Works fine in the city, not so much in the woods

Rating: 6/10 (26 March 2012)

Like many other, I first saw the trailer, was intrigued and only then learned that it's actually a "young adult" novel. That label makes me sick and I went to see the movie only on a recommendation.
First of all, the theme seems a lot like "Running Man", both the novel and the movie. I won't say it's a ripoff, but you just can't neglect it. From the dictatorial regime throwing a bloody reality game, down to the flamboyant host, and even the flashy colors in the TV studio and the costumes. But that's probably just me.
The intro and the Capitol parts are very convincing and a little disturbing, it really made me think and I'm not easily fooled by sugarcoated Hollywood c**p. The decadent society of the well-fed, who seem oblivious to the real world of poverty and despair beyond their impressive city, is not so unbelievable and I really see it as one possible future. High marks for that one.
However, the action part in the woods is drawn-out and only average, with shaky camera-work not really helping matters. The same story could have been told in less time and with more believability and that would've made it much more enjoyable.
What puzzles me, and some other reviewers as well it seems, is the down-played hunger. Kids who are reduced to squirrels as their main protein source seem completely cool when brought to a world where each meal is a feast - and many scenes take place at the table. It's either poorly acted or poorly written.
On the other hand, the violence was cleverly depicted: I don't need buckets of blood to feel something very gory and tragic is happening, I don't need to see skulls crack and limbs torn to think it's a good action movie.
A bit about the cast. Woody - so so, Sutherland phones it in, Bentley seems more interested in his beard than the acting, Banks' character needed to be given more, because she seems she could have pulled it off. Hemsworth and Hutcherson - eye candy for teen girls. Jennifer Lawrence is quite good and deserves a mention. I don't have a particularly good opinion of her acting skills, but here she pulled off a good performance, again, more convincing in the city even though her character is more at home in the woods.
Overall, an uneven film that still manages to be intriguing but leaves you wanting more. Maybe I'm the jaded, cynical 30-something that wants more grit and much more social commentary. But then again, it's a movie aimed at a very different audience and on that level it succeeds much better. What works both ways is the need to straighten up the directing and pay more attention to characters. Maybe the sequels will be better.