The Hunger Games sweeps crowds away with an arrow, an explosion and a small amount of love. Image Courtesy of Google Images
Open up on a scene of a small mining town, the bustle of everyday life going on. Soon, the heroine of the story appears, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, X-Men: First Class), hunting in the forest on the day of “The Reaping.” This big event is when each of 12 districts offers up one male and female 12-18 year old to hunt every other contestant in a big event that has been labeled “The Hunger Games.” The special thing this year for Katniss and her family is that her sister Prim (new star Willow Rose) is participating in “The Reaping” for her first time.
When Prim’s name is pulled for the female contestant, Katniss volunteers to take her place. The male contestant is soon chosen after the dramatic scene where Katniss volunteers, who winds up to be named Peeta (Josh Hutcherson, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island). The pair soon travels to the capital with their mentor, Haymitch (Woody Harrelson, Zombieland), and their connection to the capitol connection, Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks, Man on a Ledge).
From there it is a little rushed with the contestants showing off their skills to everyone, going through various interviews, tests, and a whole lot more. While in an interview, it is revealed that Peeta has had a crush on Katniss for a while; to creating the notion that he and Katniss are star-crossed lovers. Soon our heroes are thrown into the arena where they are told to battle the rest of the contestants to the death. One momentous blood bath later and only about half of the people are left. Soon everyone is weeded out until only a few people remain, where they are forced to fight in the Cornucopia, a giant metal cornucopia where the contestants were released into the area, until the final two are left.
Katniss sits on her toes, ready for the games to begin. Image Courtesy of Google Images
This film creates a situation that is difficult to critique. The reason for this is because in just about every area that critics find a flaw or portion to focus on, The Hunger Games both wows the audience and falls flat on its face at the same time. It can be both of these because of how the film will have moments where it is amazing but then about 10 minutes later it suddenly becomes something that puts off a person who is looking to critique the movie.
Probably the best example of how this film managed this feat was in the actual filming. Half the time it was absolutely terrible, with shaking camera shots that makes sure that the audience only sees a bunch of blurs while something important is happening. This was done at the director’s discretion, to keep the PG-13 rating. The biggest example of the director (Gary Ross, Seabiscuit) is during the point where the contestants enter the arena and have the huge blood bath. Gary would have the camera whipped around between groups of teens to show that they were fighting and killing each other, without really showing it happening. The problem is all the camera movement takes away from the audience’s ability to realize what is going on. But during other suspense-filled moments, great close ups and excellent panning really adds the final oomph of drama to the scene, like in the final moments of the competition where it is down to the final three.
Acting is a problem, as well. Part of the movie seems like it is a soap opera on a giant screen. The best example of this happening is when Prim’s name is pulled for “The Reaping.” Other points it really makes a connection between the viewer and the character, such as when one of Katniss’ friends in the arena dies protecting Katniss. The sharp contrast between these two is something that can put off some of the more critic focused.
Katniss lines up one more shot to end the games. Image Courtesy of Google Images
After acting is the story. Yes, it is widely known that The Hunger Games was a book before it became a movie. And yes, it is obvious that not all the important details can be carried over from the book to the movie. And for the most part, there is a very smooth transition into the movie from the book, such as with the pulling of Prim’s name, or the romance between Peeta and Katniss. The striking issue comes from the fact that if a person had not read the book beforehand, some of the concepts make little sense to them. Probably the biggest issue is why the world is like this in the first place. There is an immense story behind it, but the film shortens it down to a few sentences that appear to tries to explain it, but they move away fast enough that their impact is not fully recognized. Some of the more complex ideas had been cut back a bit, leaving a good portion of the story at a point where the audience has to assume things. One massive factor in keeping the movie fairly close to the book is the fact that the producers brought the book’s author on as a writer.
As a film, The Hunger Games entertains the audience with a suitable enough story, fair acting and decent filming. Although it has its hiccups, the end product is good enough to make it worth seeing.
Rating: ★★★★☆
