Superficially entetaining and thematically deep

Rating: 7/10 (30 June 2013)

The Hunger Games was one of the films in 2012 I expected to be a disaster but hoped that it was carfted well. My hypothesis of the film was clearly wrong and my hopes for the film was very much proved right.
The plot of this film is very simple allowing audiences to be interested and earn the studios some profit. Though it is not the film's plot that made me, for the most part, enjoyed this film but it is the film's themes of political and commercial manipulation to ensure the peace and cooperation within the Capitol and the twelve districts. So much of this film reminds me of Ridley Scott's Gladiator as it also incorporates the importance of winning the audience as a tool of surviving in the arena. The film's focus on romance drew me out for a bit as it felt a little tiresome, though it's use in pleasing the sponsors was very interesting.
Gary Ross' direction is, for the most part, great. He really seems to understand the source material and accurately and entertainingly transfers Suzanne Collins novel to the screen. Ross has chosen to create a gloomy atmosphere in showcasing the districts and the world of Panem. Though the Capitol is almost the complete opposite of the twelve districts; Ross still maintains that depressing feel when displaying the Capitol by showing that these people, who root and applaud for the chosen tributes, are animals who wants to see these children destroy themselves for their entertaining (Something that is also similar to Gladiator). I am happy with Ross' decisions and direction but there is one area where I found him a bit weak at and that is the action. The action sequences in this film didn't entertain or excite me as it should have. They feel generic and lackluster, though the scene with Katniss running in the flaming forest was done well.
The cinematographer for this film was Tom Stern, who usually is found as the DP of Clint Eastwood films. Stern knows how to create a mood with his photography, Gran Torino and Million Dollar Baby, and he successfully does that for The Hunger Games. The colors are muted and has this blue hue that fills the image, particularly in shots of District 12. The Capitol on the other hand is captured with breathtaking wide shots and fantastic lighting. There was a particular moment in the film where Katniss is hallucinating from the Tracker Jackers, this moment was created excellently. There will be a few people who will find the shaky cam to be too overbearing and frequent but it did not bother me so much.
The pacing of this film was handled excellently with fast cuts that move the film along at a pace that does not slow the film down or bore the audience. I feel that this film should have some sort of extended cut or director's cut to show a little more with Donald Sutherland's character to set him up much more for the next installment.
One of the film's main highlights is the production design of the film which to me feels very inspired by the Romans and made me think back of films like Gladiator. The Capitol's design draws similarities to Rome in Ridley Scott's Gladiator. The costumes and make up in this film is very wild and eccentric and I think fits very well and not at all distracting.
James Newton Howard's score fits well with the film's tone and setting. I hate coming back to this but again I found certain segments of his score to resemble Hans Zimmer's score in Gladiator. The score never at a point dominated a moment which made me stop and adore but it I did notice it's presence and fit well with the film.
Now the actors in the other hand are a bit polarizing with me as the leads I found to be a little disappointing. Jennifer Lawrence portrays Katniss passable enough that she wouldn't be seen as the down side among the actors in this film. I felt that she, and also Josh Hutcherson, did not show the emotions that I hoped they would experience given their situation. These two were placed in a horrible situation that may result in death and somehow they don't convey any signs of anxiety, fear or anger. It felt that they went straight to acceptance. I would have appreciated it if they showed it even a little so it won't affect too much of the character. Hutcherson in my opinion is the weakest link and the main reason why I felt chemistry was a bit lacking between him and Lawrence. He doesn't seem to be in touch with his character and at the same can't challenge Lawrence's acting. Though the moments with Katniss and Rue, Lawrence did these scenes perfectly and shown the protagonist's vulnerability. In the supporting cast, there were some scene stealers and these were Woody Harrelson as Haymitch and Elizabeth Banks as Effie. They are spot on with their comedy and hit their marks when they deliver their lines. Harrelson embodies this troubles soul so deeply that you are really convinced that Woody may actually just be playing his regular self. Liam Hemsworth, i felt was not in the screen long enough to actually show his relevance but this may change in the sequels. Lenny Kravitz did fine but nothing noteworthy. Donald Sutherland should have been used more in this film as he is truly, i felt, is the main protagonist and still will be in the upcoming sequels. At the end, Sutherland felt menacing and dark which gladly sets up his goal in the next film.
The film's plot may be simple but it's use of symbolism is great. Beautiful cinematography, excellent pacing, spot on score, and fine acting ensures that this film is definitely worth a watch at least twice or own on home media.