there's no Hunger Games in this Hunger Games movie...

Rating: 8/10 (30 November 2014)

To all non-readers of the Hunger Games trilogy, warning, there's no Hunger Games in this Hunger Games movie (neither will there be any in Part 2)
You know how movies rarely supersede the original books? The Hunger Games trilogy was one of the few which managed to do so. I caught the first Hunger Games movie without reading the book and after watching, I read all the 3 books within the next 5 days. I was surprised (or should I say disappointed) that the movie was way better than the book. I disliked the Katniss in the novel, she's weak, indecisive and cold and I was dreading to watch the next 2 (now 3 films). But Jennifer Lawrence had given the Katniss a better character and in this movie, a bit more emotional depth, albeit a little less action.
Whilst I dislike the third book, because my favourite Peeta went bonkers (due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), I loved Josh Hutcherson's role in the movie. He did not have much screen time as compared to the string of District 13 characters, it made his every single appearance more precious, just like how Katniss treasured that one-way connection every single time, noticing the changes in his appearances. I'm so glad the directors made the characters more likable.
Some might dislike this film for the lack of action, but I love it for the more in-depth emotional development. This is how it's like when preparing for rebellion, preparation is always drier than the flesh-against-flesh punches. That's why when tiny mutinies start in every district, the civilians copying whatever Katniss say, do or sing, and taking down the "peace-keepers", you can't help but want to punch in the air and hiss a silent yes!
t is amazing how Jennifer Lawrence can act as if she's acting (confused much?), when she try to be the Mockingjay icon of District 13. Her satire of a commercialized heroine (Think Captain America before he got to do some kick-ass action) was hilarious, yet she could make the audience feel the jabs of anger and pain when she flared up at the Capitol's bombing of the hospital, and when she saw what Peeta had went through despite everyone else's anger at Peeta's betrayal...
Read on: http://goo.gl/vYfG83