“The Hunger Games” is a stirring and entertaining adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel of the same name and an auspicious beginning for the next big tentpole film series. Odds are good that even those unfamiliar with the book series will enjoy it, and those rabid fans will find the film by and large a faithful version of the novel. By now, if you haven’t heard the plot, here is the lowdown. “The Hunger Games” is in the future in what was formerly known as North America now divided into twelve districts. They come together to participate in the Hunger Games, a competition for young boys and girls aged 12-18, in which each contestant battles until one is left. They hold a raffle to determine the contestants, and sixteen-year old Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers to compete for her sister Prim, whose name is unexpectedly drawn. Now she must rely upon her sharp instincts to compete against highly (and illegally) trained Tributes, who have prepared for these Games their entire lives. Part sci-fi, part action film and part survival film, “The Hunger Games” is a winner: it's entertaining and well-paced, with key plot points and characters retained from the novel; the slower first half gives way to a vastly entertaining, more enjoyable second half. Lawrence grounds the film well in the lead role, while Josh Hutcherson, who looks younger than Lawrence, is also good as Peeta, and the handsome Liam Hemsworth in a smaller part (at least in this part) as Gale. Watch for Stanley Tucci (best of the supporting cast), Wes Bentley, Elizabeth Banks (unrecognizable as Effie), Woody Harrelson (strong as Haymitch), Lenny Kravitz and even veteran actor Donald Sutherland as the insensitive President, all of whom get in good moments. The sets, costumes (the fire amidst the costumes is handled well) and a few action sequences highlight the action-packed film; yet, for what it’s worth “The Hunger Games” is a little long, maybe packing in too much, but that should please fans of the book even more. Whether you’ve read the books or not, odds are in your favor that you will want to see "The Hunger Games," an affecting and enjoyable sci-fi action flick.
Friday, March 23, 2012
The Hunger Games - B+
Rated R, 142 minutes
“The Hunger Games” is a stirring and entertaining adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel of the same name and an auspicious beginning for the next big tentpole film series. Odds are good that even those unfamiliar with the book series will enjoy it, and those rabid fans will find the film by and large a faithful version of the novel. By now, if you haven’t heard the plot, here is the lowdown. “The Hunger Games” is in the future in what was formerly known as North America now divided into twelve districts. They come together to participate in the Hunger Games, a competition for young boys and girls aged 12-18, in which each contestant battles until one is left. They hold a raffle to determine the contestants, and sixteen-year old Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers to compete for her sister Prim, whose name is unexpectedly drawn. Now she must rely upon her sharp instincts to compete against highly (and illegally) trained Tributes, who have prepared for these Games their entire lives. Part sci-fi, part action film and part survival film, “The Hunger Games” is a winner: it's entertaining and well-paced, with key plot points and characters retained from the novel; the slower first half gives way to a vastly entertaining, more enjoyable second half. Lawrence grounds the film well in the lead role, while Josh Hutcherson, who looks younger than Lawrence, is also good as Peeta, and the handsome Liam Hemsworth in a smaller part (at least in this part) as Gale. Watch for Stanley Tucci (best of the supporting cast), Wes Bentley, Elizabeth Banks (unrecognizable as Effie), Woody Harrelson (strong as Haymitch), Lenny Kravitz and even veteran actor Donald Sutherland as the insensitive President, all of whom get in good moments. The sets, costumes (the fire amidst the costumes is handled well) and a few action sequences highlight the action-packed film; yet, for what it’s worth “The Hunger Games” is a little long, maybe packing in too much, but that should please fans of the book even more. Whether you’ve read the books or not, odds are in your favor that you will want to see "The Hunger Games," an affecting and enjoyable sci-fi action flick.
“The Hunger Games” is a stirring and entertaining adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel of the same name and an auspicious beginning for the next big tentpole film series. Odds are good that even those unfamiliar with the book series will enjoy it, and those rabid fans will find the film by and large a faithful version of the novel. By now, if you haven’t heard the plot, here is the lowdown. “The Hunger Games” is in the future in what was formerly known as North America now divided into twelve districts. They come together to participate in the Hunger Games, a competition for young boys and girls aged 12-18, in which each contestant battles until one is left. They hold a raffle to determine the contestants, and sixteen-year old Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers to compete for her sister Prim, whose name is unexpectedly drawn. Now she must rely upon her sharp instincts to compete against highly (and illegally) trained Tributes, who have prepared for these Games their entire lives. Part sci-fi, part action film and part survival film, “The Hunger Games” is a winner: it's entertaining and well-paced, with key plot points and characters retained from the novel; the slower first half gives way to a vastly entertaining, more enjoyable second half. Lawrence grounds the film well in the lead role, while Josh Hutcherson, who looks younger than Lawrence, is also good as Peeta, and the handsome Liam Hemsworth in a smaller part (at least in this part) as Gale. Watch for Stanley Tucci (best of the supporting cast), Wes Bentley, Elizabeth Banks (unrecognizable as Effie), Woody Harrelson (strong as Haymitch), Lenny Kravitz and even veteran actor Donald Sutherland as the insensitive President, all of whom get in good moments. The sets, costumes (the fire amidst the costumes is handled well) and a few action sequences highlight the action-packed film; yet, for what it’s worth “The Hunger Games” is a little long, maybe packing in too much, but that should please fans of the book even more. Whether you’ve read the books or not, odds are in your favor that you will want to see "The Hunger Games," an affecting and enjoyable sci-fi action flick.
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