The Hunger Games (Film Review)

Mar 25, 2012
May the odds be ever in your favor.

Does director Gary Ross failed to impress both movie buffs and fans of the Suzanne Collin's mega-hit book series? Did the highly anticipated adaptation didn't screw up by the book? Read our review.

The Hunger Games takes place in a dystopian future wherein the Capitol rules over the country of Panem (in what used to be North America) – and uses “The Hunger Games” to suppress the surrounding districts. Each year, the Capitol randomly selects one girl and boy from each of the twelve districts to participate in the Hunger Games – where the 24 “tribute” children fight to the death until only one remains.

When young  Primrose Everdeen is chosen as tribute at the District 12 "Reaping", her older sister, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence), volunteers to fight for her place. Katniss is joined by fellow District 12 tribute, 
Peeta Mellark, a baker's son. The two embark on a trip to the Capitol to face off against the other district tributes (as well as one another). However, with the guidance from District 12 resident (and previous Hunger Games victor) Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson), stylist Cinna (Lenny Kravitz) and chaperone Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks), Katniss and Peeta quickly discover that to survive the games they'll need more than just strength and speed.

Despite the failures and negative reviews of the most book adaptations like Twilight and Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games didn't fail to impress me. I wasn't that hyped to this movie but, due to the success and positive reviews, I might have to see this film for my own. Even though, I haven't read the book yet, this film forced me to read it. And what I believe to those who read the books, they told me that it just stays true to the premise and heart of the book. 

Don't ever ever compare it to Kinji Fukasaku's epic Battle Royale. I know that both films involve young people killing each other. But , The Hunger Games is set in a more larger world unlike Battle Royale. The Hunger Games is about fighting for revolution while Battle Royale is about fighting for survival. I repeat, both films are a lot different each other, most critics said that it looks like it's only one film, but it's not.

The acting is phenomenal in this movie. Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, wow, even though he most starred in horrible movies, he proves here he's gonna be a real bad-ass actor. Liam Hemsworth, as Gale, it's fine. I do prefer if he has a little bit more scenes in the film. Woody Harrelson, very funny. Elizabeth Banks, so far one of his best. And Stanley Tucci, I really love him in this movie. He's very energetic and enjoyable to watch. Another reason why I watch this film is because of Jennifer Lawrence. I love her in Winter's Bone, and here, she nailed it. She's the character that I've been looking for. She's really devoted for this role, and the intense emotions can be seen in her face.
The action scenes are really well done in this film. I believe they should have made this as rated R. But it isn't necessary because it's a young adult action movie. Anyways, the action scenes are really pumped out and will surely gonna glue yourself in the edge of your seat in a 2 1/2 hour movie. There were a lot of violence involve, so I didn't require kids ages from 5-12 to view this film on they're own. 
I have a single problem about this film. The romance. I know, Romance will be an exemption for this film because it's a young adult film, and most teens are gonna see it. But I hate it a little here, I know many of you will gonna hate me for saying this but, the love scenes between Katniss and Peeta in the cave is just unnecessary. They should just stay through the basic story of the movie. 

Overall, the film itself is just awesome. One of the best films of 2012 and the best book-turned-to-film movie  .I love the acting, especially, by Jennifer Lawrence. I love the minimal score in the fight scenes. I love the visuals. I love the cinematography. I hate the romance a bit here. I love the ending. What more could I ask. I  am too hyped now to see Catching Fire on November 2013.

The geek rates it 8.0/10. One of the best film of 2012. I'll be returning to review Wrath of The Titans and Hugo 3D. May the force be with you!

For now, why not check the trailer for The Hunger Games:

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