The Hunger Games

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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This film is based off the popular novel, of the same title, written by Suzanne Collins. This film is set in the dystopia universe where 12 districts are rulled by the Capitol. Every year the Capitol selects one male and one female tribute for the Hunger Games. Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12, and is faced with several hard decisions. This year, her sister, Prim, is selected for the Hunger Games. Katniss offers herself as tribute, and quickly finds herself faced with her greatest challenges. This also places her at odds with the Capitol itself. 

This film was directed by Gary Ross. While this film remains very faithful to the novel it does sidestep on a lot of small details. The 142 minute film keeps to the central points of the story. A lot of the violence is toned down from the novel, but it is still present in the film. I wouldn't suggest taking young children to see it. The film uses shaky camera movements in gain real life aspects, but uses a smooth camerawork when showing things from the viewers perspective. I have to mention a few things. This film is a rip-off from Battle Royale (2000, Kinji Fukasaku). Only this film does present a much more deeper story to the idea. This film also is not Twilight or Harry Potter-despite being crammed into the hole of teenage summer blockbuster hits. The film is considered to be science-fiction, but its really more of a survival story. The story remains highly predictable, but (thanks to the amazing cast) your still pulled into it. The music was good, it added to the film's emotional sequences. I'm glade they didn't put in random popular songs to make it better for teenagers. The special effects were well done for the film. There isn't any use of futuristic stylized weapons (unlike the amazing medicine). There is some small special effects done for the strange animals that are seen briefly, but for the most part it remains un-computer animated. There isn't much in actual fist fighting either. It's all done very brief, and with minimal blood. The fim is mostly driven by its story, and its characters, not by its action. 

The cast was amazing together. They made the hero's believable, and the villains slimy. Many of the actors are fairly well known for other films. Jennifer Lawrence played the leading role of Katniss Everdeen. She did a great job creating this famous character. Unlike most films she's the action hero who protects everyone. Her presence on screen embodies the characters awkwardness and power. Josh Hutcherson played the role of Peeta Mellark. He was great in this role. He kept his character true to the novel in that he needs protecting, and that he is purely innocent. Woody Harrelson plays the role of Haymitch Abernathy. He was good in this role. There is some oddities with how his character is used in the script, but that's because some of the explanations were implied. Lenny Kravitz played the role of Cinna. He was great being the sympathetic stylist. He didn't make his character the typical male stylist, but instead made him Katniss' pillar. Elizabeth Banks played the role of Effie Trinket. She literally did her role so well, that everyone despised her character. That morbid prepiness was well played. Alexander Ludwig played the role of Cato. He was good in his limited role. His character was explored beyond what the story needed, but it was easy to see him as Katniss main challange. Wes Bently played the role of Seneca Crane. He took his few moments on screen to leave an impression.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It's a great recently released film. Adults and teenagers can enjoy this film together. The amazing cast really gives this film its power.

Answer to last blog: Director Wayne Wang also directed the film Maid in Manhattan (as well as Snow Flower and the Secret Fan).

Que: What other film has director Gary Ross directed?

American Beauty
Pleasentville
The Last Song
Bridge to Terabithia