The hunger games is based on the best selling children s novel by Susan hill. Set in a futuristic world a lot like our own where 2 children from every 12 districts are called up, to fight against each other in a sadistic contest called the hunger games.
Having read all three books in this series, its safe to say that I was pretty excited to see this film. Hoping to watch a faithful adaption that would re animate my love for the books. That's pretty much what I got. This film pretty much follows the book page by page, yes a few things are missed out but nothing major. However this complete faithfulness to the book, is why i didn't particularly like the film as much as i probably should have. I felt as if Gary Ross, the director, was clinging so tightly onto the pages of the book that when he let go to add something new, he was worried he was going to upset fans, as a result we receive some nervy short scenes of which some are confusing and unnecessary and add nothing to the tension that the film slowly builds up, (Hint- Final scene). As expected from a book which involves children killing each other there should be a lot of gory violent scenes in the film. Unfortunately the 12A certificate burden drags the film down, and as a result scenes that need to be gory that aren't lose their impact and intensity, especially the 1st scene of the games. More so, the story actually needs the gore to send its message across, the message that the most innocent of people are killing each other with such violence, for the entertainment and satisfaction of the public. This powerful message that the book gives off isn't mirrored in the film, as it goes without blood for the majority of the film. Saying this I do think that with what Gary Ross was given in terms of a certificate, I think he did a pretty good job, yes the violent scenes weren't very gory but they were filmed with cinematic finesse, that kept you stimulated. This finesse also shines through in the pre-hunger games scenes in which the capitol is shown in all its futuristic beauty, however with one minor hitch. The citizens of the capitol are supposed to be rich, 'hip' and trendy, this factor in the film is completely over the top, as the people are shown in a weird, almost in a 'the cat in the hat esque' fashion. As I said though this is only a minor problem which can easily be overlooked.
Jennifer Lawrence's role demands a lot of attributes, a tough, brave heroin, with a sentimental soft-spot. I think that she really delivers in this film, showing realistic and heart-felt emotions, maybe not as good as in her Oscar nominated 'Winters Bone', but still a solid performance, in every aspect. More stand-out performances come from Woody Harrelson and most prominently Elizabeth Banks whose characterization is spot on whilst playing a nervous yet kooky 'Effie Trinket'.
I would say that i see the film as 3 parts ; The leading up to the hunger games, the actual games, and post- hunger games. I think that the pre- games scenes were done very well, emotions are presented brilliantly and the character development is also done excellently. I do however think that this section is dragged on way to much and as a result the actual hunger games seem quite short, very rushed and anti-climactic. The post games also suffers from the running time of the 1st part as it includes an abrupt ending which for me didn't really suffice.
Although it sounds as though I hated this film, there were some aspects of it I loved. Ignoring the problems, the majority of the story is gripping and exciting, and the deep character development provides characters which the audience can relate to. New scenes which have been added to the original story supply a simple story-line which is fairly easily understandable to those who haven't read the books.
70%- A thrilling and enjoyable film, with undeniable faults.
C.Russell
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