Massively Overrated

Rating: 5/10 (15 June 2015)

I had absolutely no interest in seeing this movie when it came out back in 2012. I saw trailers for it and couldn't see what all the hype was about, so I never gave it a 2nd thought. After now watching it (I saw it on TV purely because there was nothing else on) I STILL can't see what the hype is all about because for me The Hunger Games is a somewhat mediocre - and vastly overrated - Sci-Fi/Action movie that left me feeling unfulfilled and kind of bored.
Don't get me wrong...it's a watchable film, but it's definitely not anywhere near the hype it's been given, nor as good. Teens may enjoy it, but in all honesty, anyone over the age of 16 will probably think it's a very average movie.
Now, I've not read the books (and have no intention to either) so I don't know how accurate the films are in comparison to the novels, but this is basically a cross between The Running Man and Battle Royale with the look of Tim Burton's version of Alice in Wonderland thrown in that is aimed for the mid-teen crowd. In fact I can just picture a bunch of teen girls "ooohhh-ing", "aahhhhh-ing", and giggling every time Liam Hemsworth comes on screen, or teen boys wiping drool off their chins as they gawp at Jennifer Lawrence. Makes me glad I don't have kids myself so I'm not forced to watch movies like this.
It's usually these reasons why I avoid these types of films...it's all about looks rather than acting ability or story. That and they are generally guff.
Anyway, if you're looking for something that is exciting, thrilling, keeps you entertained with an enjoyable story then you'd best avoid this. On the other hand, if you're wanting to watch something because there's nothing else on, or just want to while away a couple of hours then you can do worse than The Hunger Games.