Ah the Hunger Games. The eagerly awaited movie adaptation of Suzanne Collins first novel, in her wildly popular and successful trilogy. It is too easy to get into comparison mode. It was better in the book, it wasn't like that in the book.. etc. etc. So as we are a film review site i'm going to try and review the film as a separate and unique entity.However one must nod towards the original material and no self respecting reviewer can't not answer the question - does it do the book justice? Quick answer: yes. It covers all the key bits in the book and anything which has been omitted or slightly altered doesn't affect the story. The only thing to say, though, is that the film gives a persepctive beyond the main character and shows things which you don't actually learn about until the 2nd or 3rd book. Also characters are developed and scenes are played out which are not in any book full stop. In this respect the film is an extension of the book and gives you more of an insight into the world and of the story that Collins created.
The Hunger Games centres around 16 year old Katnis Everdeen (played by the strikingly beautiful Jennifer Lawrence. Who was, FYI, also in X-Men First Class and played Mystique), who lives in a very underprivileged district in a post apocalyptic America called Panem. She lives in a world where her people are forced to enter one girl and one boy (from 12 to 18 years old) from each of their districts into a 'fight to the death' reality show. In a bid for the ruling state 'the Capitol' to keep control over them and prevent rebellion. Katnis is the unlucky girl this year and with the unlucky boy, Peeta (played by Josh Hutcherson), she embarks upon the Capitol to murder her fellow contestants for the amusement of the Capitol residents... I'm going to leave the plot there because I think saying anymore will be saying too much so if you like what you read and want more then go and watch it...
I was surprised that the running time is a lengthy 2 hours and 12 minutes long because I felt that the story flew past. there was never a moment which I thought it lagged or was wishing for it to be over. For me it was a real thrilling ride of two people fighting against adversity. the film touches upon violent themes and there's a lot of fighting on screen but they are really played down. I was expecting much worse so if your squeamish or do not like violence then you can still watch this film comfortably. I watched this mainly in shock and dismay at the horrific way of life which are played out on screen, but the awful circumstances only propel you to route for the protagonists even more.
Its fast paced and full of action but at its core very sad and very thought provoking. The themes touched upon definitely parallel our own world such as: the realities of war combined with our fascination with reality TV and celebrity. Definitely one to watch.
Year: 2012
Running time: 142 minutes
Classification: 12A
for more info check out the IMDB website
Lucy on Facebook says:
ReplyDelete"I have to say that I disagree with some of your review on The Hunger Games especially that it is 'original material'. It reminds me of the Running Man and Death Race (especially the original). It's just aimed at tweens!
I can't comment on the book, as I haven't read it, but I didn't really connect to the characters. Shane also reminded me about the character, Rue. We are supposed to feel sad when this girl gets shot, but we barely got to know her, so we can't really relate to Katniss's sorrow.
Are we supposed to believe that Katniss's heart belonged to the guy she left at home? But was she just playing the game when she kisses her supposed enemy/partner in the game? Or did she feel it? I wasn't convinced either way. I'm guessing we are supposed to think the former?
Also I thought the whole divide between the classes was too stark! It's never that black and white in reality, and that makes it even more difficult to relate to. The costumes of the rich reminded me of The 5th Element crossed with clowns.
Also, what's all that stuff about 'sponsors' and how important it is to impress them? Why? They don't appear to do anything, and are not mentioned again after she enters the playing field. Perhaps this is something for people who have read all the books?
The whole film felt a bit wishy washy to me. Perhaps I should read the books!"
Hi Lucy,
DeleteI agree that it is aimed at Tweens and I'm guessing with no foreknowledge of the books the film as a whole could be perceived as a "bit wishy washy". I also personally feel that the film would have benefitted by being harder hitting if you know what I mean. I mentioned that the fight scenes etc. are played down and I fully believe its intentionally done so it appeals to the tweens the books were enjoyed by...
I mentioned original material in ode to the book the film was based on, not any other film that themes etc may have been taken from.
In regards to the characters not being developed enough in the movie. Again I agree. I’m guessing I did not pick up on that because I have read the books and am already invested in the characters. I try and read the book before watching any film adaptation as much as I can because for me the film merely skims the points which are written in so much more depth. The same can be said in Harry potter and the like too, I think.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review and giving your views. Its fun. Me and Tom are hoping for this review site to be interactive
Shane followed up with:
ReplyDelete"Lulu! I agree with a lot of your points re The Hunger Games, but you should have read the review more carefully - it's written by Natalie, not Tom and the 'original material' mention is referring to the Hunger Games book, not saying it's an original premise...
Yes, there's a list of films with the same set up as Hunger Games - The Most Dangerous Game (1940's, I think), Running Man, Death Race, Series 7: The Contenders, The Condemned, Battle Royale...but the review still didn't say it was original! "