The Hunger Games Review

Katniss is walked to her potential doom in The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

B+

A Review by Frederick Cholowski

Following the lead of Harry Potter and Twilight the latest teen book sensation, The Hunger Games, is hitting the big screen. The film helmed by acclaimed director Gary Ross (Seabiscut, Pleasantville) has massive expectations to live up to, with legions of fangirls and fanboys hotly anticipating the adaption. Fortunately the Hunger Games manages to pass the level of most teen book adaptation providing a film that has appeal for both adults and teenagers alike.

The Hunger Games is set in a post apocalyptic world in which North America is divided into 12 districts each with their own specific purpose. Each year each district has to give up 2 children ages 12-18 (one male one female) to fight to death in a broadcast battle called the Hunger Games. The lone survivor gets eternal riches and brings pride to their district. Cue Catniss Everdeen (Jenifer Lawrence), a young woman of the extremely poor district 12 who is forced to volunteer after her younger sister Prim (Willow Shields) was chosen. Her and the male tribute Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) are whisked away with their drunken mentor Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) to face the press and then soon enough the games themselves.

The main flaw of the narrative is that it feels rushed up until the actual fighting begins. Despite the film being long (144 minutes) it never gives itself enough time to develop the world or some of the characters. As a result the first hour or so just feels like the filmmakers trying to move forward to all the bullet points of the first two thirds of the book. It’s not bad filmmaking by any stretch of the imagination it just feels a little bit incomplete. The other thing is that most of the tributes just feel like redcoats that are just there to be killed. Katniss never has to make any strong moral choices on whether to kill them she just kind of kills them. Most of them just feel like they have no payoff and are just ghost characters.

Despite these complaints the narrative here is very solid. There is a good screenplay and solid pacing that move the film forward. The direction is solid too using a lot of shaky cam and up-close shots to get a personal feel. The film is never glossy or superficial; instead the shots are personal and gritty and give off a more believable feel. The soundtrack is ambient for the most part, peaking and falling when needed. Nothing stands out as super amazing, although it is nice that no big pop hits are played until after the credits role.

Lawrence as usual is fantastic; she truly is one of if not the best young actress around. She brings vulnerability and innocence to Katniss and for the most part carries the film. Hutcherson is fine here although his relationship with Catniss is hit and miss throughout. The other standout acting wise is Harrelson who is fantastic as Haymitch. He’s dark character who despite the drinking problem rallies behind the District 12 tributes. He also gives the film a true sobering look at what the games can do to the winners and gives the film some well needed atmosphere.

Despite its flaws the Hunger Games is one of the best teen book to movie adaptations. It’s better than the first Harry Potters and significantly better than Eragon or Twilight. The script and acting are solid and the film doesn’t attempt to be flashy. While it misses the mark of greatness The Hunger Games is a great way of starting out this season of blockbusters.