The Hunger Games (2012)

Director: Gary Ross

Writer: Gary Ross, Suzanne Collins, Billy Ray (Screenplay), Suzanne Collins (Novel)

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Stanley Tucci, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Wes Bentley

Story: Set in a future where the capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television. Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister’s place for the latest match

Story: Having a brave subject matter with kids killing each other could be considered difficult to tell, but this story comes over very well. Yes there is the violence but instead of all the violence being graphic its all very much trimmed down to let you work out yourself. I can’t judge how well it matches up to the book as I have never read it but as the story on film this is very good (9/10)

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen – Taking over from her sister in the Hunger Games she becomes the reluctant hero, not one of the games fans but she has to overcome all the odds if she wants to be victories. Jennifer puts in yet another quality performance continuing what is sure to be a huge career of quality performances. Star Performance (9/10)

Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mallark – The boy selection of District 12 who comes over as the weaker of the two, He also becomes one of the most interesting characters being you can’t tell what he will do next. Josh gives a solid performance but not as good as Jennifer’s. (8/10)

Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinkel -  The leader of district 12 who sets out to create the best image for the District. Slightly over the top performance but otherwise good from Elizabeth as the eccentric leader. (8/10)

Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy -  The mentor of the two representatives of District 12 and guy who can help them win and look good doing it. Giving he has must of the best lines and good chuckle lines I think he does a very good job. Favourite Character (9/10)

Director: Gary Ross gives us a very good film her (9/10)

Action: With solid action scenes of chases for survival without being silly over the top having a rather naturally feel to them. (9/10)

Thriller: Where most of the action turns into thriller material from the moment the Games start this is edge of your seat stuff. (10/10)

Sound: I have to say the haunting sound of the cannon going off after one of the participants dies is brilliantly done. (10/10)

Settings: A good woodland setting adds to the atmosphere of the Games (9/10)

Suggestion: Knowing most people have already made up their minds about seeing or not seeing this I would have to say anyone still thinking about seeing it should be watching it (9/10)

Best Part: The arrow-shooting scene to show off Katniss abilities.

Worst Part: Knowing its part of a series of novel sort of ruins the ending.

Similar Too: Battle Royale, The Running Man

Overall: Set as a friendlier version of Battle Royale but being more about overcoming your fears for your district. Sadly it will be called the new Harry Potter or Twilight but this one is far superior to those franchises. I will be looking forward to the next chapters in the series, which will surely be made.

Rating 91%

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