FILM: The Hunger Games

Based on Suzanne Collins’ well renowned book trilogy is the first instalment, The Hunger Games. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) never imagined herself volunteering for the most horrendous annual event of the year. But when she’s done everything up to this point to keep her family alive, volunteering as Tribute is the only way she can secure the safety of her sister, Prim (Willow Shields). After this point there’s no turning back. It’s Darwin’s survival of the fittest. 24 Tributes. 1 winner.

Welcome to The Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favour.

The Story

Since it’s based on a book the story is pretty much set, but I have to say I’m slightly double minded on how well some things were executed in the film. I will say that the film is closely accurate in terms of the progression of the storyline and how the characters tie together. But because it’s part of a trilogy there were some scenes added in order for those who haven’t read the series to understand the whole idea of the concept of The Hunger Games.

Since the series are written in first person, audiences could not fully grasp the extent of what’s going on in Katniss’ head. I was happy to see that the story was portrayed in a way that put the audience in the perspective of the viewers of the Games rather than seeing it from Katniss’ perspective the whole way through. Since the book alienates you from Katniss, but also puts you in her shoes in a way where you make decisions along side her, I thought the third person perspective tied in well with portraying the detachment that readers feel with Katniss. Seeing the story unfold before me, even though I had read the book, I was able to see a somewhat “full” picture of the importance of the Games, but still retain the remorse for its need that the books convey.

I was a little disappointed with how the progression of the film lacked the ability for characters to really connect. There were times where I wanted them to extend certain scenes be tween Rue and Katniss as well as with Peeta. These are the relationships that matter in this film and for the following films – especially for Peeta and Katniss.

The Cast

Jennifer Lawrence: I loved Lawrence in X-men First Class and I still love her in The Hunger Games. She has this beautiful way of conveying things without speaking which is perfect for Katniss. Since the books are written from her perspective, it was important for Lawrence to portray that battle the runs through Katniss’ mind. I think much of the story was driven by her non-verbal expressions, which made up for the films lack of in depth portrayal of how important certain character are or aren’t to Katniss.

Josh Hutcherson: I’m disappointed to say that I have not seen anything with Hutcherson in it except for The Hunger Games, but I still think he was a perfect choice for the role. He’s got that “youthy” look and when he smiles it’s eye catching which is perfect for Peeta. We don’t really see much of him though which is accurate enough in conjunction to the book, but I think there when it came to the cave scene, I thought they should have extended it to really capture how much Katniss meant to Peeta, nevertheless, Hutcherson’s portrayal of his eagerness to declare his love in that scene was convincing enough.

Woody Harrelson: Cheers start Harrelson was an excellent Haymitch, pity he wasn’t given more aggressive lines to play with. Although Harrelson was brilliant, I think the character lacked the stern-haunted-alcoholic mentor that readers are familiar with. Instead, he was replaced with a somewhat entertaining comic-relief character, which is not what Haymitch is about. It might just be me, but I really hated the fact that I liked Haymitch way too much and so did Katniss. Towards the end that “liking” is necessary, but I just felt that there was too much given to this relationship that let other relationships slide. But then again, it could be due to the trilogy – I don’t know I haven’t read that far yet!!!

Liam Hemsworth: I didn’t even recognise Aussie representative, Liam Hemsworth, with the brunet makeover! Although he’s not in this film as much as most people had hoped, I’m happy to say that he did us proud! American accent was flawless and you really felt the connection between Katniss and Gale. I think that this is important as when next instalment comes to the screens.

Costumes and Graphics

You can’t NOT talk about the costumes when the first strange thing you see in the trailer is a woman with oddly applied magenta lipstick! The people of Capitol were all Lady Gaga-upped! There were so many bright colours and weird outfits that I was absolutely sure they raided Gaga’s wardrobe for this film. In contrast, the districts we all clothed in 50s or 60s working-class fashion, which I loved because it gave them this normal and identifiable relation to the audience. It was as though they had been stuck in a time warp because of their poverty.

I will say though that the whole idea of Katniss being “The Girl on Fire” was not so catchy with the parade entrance. I will be honest and say that I was disappointed by the fire entrance – it wasn’t as “wow” as the book had portrayed it to be – goes to show imagination is still better than graphic generation. But in saying that, the other dress wasn’t a let down. I have to keep reminding myself that filmmakers do have limitations.

The graphics for the hovercrafts, Capitol and the game-making centre were fantastic. I will say that those mutant dogs trump Twilight’s werewolves any day! But I will also say, I was disappointed by the lack of important characteristics for the dogs. I won’t ruin it for people who haven’t read the book, but if you have and have seen the movie, you know what I mean.

Overall

I thought the movie was really good; I may have to go see it again to see how accurate I am in my star rating. It just because the book’s so fresh in my mind that I can pin point scenes that have been shortened or completely removed and scenes that are obviously added for dramatic affect or incorporation for the next movie. If I do see it again, then I’ll have to close my mind to what I know and re-watch it from a perspective of someone who’s never read the book and never seen the film. Otherwise I recommend it to everyone. No age or gender segregation. I suggest reading the book first though, that way you get the background story to the history of the Games.

sL Star Rating: 4 Stars

Next: TBA – still on Hiatus. Sorry!