"The Hunger Games"

Rating: 7/10 (21 July 2012)

After hearing all the hype about 'The Hunger Games,' I went out, bought the book, and read it, anticipating something that was worth my time. In fact, I really enjoyed it, and while it's not as great as Harry Potter, I think 'The Hunger Games' is something pretty great.
'The Hunger Games' takes place in a post apocalyptic America where, instead of states, we are divided up into districts. Every year, the government chooses one boy and one girl from each (12) districts and they are forced to fight to the death in an arena, like a sport. We follow the main character, Katniss, as she struggles to stay alive, and fight her feelings for her opponent.
One of the main criticisms this film has received is the concept of children killing children. I, for one, am not the type that is against movies and their content, mainly because it is an art form. So the concept really didn't bother me in this film, and I can say, it was really good. The leads are likable, the dialogue is good, and the action is fun to watch. There are a few tense moments, but that leads me to my problem with the film. Sometimes I felt the direction was a bit shaky, and it kind of distracted me from the experience.
Overall, I think 'The Hunger Games' is a worthy adaptation of a great novel, and it lives up to the hype, and I can't wait for the sequels.