If you read the book, you may be disappointed

Rating: 6/10 (30 March 2012)

If you have not read the book, you may like this movie. If you're planning to read the book, then watch the movie, DON'T! I did just right before I watched the movie and I was very disappointed. I think if I hadn't read the book, I might have enjoyed this movie more.
The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic future. The fictional nation of Panem holds the Hunger Games annually where individual teenagers, called tributes, are chosen to participate in a fight to the death and survive until one is the victor. Two tributes are chosen from each impoverished district and there are 12 districts in Panem. The Hunger Games are held as a historic reminder and punishment for the districts for a war held many years ago where the districts rebelled against the wealthy Capitol.
When Katniss's younger sister is chosen as tribute for their district, she volunteers to take her place. She is then taken to the Capitol where she is introduced to a different world then the one she knows in her impoverished district. The Capitol offers her fine dining, luxurious living quarters, and other wealthy amenities. They also have her train and give her assessment in order to prepare for the Games. The Hunger Games is also very media driven like a sporting event. Everyone watches it being broadcast and it even has commentary. Of course, Katniss tries to survive while attempting to stay true to herself. There is also a kind of love triangle story involving Katniss, her fellow tribute from her district, Peeta, and her best friend in her district, Gale.
The story, though we have already seen variations of it such as Running Man and Battle Royale, is still entertaining. I didn't have any problems with the acting. Jennifer Lawrence stood out in her performance as Katniss. I also enjoyed Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, Katniss's personal stylist, and Woody Harrelson as Haymitch, Katniss's mentor. The movie does seem rushed with incomplete character development and background story. You may not fully understand these aspects unless you read the book.
Now, if you read the book, you may feel CHEATED like me when you leave the theater. I'm not a big fan of the Hunger Games book, but I did enjoy it. I felt the violence was toned down. I didn't get the raw emotion that you get from the book. Also, there was so much psychological aspects in the book that the movie doesn't capture. During the games, some killing was shown, but where was the survival? Can the movie audience that didn't read the book understand Katniss is trying to sell the love story in order to receive assistance? They didn't really touch upon that factor in the movie. I know they couldn't cram the whole book into a 2.5 hour movie and could change certain aspects, but it lacked so much of the mentality of the book.
The movie was somewhat entertaining and a decent attempt. Those who have not read the book may enjoy it, but may not get the full value of The Hunger Games.