Ignore the Twilight comparisons, this is great!

Rating: 8/10 (23 March 2012)

Despite what you might have read or heard from all the lazy promoters out there, this is no Twilight. Yes, this is a film adaptation of the first of a book series (three to be exact) that are adored by teens and young adults the world over. Yes, the tale is told from the POV of a 16 y.o. girl. Yes, there are two boys who are smitten with said girl. But no, this is not a weepy love story with shonky action and dubious acting. The Hunger Games – set in a dystopian future where two adolescents from each of the 12 districts of Panem (nee U.S.A.) are chosen to engage in a televised battle to the death where only one survives – is a thought-provoking and ambitious dramatic blockbuster that tackles themes such as oppression and class divide, all the while offering up thrilling (and surprisingly violent) set pieces and intriguing character arcs. The protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, is played to perfection by Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique from X-Men: First Class), who injects the ideal amount of both strength and vulnerability into Katniss and subsequently earns the audience's whole-hearted investment into her plight. Elsewhere Josh Hutcherson is solid (if not as powerful as Lawrence) as fellow competitor, and potential love interest, Peeta Malark, whilst older cast members Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Wes Bentley, Stanley Tucci (very funny) and Donald Sutherland provide terrific support in their smaller roles. The Hunger Games is not perfect – the CGI could've been better – however it's an engrossing event that deserves to attract widespread critical acclaim along with its guaranteed massive box-office haul. Do yourself a favour and ignore the Twilight comparisons, this is well worth a visit to the cinema.