A very good movie, really

Rating: 8/10 (4 September 2013)

To protect her younger sister, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers to take part in The Hunger Games. This is a televised battle where twenty-four teenagers – two from each of the districts of Panem – are forced to fight each other to the death. Blessed with incredible archery skills, Katniss uses all her resources and luck to try and make it to the end.
When I first heard about this movie getting made, I rolled my eyes. It just seemed like Hollywood was looking to piggyback on the success of the Twilight saga by bringing yet another teen novel franchise to the big screen. And let's face it, they were piggybacking. But, and this is a big but, 'The Hunger Games' defied all my expectations.
I'll be honest, if this film was just okay, I'd have been pleasantly surprised. The fact that it's actually brilliant is a slap in the face. You have a very strong plot and story – while I don't think the film properly explains the reason behind why this barbaric event takes place, it's a very interesting concept. There are also the obvious connections to 'Battle Royale', but 'Battle Royale' paid more attention to the blood and the violence. 'The Hunger Games' pays much more attention to character development and the emotional drama.
That's not to say the violence wasn't good. In fact, the violence was extremely well-directed. That very first action sequence when the Games start is a visceral pleasure, enhanced by shaky camera effects and a lack of music. Director Gary Ross is equally adept at handling these violent scenes as he is at getting us to engage with the characters on screen.
Jennifer Lawrence is one of my favourite actors right now, and she proves why in this film. Katniss Everdeen is very similar to the character Lawrence plays in 'Winter's Bone' (for which she was nominated for an Oscar): a young girl who is mature beyond her years, with an entire family dependent on her. Katniss cannot afford to show emotion or weakness; all she can do is carry on living, and carry on supporting her family. It makes her cold and distant, but it also makes her a survivor. Lawrence exudes all of these things perfectly. While the outcome of the movie is obviously very predictable, it's the journey she goes on that appeals. She's surrounded by a cast of great actors (Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci and Woody Harrelson stand out), but this is all about Lawrence.
Like most films, 'The Hunger Games' is probably far too long. Half an hour could have been shaved off and it would have been perfect. But it is on the longer side, and that's a small price to pay, I suppose. But what makes it more grating is that, despite the long running time, a lot of stuff isn't explained enough. It makes me want to read the books (which is good, I guess), but the film should not unwittingly leave you with questions.
'The Hunger Games' is a brilliant film, and I am genuinely interested in seeing the sequel, and where the character of Katniss Everdeen goes next.