peeta Mellark). I kind of expected him to be awkward, but he did a great job.
I definitely think you should go see this movie. Oh, and if you want to read a good review from someone who read the books first, you can head to Curiosity Killed the Bookworm.
