A watchable movie

Rating: 7/10 (1 December 2012)

Although other reviews strongly criticize the movie and the book series I do not intend to compare this with the golden age of fantasy and Science fiction, nor will I compare Suzanne Collins to Asimov, Tolkien or Herbert. It will be inconceivable.
It is indeed minor literature and minor movie making. I remember reading Dune when I was 15 and than again when I was 22. It took me 7 years and a lot of philosophy and political readings to finally get a decent grasp on those books. Yes indeed, Hunger Games doesn't have that much of subtext, but it is certainly a nice story.
Than again look around you and try to find a good movie of this kind that isn't a remake or a good book that is truly original. I guess from the massive pile of bad movies and no substance characters, The Hunger Games might be considered decent enough to watch and read.
Now too the movie. You have to keep in mind that Katniss is a 16 year old girl. With barely education at all, deeply traumatized and forced to survive in dire conditions. That's even before she entered the arena. You will not say much either. I think Jennifer Lawrence portraits her pretty well. Her acting is not so vocalized, but lets us guess a lot of what is going inside her. Decent acting on the rest of the cast as well.
The sets are great. The contrast between the district and the capitol is exactly how I've imagined it. And the arena is simply well made. The makeup and costumes are fabulous.
The story follows with little exceptions the one of the book. For example the mocking jade pin is given by Marge in the book and by an old lady in the movie.
A decent and watchable movie, considering the alternatives.
I apologize for not asking for more.