Such Potential, Such a Disappointment

Rating: 2/10 (19 August 2012)

This story has such potential to be an major contender for the 'Twilight' and 'Harry Potter' vehicles, yet falls on the sword of many movies.... Attempting to do too much in too little time. What we have here is a really long and disjointed movie that, in reality should have been set-up like a real trilogy in several offerings rather than what has been created.
I attempt to be diplomatic here because I truly believe that the books are masterful and has been cheapened by the product we see before us now. I suspect, but have no proof, that the author believed that she would make a quick buck by selling the rights to the books and then envisioned the 'professionals' would take it from there.
The Good: Casting in the form of Harrelson, Banks and Tucci, as all were masterful in their portrayals with what they were given for the script. I really like Harrelson, even if I always will think of him as Woody from Cheers. I do feel that he was not all that convincing compared to the character in the book. Banks, as in Jack's wife in 30-Rock was very Helen Bonham Carter- ish in her portrayal of Effie Trinket. Tucci.... this man would shine in anything that is given to him.
The Bad: The VERY disjointed story. Unless you're under 16-years of age or have little concept of truly feeling the character, this story is an act in futility. There is little to no back story for the characters, leaving this reviewer to not care if all or any of them got killed off. At one point, I was hoping they would "just die already" so I could leave. As I was not connected to the characters, I focused more on the plot holes and inconsistency with the book and then thinking "Why did they cast (blank) in that role?"
I've seen Hutcherson in quite a few roles when he was younger, all I have to say is that he must have a VERY good agent, and I hope that guy/gal gets paid allot! He was mis-cast for this role, but I suspect that was for the pre-teen girl audience with little consideration for anyone else. Lawerence is most likely a very good actress, but comes off as un-likable, pushy and ignorant in this part, instead of simply an intelligent and strong-willed young woman.
Finally, I agree with many reviewers that there were two other flaws here.... The shaky camera syndrome did not make it feel 'more real' to me and the choice to "attempt" to draw the viewer in with the muted portions and ear ringing in various scenes. Eventually, this was just a distraction/annoyance and I left the movie with a headache.
Ultimately, this is a good movie for the pre-teen set who will make it a financial success because they are taking their parents money and going in a horde of screaming pre-teen glory. There is little else to like as far as substance, but unfortunately we will be subject to a sequel because this one was a financial success, if not a story line failure.