The Hunger Games #Review

The must see movie on the year, The Hunger Games, hits theaters today.

If you live under a rock  have never heard of The Hunger Games here is a brief synopsis:

Based on the best-selling young-adult novel by author Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games tells the dark tale of a 16-year-old girl named Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), who is selected to compete in a vicious televised tournament in which 24 teenagers from a post-apocalyptic society fight to the death for the entertainment of the masses. In the future, North America is no more. In its place has risen Panem, a divided nation split into 12 districts. Every year, each district selects a teen of each gender (called “Tributes”) to test their worth in a competition known as the Hunger Games, which are broadcast across the nation as entertainment, and to reinforce the government’s total power. When her younger sister is selected as District 12′s latest “Tribute,” Katniss volunteers to take her place, and trains under hard-drinking former Hunger Games champion Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson) to sharpen her killer instincts. Now in order to survive the game and emerge the victor, this young combatant must put all of her skills to the ultimate test. Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth co-star.

 

I went into this movie with high expectations since I was a huge fan of the books.  Most movies made from books are usually a disappointment. The screenwriter unfortunately changes so much that it no longer resembles the characters, the location, and the story that you fell in love with. The directors usually butcher the location or have the actors add-lib ridiculous lines that make no sense or sound, well, ridiculous!

Fortunately for Hunger Games fans you do not have anything to worry about.

For me this was one of the best movies made that was based off a book. There are times when the movie turns out nothing like what you pictured as you read the book but Ross did amazing things here. The flow was masterfully done. This movie kept you on the edge of your seat the whole time, wondering what would happen next even though if you read the book you already knew the outcome. For me, usually when I know what is about to happen I can get bored very easily. With The Hunger Games this was not the case. I was constantly on the edge of my seat or biting my nails waiting to see the outcome of the scene in front of me.

The actors who were cast for each of their roles was spot on. I think everyone did a fantastic job and they were exactly how I pictured them as I read the books. The only one who was questionable for me was Gale. I pictured him very different in my mind. Liam did a good job but I think maybe I pictured someone a bit more brute. I know there were a few critics of Josh as Peeta because of his size but I think his size was perfect. Exactly how I pictured him. I loved Josh as Peeta. He did a wonderful job and I really cared for Peeta as I watched. Woody has Haymitch was nicely done. When I first heard he got the part I was on the fence, I really did not know if he could do Haymitch justice but not seeing him in action I know they made the right call. Jennifer was the perfect Katniss. Absolutely amazing. She was exactly how I pictured, how I envisioned her voice. Everything. Props to the casting director on making that call.

Costume designers really get two thumbs up on this one. They worked HARD!

My only complaint of the movie was leaving out a few lines from the books that I thought were key. “Real or Not real” from Peeta to Katniss I thought should of been used more. For me, those are key in the books. It follows them through all 3 books. The camera work was shakey at times for me. I know they had to do it with all the running through the woods but at the same time it did give me a headache in some scenes. There were some points where the camera was also very close to some actors faces and I thought they could really back off. Especially in the beginning where they are all in Effie’s face during the reaping. The camera was so close you could see the lines of her makeup.

My thoughts on taking your kids to see this movie? It has a PG-13 rating for a reason. However I know all kids are different. To me, this is a major parenting call. You know your kids. You know what they can and can not handle. For me I would more than likely not take my kids. The movie is not full of gore or awful language(there are a few choice adult words used in a few scenes) but the whole idea of the movie. The basis of a group of 12-18 year old kids fighting with each other, killing each other. In my opinion I do not think a child under 13 should see the movie for this very reason.

Do you need to read the book before you seen the movie? My personal answer is yes. I always read the book before I see the movie. I really like to see how they compare. Do you need to read the book to stay along with the movie? No. There is nothing in the book that has a secret meaning you have to know before you see it on screen.

Will my husband/significant other enjoy this film? Absolutely! Again, it is so full of action that it will keep your man happy the whole time! The romance in it is very minimum and it really is about survival more than love.

It is a great date night movie, a great girls night out movie, and even a I need a few hours to myself movie. You should NOT  miss out on this one!

** Disclosure: I received a prescreening to the movie to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Tagged as: movies, Opinions, review