disturbing

Rating: 6/10 (26 January 2013)

I have not read the book so the movie was new to me.
The shaking camera is the worst thing to happen to cinema. And I am not the only one to dislike it. I hope movie makers get the message to STOP IT! This movie disturbed me. It reminded me of stories we have heard regarding the Roman coliseum. People forced to fight to the death. I had hoped to see a total rebellion that would overthrow the cruel people who rule from the center and subjugate every one else. That did not happen. Maybe the writers left that open for a sequel.
The scene where the tributes enter the stadium with the huge crowd cheering gave me flashbacks to videos I have seen of assemblies of the Third Reich. Creepy. I suppose it was done to add to the threatening atmosphere.
Another aspect that disturbs me is people who have commented here and elsewhere seemed disappointed that the fight scenes weren't clear and graphic. People complain because the scenes weren't gory enough? Makes me wonder if those violent video games are priming our youth to be insensitive to gore and the sanctity of human life.
The thought of teen aged youth hacking and chopping each other to death made my skin crawl. So maybe the movie did what it intended to do.
The acting was good, the only reason I rated it as high as #6, and the fact that this movie raised an awareness of archery. Target shooting of archery is an excellent means to learn patience and concentration. Skills not taught by most video games and skills many employers find lacking in new hires.
SPOILER FOLLOWS. DO NOT READ IF YOU HATE TO KNOW HOW IT ENDS.
The ending left me feeling cheated. The evil empire still rules. The subjects return to their miserable hard scrabble lives. YUUCK! Now I need to plug in a comedy to get my feel good.