The Hunger Games

Not that I really have the time to completely bring back this review blog in the way it once was, but I miss writing movie reviews and what better way to jump back in than with the movie biggest opening non-sequel ever. Granted, inflated ticket sales help, but hey, at least this thing was not in 3D, right? I was first turned on to The Hunger Games when Borders was going out of business and I was able to pick up the first book for $4.00. I had heard much about how great the first book was, but my hesitation stemmed from hearing about how unimpressive the final book was. Who wants to invest in a trilogy when it appears a foregone conclusion that the ending was going to suck. I picked up the first book was hooked pretty instantly. However, that does not always translate into a good movie. Before I go on, those of you who have read this blog over the years and anyone who converses with me on a regular basis knows this, but for any newcomers, I will not spend this review comparing the book to the movie. It is a feeble and pointless act and I have no time for it. They are completely different animals that do different things to my imagination and enjoyment.

In a future North America where everything is controlled by The Capital, a competition exists. This competition exists as a reminder to the 12 districts of what happened 74 years ago when the districts tried to revolt against the leadership. The games are called The Hunger Games. 1 boy and 1 girl between the ages of 12-18 are "reaped" from a lottery to represent the district in a fight to the death game for the enjoyment of the national audience. These games are carefully crafted by the Capital so that they get the best show possible. Katniss Everdeen(Jennifer Lawrence) of District 12 volunteers herself to be in the games after her 12 year old sister is "reaped." District 12 is the outermost district, therefore the most poor and unhealthy. Katniss, though, is incredibly skilled with a bow and arrow and survives on her hunting skills. The male from District 12, Peeta(Josh Hutcherson), does not look like he presents much of a threat, but he is strong and as the competitors prepare for the games, Peeta turns out to be incredibly charming and intelligent. On the other hand, Katniss is a fiesty, seemingly unlikable girl, but that all changes once Cinna(Lenny Kravitz) gets his hands on her and styles her to look like the knockout she does not believe she is.

The show is where The Hunger Games really starts to gain traction. The film wastes no time introducing us to the world of Panem and taking Katniss and Peeta swiftly from the bleak greys of District 12 to the eye popping colors and gorgeously futuristic capital. The colors and designs of the set pop off the screen and the faceless crowds in bright pink wigs, luxurious clothes and ridiculous make up provide a wonderfully biting satire on current American life. Katniss has to learn to play a part, the way the best reality television stars of our time have learned to play a part. The only difference is, Katniss has to try not be killed by the other 22, or 23, contestants. The training before the games does not offer much in the way of developing the other characters, but it gives us 2 good villains, 1 small girl to care about and allows us to see Katniss practice her skills.

This first half of the movie may seem like mere filler for those desiring bloodlust, but I found it to be completely fascinating. Lawrence's Katniss is a strong female role model and Lawrence really owns this picture. The scene where volunteers as tribute had me choking up. It is a stripped down and honest performance, which is even more of a feat when everything about the character is done up. She never loses this laser focus on who Katniss is and what she wants. She is a superstar on the verge of shooting into the stratosphere, but she never shows it. She remains completely within the world of The Hunger Games. It is a true testament of her talent. There was never a moment where I wandered from her story. For his contribution, Hutcherson turns Peeta into a more rounded character than I would have imagined from him. The hair is ridiculous, but his Peeta is thoughtful, soulful and just the right amount of charming without seeming too fake. Their chemistry is not as bristling with sexual sparks as I would have liked, but they clearly work well together.

The supporting cast just adds extra fun to the film. Stanley Tucci is pitch perfect as Ceasar the talk show host. If he seems superficial, look deeper. Tucci really flushes him out in just his reactions to everything going on. I cannot wait to see what Kravitz does with Cinna in the later movies because here he was exactly what I hoped he would be. I was hoping Anthony Mackie would be Cinna, but Kravitz did a great job. Wes Bentley, Donald Sutherland, Elizabeth Banks (stealing every scene) and Woody Harrelson all did great work without too much screen time. T his is truly a case of me not being able to wait and see what these actors do with the progression of these characters.

One cannot review The Hunger Games without talking about the game itself. From the grueling (how great that they counted down from 45 and not just 10) countdown, to that brief quiet moment before the frenzied insanity, Director Gary Ross knew exactly how to let tension build. Then when the clock hit 0 and the tributes started their quest, wow, what insanity. This is a PG-13 movies, but it was not without brutality. Blood splattered, helpless teenagers fell and the body count rose with such furious tenacity that people in the audience were definitely flinching and trying hard not to look straight on. The pacing in the jungle was exquisite. I had a fear that everything in the jungle would be too quickly paced, but Ross was not afraid to let the action breathe. Our point of view remained Katniss, and Lawrence's ability to portray a girl who is lost, but confident, bruised but determined really shined through in the final hour.

I have 1 issue with the movie and that is the very end, but that is because I was expecting the book ending. It changed a bit here and it is difficult for me to remark on it before I see where the series goes from here. Therefore, I do not feel right making a big deal out it. Our expectations are not the fault of a film. If this was a totally original screenplay, I probably would have been completely satisfied with the ending of the film. I am ready for the next installment already. I hope the studio does the right thing and lets Gary Ross direct each installment because he has really taken great care in this world. The camera work was top notch, especially in the frenzied jungle. The film was not afraid to get gritty. In fact, it was often gritty. The Hunger Games is a top notch cinematic adventure with rich themes, a star making performance, and great attention to detail. It is devastating blockbuster entertainment in the middle of March. It has explosions, sci-fi technology, sexy people, and a big blood pumping heart right in the center. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

Final Grade: A