The Hunger Games

Rating: 7/10 (5 April 2012)

Based on the popular novels by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games sets reality TV on high by forcing teens into a 24 person battle royale, a legitimate fight to the death where the lone victor will be showered with honors for the district they call home. The government forces children into these ferocious games asÂ penance for society uprising; to keep people in their place they sacrifice two teens from every district, parading them around to gain popularity for a world wide audience. The Hunger Games fashions style and tenacity from its vibrant cinematography, creating a futuristic dystopia where upper society strives on extravagant hair-styles and gaga esque outfits, while the lower classes wallow in 19th century living styles. Millions tune in nationally to see these teens beat each others brains out and take bets on who will become the victor. Much of the build-up revolves around how these contestants sell themselves to gain sponsors who essentially will ensure their survival, the pay-off is immense. Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen shines, and adds a depth to her character that others may have lacked. The fear on her face as she enters the battle royale is real. Up to that point it's been a parade, showing off to gain acclaim, but the fun and games are over and what is about take place is life or death.
The source material for The Hunger Games I'm certain is far more in- depth, and that is somewhat missed within the film. Just when we think we're going to get to know some of these characters they die, or worse yet a flashy explosion detracts from the narrative, but still The Hunger Games delivers in entertainment value, keeping you guessing who will survive and how Katniss will escape her perilous enemies within the battle yet again. Her prowess and survival skills make her a tough cookie, we learn that early on, so were not surprised when her rough exterior makes her a formidable opponent. While she's interesting to say the least, it's her counter-parts who are somewhat lacking; we barely get to know many of them before they're sent off to the slaughter for our viewing pleasure. Amandla Stenberg as the young girl Rue is also noteworthy, shedding humanity onto a film which desperately needs it. Her expressions go beyond her years as a young actress and she adds a delight to the film. Woody Harelson also has a nice supporting role, playing a drunken-tutor who seemingly has written the book on how best to survive.
The Hunger Games while having a wonderful entertainment value fails to go the extra mile to ensure greatness (the ending lacks somewhat; without question they're leaving room for sequels). If anything, the only gripe anyone can have is simply wanting more out of it. Much like a helpless society, we watch people we hardly know slaughter each other, and young adults at that, we are emotionally startled at first but as things progress we become more desensitized until all we want is more brutality. The Hunger Games delivers in this regard, forcing a love angle that may or may not develop in the films to come, and creating a sense of alarm within each of us as we imagine how we would react in a similar scenario. Odds are we would do what was necessary to survive, odds are we would also have the moral fiber to question the games themselves. The Hunger Games works however. Just like the audience watching within the film, you'll have a hard time turning away.
Stephen Febick, 4/2/2012