The Hunger Games Movie Review

The Hunger Games Movie Review

Directed by: Gary Ross

Starring:

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth

“A little hope is effective. A lot of hope is dangerous. A spark is fine, as long as it’s contained.’

President Snow

This was one of the more critical quotes in the motion picture “The Hunger Games.” Katniss Everdeen, the picture’s prevailing hero, best typified this small start that the President was talking about. He may be right in saying that a ton of trust is hazardous. But he committed a huge error in assuming that a little spark of hope can be diffused.

Story

“The Hunger Games” is set in Panem, an advanced country made out of 12 ruined Districts serving a totalitarian administration and the residents of the Capitol. The folks from the 12 Districts once attempted to oust this abusive administration, but failed. As punishment for their defiance, the legislature announced that every year, children from 12 to 18 years old would be selected from each District, to battle in an open air arena until one and only one of them remains alive. Yearly, this rivalry was televised across the country, to the delight of those who reside in the Capitol. One of the two chosen from District 12 the time the story occurred, was Katniss. And the film revolved around Katniss’ efforts to survive and stay alive.

Actors and Characters

The picture was filled with engaging and bright characters and the actors were phenomenal in their depiction of their alter egos. Jennifer Lawrence was impeccable for her part as Katniss, radiating enough magnetism to charm the audience. Woody Harrelson was captivating to see as Katniss’ coach. I trust he gets more of the action in future films. We got just a flash of Donald Sutherland’s President Snow, however he elegantly demonstrated that he was surely somebody to be feared.

Violence in the film

For a PG-13, this picture is merciless. It’s is best not to bring kids to this film, in my opinion. It appeared the director did his best to make the combat scenes less violent than the book, but I still find it uncomfortable to let younger children watch the aforementioned scenes. Granted that these scenes are adequate in showing viewers that Panem’s society is ‘evil,’ I don’t know if there’s a more preferable way of showing this evilness to kids. Best not to let them watch these scenes, I think.

Soundtrack

It would’ve been good to hear Taylor Swift’s ‘Safe and Sound’ in one of the scenes in the movie, but it didn’t happen. Nevertheless, the music that were utilized managed to maintain the film’s theme of hope and survival.

Books

I did not read the trilogy but I’m expecting more exciting things are going to happen in the second and third parts.

On the whole, this picture is charming and deserves the box office performance it enjoyed.

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