Review: The Hunger Games

Review: The Hunger Games
*Spoilers Alert
  Do NOT forget to rate this post when you finish.

Official 'The Hunger Games' Poster.

         Many said: "Its The New Twilight", but thank god these people got it wrong. Its better and actually the actors do actually act.

"Jennifer Lawrence".

"Josh Hutcherson".

          In the nation of 'Panem', which consists of a wealthy capitol and 12 other poorer district, a competition called 'The Hunger Games' takes place annually . This competition is a reminder and a punishment for a past rebellion that occurred. Each district must sacrifice a boy and a girl(ages between 12 and 18) , who are picked by lottery (also called the 'Reaping'), and only one survivor out of the 24 will remain. After 12 year old 'Primrose Everdeen'(Willow Shields) , from District 12, is chosen in her first 'Reaping', 'Katniss'(Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers to take her place. Along with her, 'Peeta Mellark'(Josh Hutcherson) is chosen. 'Peeta' and 'Katniss' are then taken to  the Capitol, where they will be trained by former winner and drunk mentor 'Haymitch Abernathy'(Woody Harelson) and accompanied by 'Effie Trinket'(Elizabeth Banks). Their 'Katniss' will defy all rules in trying to win this competition, something that 'Seneca Crane'(Wes Bentley) and 'President Coriolanus Snow'(Donald Sutherland) will not appreciate. And in this this competition she will find no remorse and face all kinds of emotions : sadness, betrayal, and love. We should mention that (Liam Hemsworth) plays 'Gale Hawthorne', 'Katniss''s lover. Also there is 'Cinna'(Lenny Kravtiz), who is 'Katniss''s stylist , and 'Caesar Flickerman'(Stanley Tucci) , the announcer and commentator of the Hunger Games. Moreover, we have 'Cato'(Alexander Ludwig), 'Rue'(Amandla Stenberg), 'Clove'(Isabelle Fuhrman), 'Glimmer'(Leven Rambin), and 'Marvel'(Jack Quaid).

"Liam Hemsworth".

"Donald Sutherland". 

          This movie is based on the same name novel written by "Suzanne Collins". I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I watched it thinking that it will be another "Twilight" movie , and it wasn't at all. First of all there was a really good and meaningful story. I loved how the story incorporates politics into the plot, along with the usual love, romance, drama , and action. Second, I think the movie , visually, is great and is really enjoyable to watch. I think director "Gary Ross" did a good job launching this franchise. Moreover, I liked the build up of each character, it was done perfectly. And I liked how all characters are related to the main plot, in one way or another.The movie overall was really solid , and all necessary plot details, that are needed for viewers to understand the story, were mentioned. The producers really did a great job involving the audience into this new world. Loved the "Reaping" scene as well as the parade scene and the competition scenes. I thought the beginning could have been better, but at the same time wasn't annoyed by it. The fighting scenes in the book were actually more violent than in the movie, and I hope these fighting scenes will become more violent in the sequel , because I think it will bring this movie the edginess and uniqueness. 

"Lenny Kravitz", "Woody Harrelson",
and "Josh Hutcherson".

"Elizabeth Banks" and
"Jennifer Lawrence".

          "Jennifer Lawrence" was phenomenal. I instantly liked her and never saw annoying or unpleasant acting from her. She really did a very good job portraying 'Katniss'. "Josh Hutcherson" surprised me very much. When I knew that he will be playing opposite to "Jennifer", I was very skeptical of the decision ,since I though she will outshine him and he wouldn't be able to keep up. But oddly , I thought he did a really good job and brought the character to life. "Liam Hemsworth" was good, but hopefully when his character gets more involved in future sequel he will be able to show us his talent. The love triangle 'Katniss', 'Peeta' and 'Gale' was convincing , and I loved the chemistry between the three. "Woody Harrelson" was exceptionally good in balancing comedic moments and dramatic moments. "Elizabeth Bank"'s character was not used well, for me. I thought that her character could have had a more important role.

"Stanley Tucci" and
"Jennifer Lawrence".

"Jennifer Lawrence" and
"Josh Hutcherson".

      Let's hope, in future sequels , that her character will be used more effectively. The same is said for "Lenny Kravitz", whose role was under-used but did a pretty good job. "Stanley Tucci" playing 'Flickerman' the host and reporter was really funny and necessary in the film.As for the important competitors, "Alexander Ludwig" was the actor to play his character and thought he did a very good job. The same can be said to "Isabelle Fuhrman", "Leven Rambin" and "Jack Quaid". "Amandla Stenberg" was wonderful as 'Rue' and her scene . when 'Katniss' comforts her and the people in her district are shown, was really good and emotional. Finally I'd like to talk about "Wes Bentely " and "Donald Sutherland"'s characters. I think both represented the politics in this movie.Really liked "Sutherland" as the ruler of Capitol and all of Panem, but was disappointed with the ending "Wes Bentley"'s character and was hoping for more involvement. 

         I loved how this movie has a political theme and feel to it. The defiance of 'Katniss' and 'Peeta' to the rules of the game was really a solid point in the plot, and a great focal point for future sequels to be based on. Overall , 'The Hunger Games' was the film that surprised me the most this year and can't wait for it's sequel "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" to be released.

Official 'The Hunger Games' Poster.

-'The Hunger Games" Info:
-Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Wes Bentley, Alexander Ludwig, and Amndla Stenberg.
-Based on: 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins.
-Studio(s): Lionsgate and Color Force.
-Directed by: Gary Ross.
-Music by: James Newton Howard.
-Running Time: 142 minutes.
-Budget: $78,000,000.
-Box Office: -Domestic(US): $408,010,692.
                   -Foreign: $283,237,076.
-Rating: -IMdb: 7.3/10.
             -Metacritic: 67%.
             -Rotten Tomatoes: 85%.

             -PERSONAL RATING: 7.9/10.

"The Hunger Games" Trailer: