Could be better, could be worse

Rating: 7/10 (23 April 2013)

PSA: I've read the book. HAPPY HUNGER GAMES! The odds are in the favor of this film adaptation of The Hunger Games. Not only is Ross' Games a faithful adaptation, but also an extremely well paced wonder - The Hunger Games ramps up, gets tense and never really lets up until the very end, just like the novel. The book to film adaptation is extremely solid; while much character development is lost (as well as some of the characters themselves) the movie still makes you root for the main characters. The rising action is quite tense because the movie has to move at a brisker pace to cover the major pivotal plot points - this works in favor of the film...mostly. What truly stood out to me as both a fan of the books and of film was the way that the sets and moments of the book were imagined, filmed, and displayed on screen. The stark contrast between the drab District 12 and the Capitol, the humor and personality and lifestyle of the Capitol citizens compared with those being initiated into the Games. But most of all is the Games themselves. Ross, thankfully, did not lighten up on the actual Games segment of the film. The Hunger Games is a dark and very violent novel; the movie follows suit. The scenes, especially the very beginning of the Games, are just as I imagined as I was reading the novel; the scenes themselves are as descriptive as Collins' writing. What The Hunger Games is known for is also the underdog protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. Similar to the novel, Katniss' character is one to root for and to enjoy. The acting across the board is strong; Lawrence is a perfect Katniss, Huthcerson (who I couldn't stand in earlier films such as Journey To the Center of the Earth) plays a surprisingly good Peeta, and Woody Harrelson steals the show as the drunk and lovable Haymitch Abernathy. The other characters (Caeser, Snow, Effie, and Cinna) are great characters in the book are also well acted and well adapted for the screen. (side note: Although Effie's name is never said. That's weird!) From a fan perspective, the scenes that were left out (such as further explaining the dogs, the tracker jacker and mocking jay history, the whole Avox backstory and others) were great source material that I wish would have made the cut. I understand that things had to be cut (especially since the film itself was already 144 minutes), but considering the adaption is pretty strong, I can live with the cuts. There were also some scenes that were altered that I wish had played out like they had in the novel, but what happened in these scenes (in the film ) was still coherent and understandable. There were also scenes added (the District 11 scene in particular) that were well done - artistic leeway payed off. Small side note on sound design: very well done in this department. While the film remains fairly quiet, the few orchestrated tracks that are played are for emphasis - and they create a very tense mood, especially at the start of the Games. The sound design is also fantastic; the forest in the arena is very lively and watching it in the movie theater was a treat. The sounds truly create an enveloping atmosphere. What I can really be proud to say is the adaptation is actually good. It's a very fine film that people who have never read the book will most definitely enjoy. And for those that have read the novel, the payoff is large: to see a very clear and well planned imagining of an extremely good and well imagined universe is rare. And with the film actually being good, well acted, and not cheesy (except for one scene - you know what I'm talking about) it will hopefully encourage a greater following of the series - not that the fan base isn't bursting at the seams or anything! The only negative aspect of this film as a film - not an adaption - is its panicked feel. Not the whole film, but rather the beginning and part of the Games. While it gets the job done, It feels like the film at certain points comes out at breakneck speed and maintains it. Never letting go, never letting up, and never getting the audience a chance to breathe - and stumbling in the process. It had to be extremely difficult to direct The Hunger Games. Even at 144 min. runtime, the film still felt rushed. All in all, The Hunger Games is a phenomenal start to the film adaptations of a very respected series. While much is cut in the transition from movie to book (the book is definitely better folks - but thats always a given), the movie doesn't cut what makes The Hunger Games an extremely interesting and intense piece of fiction - underdog hero, intense relations, and a drive to come out on top and win the Games. "The Hunger Games" comes highly recommend - especially because it is a standout adaptation as well as a pretty darn good film in itself.