good enough to justify franchise

Rating: 7/10 (16 August 2013)

Based on popular books, the totalitarian nation of Panem is divided between 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal retribution for a past rebellion, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. 24 enters 1 leaves. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She is an underdog against other participants who have trained for this their whole lives.
Other than Jennifer Lawrence, there isn't much to write home about. The scale of the movie barely big enough. The action isn't that brutal. The artistic style is a mishmash. Some of the important people have fanciful hair but are they truly original? I haven't read the books and after watching this, I don't intend to. By comparison, I eventually broke down and read the Harry Potter books after watching the 3rd movie. To be honest, I don't know what the big deal is. It's good enough to justify the franchise.