Hungry For Jennifer.

Rating: 9/10 (22 May 2015)

The Hunger Games (2012): Dir: Gary Ross / Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks: Exhilarating exercise in survival as this futuristic worldview deems high society as cruel while the poor is victim to their reality entertainment. A male and female between the ages of twelve and eighteen are chosen via lottery from each of the twelve districts to partake in a fight for survival for which only one emerges the winner. When North America lay in ruin, Panem was divided into these districts where rebellion is met with the games. Katniss Everdeen volunteers to replace her younger sister since she is skilled at archery and hunting. Her District twelve male partner is Peeta Mellark who once gave her food. All twenty-four participants are cut loose in an arena / forest where cameras capture their massacre. Tense action is matched by a powerful screenplay and a clever solution that exposes the corruption. Directed by Gary Ross who previously made the inventive Pleasantville. Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss is the emotional centre struggling to survive while experiencing humanity at its most vile. Josh Hutcherson as Peeta battles his need to survive verses his desire for Katniss. Liam Hemsworth is basically there for Twilight style marketing as the other guy, but his presence is limited. Woody Harrelson steals scenes as a drunken sponsor of District twelve survivor. Elizabeth Banks fashions it up with her glitter and candied frankness for the camera. Theme regards life, death and the desire to embrace the presence of love and sacrifice. Score: 9 ½ / 10