New film, “The Hunger Games” had a record breaking opening weekend in the box office and in fan’s hearts. If you happen to miss it, checkout Chuck Johnson’s review of the film.
From the film’s opening scene viewers are transported into the post-apocalyptic North American nation of Panem where children are chosen annually at random for a telecasted death match known as the Hunger Games.
In the poor Appalachian region known as District 12 lives the independent and strong-willed Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), a teenager who has to hunt and trade game illegally to provide for her family after her father’s death.
Katniss’ world is further shaken when her 12-year-old sister, Prim (Willow Shields), is chosen as the district’s female tribute for the 74th Games.
Knowing that she’d stand no chance of surviving, Katniss volunteers herself in Prim’s place and thus she must prepare to do whatever she can to stay alive in hopes of returning to her already broken family.
The movie is interesting in that in combines reality television, suspense, violence, drama, romance, action, and politics and blends it into a smooth and appetizing two and a half hour viewing.
There’s literally something for everyone in this epic big screen event as it transcends gender and ethnic lines to tell a realistic story of a society where as punishment for a failed rebellion years ago, children must kill each other as a source of national entertainment.
Where the movie excels is in the casting department, especially with Jennifer Lawrence at the forefront. The Academy Award nominee shines as Katniss and forces you to go on this challenging journey with her. Another standout is Elizabeth Banks as District 12’s escort, the fashion-forward and uptight Effie Trinkett who provides some great comic relief.
Lenny Kravitz puts his rocker persona aside for a restrained yet, compelling performance as Katniss’ style-advisor, Cinna; elsewhere in the film, Amandla Stenberg is a scene stealer in her role as Katniss’ ally in the Games – District 11 tribute, Rue. Other notable performances come from Wes Bentley and Stanley Tucci as head gamemaker Seneca Crane and Capital reporter Caesar Flickerman, respectfully.
The score, arranged by James Newman also helped to build tension and create the futuristic world of “The Hunger Games.”
Though a solid effort, the film did suffer somewhat at the hands of some choppy editing and shaky camera work which was almost headache inducing in certain parts. The special effects were also at times ‘cheap’ and therefore caused distractions from the plot.
As a film based on a huge literary franchise many may wonder if it lives up to its source material? Honestly, trying to compare a movie and book is impossible as they’re two different experiences.
Nevertheless, as its own body of work, the film still manages to convey the overall message and heart of the 2008 Suzanne Collins novel it was adapted from. If you see the movie and enjoy it at least somewhat, I’d definitely recommend picking up the entire trilogy because you won’t be able to wait until November 2013 to know what happens next to “The Girl on Fire.”
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- Chuck Johnson, Copy Editor
