Hunger Games: Winning at the Box Office

Rating: 10/10 (9 April 2012)

The Hunger Games was a terrific movie, and probably the best "action" type movie since District 9. This is more of a character driven personal story than an action thriller, though it certainly has enough action and thrills.
The acting carries this film. Hutcherson does an admirable job of conveying the shift in the character from a gross lack of confidence, to competitor, to lover? Well, maybe lover, as the director does a terrific job of blending the competitors fake affection for actual affection brought on by the intensity of the setting. Hemsworth's small role seemed to be a teaser as Thor's little brother is expected to play a much larger role in the sequel. Finally, Jennifer Lawrence is terrific in her role without using a ton of dialogue. She delivers powerful emotion without speaking, which is a bit reminiscent of Clint Eastwood.
This more than compensates for a handful of flat, underdeveloped and "evil" characters. There were numerous other actors and actresses that delivered in the final product including Woody Harelson, Elizabeth Banks, the always terrific Stanley Tucci, Wes Bentley, Donald Southerland, and an amazing though short lived performance by Amandla Stenberg.
Gary Ross perfectly blended all the elements of action, suspense, and even some lovey dovey moments. The beginning of the movie had several nice touches including the split screen and polyvision which amplified the crushing presence of government and the poverty of the people. The costumes, specifically those of the "peace keepers", were terrific and gave a feel of 70s and 80s science fiction.
The bottom line is that Lion's Gate hit it out of the park, and unless Batman can rise to the challenge this could be 2012s top grossing film.