Hungering for more.

Rating: 9/10 (4 April 2012)

Reviewing the film purely on its cinematic merit and ignoring the source material, 'The Hunger Games' is a bold franchise starter, notably philosophical for a 'teen' blockbuster. The writers have devoted half of the running time to exploring, albeit only skimming the surface, the social and cultural ramifications of a nation hosting an annual televised bloodbath as punishment for a previous rebellion against the Capitol. The result is a surprisingly deep action drama that does so much more than offer predictable fan service.
With such provocative subject matter and an engaging script, director Gary Ross could have quite easily been complacent in his approach, but he instead raises the games with two contrasting shooting styles; one a blend of extreme close ups and long shots that give the first act the edge of a documentary, the second an aggressive 'shaky cam' that that is wholly appropriate to the action that takes place when the eponymous games finally begin. If the inevitable sequel is shot in an equally suitable manner, we can anticipate curiously what tone might be captured in 'Catching Fire'; until then 'The Hunger Games' succeeds in delivering action for the PG-13 crowd while its unnerving subtext plays to viewers of more refined tastes.
Stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, playing Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Malark respectively as the 'tributes' chosen to represent District 12 in the 74th iteration of the Hunger Games, have a refreshing dynamic that complements the female character's unusual physical prowess over her male counterpart. Hutcherson faces a similar discrepancy acting against his co-star, who undoubtedly has the greater emotion to toy with, though it appears something central to establishing him as a more interesting character may have been lost in translation between the novel and the screen. Regardless, the pair accomplish an endearing chemistry that will cement their status as Hollywood's new 'power couple' in the wake of the final instalment in the 'Twilight' saga, which this series looks set to eclipse with the deserving success of this film.
'The Hunger Games' will undoubtedly garner a legacy for itself as being amongst more credible adaptations, its uncommon wide appeal ensuring an extensive audience as is only fitting for its brave efforts. Finally a studio can (and will hopefully continue to) fill cinema seats nationwide with a film that caters towards a spectrum of demographics.
9/10