Weak Storyline and Horribly Unbelievable

Rating: 3/10 (8 December 2013)

This is definitely one of the worst and most ridiculous stories I have ever seen in a movie. Apparently the acting government demands a boy and girl between the ages of 12-18 from every district to duke it out with each other until the death. Oddly enough however, these are no ordinary 12-18 year old. As you will see, if you poorly choose to see this ludicrous excuse for a film, these kids are black hearted and bloodthirsty killers who each acquire years of training in weapons handling, stealth, and martial arts. These personae are completely inconsistent with the reluctant and frightened children who were lined up in rows upon the names selection for each contestant. Another thing that bothered me was the rebellion that took place after the black girl died. What did they expect? Why rebel then? Did they really think she would have made it out alive given that she is just one of some 26 contestants?
The idea for the movie is okay, but the delivery is simply a mess. Going into the film, I expected myself to sympathize with all of the kids since their totalitarian government is forcing them to slit each other's throat. It seems however that the majority of them like doing it, and are happy to be there. I kept asking myself throughout the movie, "What in the world am I watching!?" Very little of the characters are likable, which isn't always a bad thing, but in this case it is. The storyline would have had much more going for it if it had the audience holding feelings for the young kids, but instead, it seems like they just want the view to sit back, relax, and enjoy the onslaught as if it is a gladiator game in a coliseum.
The movie has some plus's worth mentioning. Obviously it does have a good cast of actors. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson both add a lot of energy to their characters. The filming and cinematography are worth noting as well. The movie might pass as something to watch with a group of friends on a Friday night, but I have no other regards for the film. If you are looking for an interesting and exciting piece of work, you will not find it here. You can find more enjoying watching something happen under a rock.