Very Entertaining

Rating: 9/10 (18 August 2012)

Each of the last few decades have had a really popular book turned into an amazing movie. With Jaws, Die Hard, Jurassic Park, and Lord of the Rings. The currently decade already has one that lives up to the standards set by the previously mentioned films. Jennifer Lawrence is riding high into "The Hunger Games" after being nominated for a best actress performance in "Winter's Bone" and as Mystque in the Stan Lee comic book based "X-Men: First Class". Lawrence gives a very memorable performance and continues to show her talent. Josh Hutchersen may not exactly be my choice for Petta, but he does a nice job. Woody Harralson gives a great performance and Lenny Kravitz turned out not to be a bad choice. For the first half the movie really only develops the characters and saves focusing in on the action scenes for the second half when the games start. While a lot of the deaths are off screen, they are very clear none the less thanks to Gary Ross' directing and a terrificly written script. The characters are very likable and realistic. The whole story is realistic with young men and women going war. And in the world of Panam, that's exactly what The Hunger Games are. All out war. The action is also well crafted. For example, I was rather drawn into the movie when Katniss raised three fingers in respect to Rue right before District 11 is destroyed in a riot. The Hunger Games is a one movie that will get people talking for Acadamy Award nominations and made me anxious to see Catching Fire and Mokingjay on the silver screen.