A decent film for a younger audience.

Rating: 7/10 (6 May 2012)

For every successful film franchise based on books for young readers, like 'Harry Potter' and 'Twilight', there's one that sank without trace, E.G. 'His Dark Materials' and 'Stormbreaker'. The latest series hoping to make the transition from print to box office gold is 'The Hunger Games'. Grittier than 'Harry Potter' and less melodramatic than 'Twilight, this one could well make it. Jennifer Lawrence takes the lead as Katniss Everdeen, handling the role with amazing maturity. Woody Harrelson brings his immense talent to his character Haymitch Abernathy and is a welcome addition to the cast for older viewers. The plot has three distinct sections; before, during and after the games which is a lot to cover in a movie, giving a running time of 142 minutes. It's a credit to director Gary Ross that it doesn't outstay its welcome. Being aimed at the younger audience, violence is toned down as much as possible â€“ although you're never in any doubt about what's happening as the game's participants fight to the death. I did find the costumes of the ruling classes over the top and a bit childish with their garish colours. Whilst not quite meaty enough to satisfy adults, this film does succeed in being well pitched for its target audience.