Hunger Games become Slumber Games

Rating: 3/10 (1 March 2015)

Having read the books by Suzanna Collins I was really disappointed by the Hunger Games film, directed by Gary Ross. The dystopian, science-fiction story is set in a post apocalyptic country called Panem. The ruling city 'Capitol' takes 24 children from 12 districts, places them in an arena and forces them kill each other until only one is left alive. These are 'The Hunger Games'. The film never comes close to the book except in its depiction of the poverty in District 12 and the gaudy decadence of the Capitol. It also criticises some aspects of modern society very clearly, such as the distribution of wealth. However the negative aspects of this film are far more numerous, for example you never feel properly connected to any of the characters, so you do not really care who lives and who dies. The director also fails to make the film in the least bit logical. A muscled young man dies instantly when hit by a arrow, but a tiny girl takes ages to die from a massive spear to the chest. The acting isn't great especially Josh Hutcherson, who plays Peeta, as he always comes over as whiny and pathetic. Jennifer Lawrence is adequate as Katniss but fails to make you relate to her. All in all I do not recommend you watch the film. Read the books, they are superior to the film in every way. I rate this film a 3 out of 10.