What It’s About: The latest big-buzz book-to-movie franchise begins, and it won’t disappoint devoted fans. Based on Suzanne Collins’ first sci-fi novel in a bestselling trilogy, “The Hunger Games” takes place in dystopian future, the United States now divided into 12 districts where worker bees provide for the corrupt elite headquartered in the obscenely grotesque Capitol (think a dark Oz with gaudy minions and cruel leaders).
Once a year, two teens from each district compete in a survivor-reality TV match, leaving one victor and 23 dead. The winner gets food and privileges for their family and district. After a previous uprising, this is a way for the evil government to keep the fearful, distrusting masses in their place. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers to take her sister’s place, representing the poor coal-mining region of District 12 (think Appalachia).
Performances: A strong ensemble is the film’s best feature. Young Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence (“Winter’s Bone”) is mesmerizing as the noble heroine, who’s athletic and smart enough to conquer setbacks. She must carry the entire film, and she does it remarkably well. The males in the love triangle are likable and good-looking, but Liam Hemsworth (“The Last Song”) doesn’t get much screen time as her best bud Gale, and Josh Hutcherson (“The Kids Are All Right”) doesn’t seem as comfortable a fit as Peeta, the baker’s son with a crush on Katniss.
The supporting players with opportunities to shine include Stanley Tucci as an unctuous talk show host, Woody Harrelson as the former winner now sloppy alcoholic, and Lenny Kravitz as a sincere stylist. Wes Bentley’s facial hair is cut so elaborate that it takes your attention away from his character, while Donald Sutherland is chilling as mean old man President Snow. A little hope is good, a lot of hope is bad, the prez tells his gamemaster Seneca.
What works: The film is competently crafted and very faithful to the book. Thankfully, because of the disturbing battles, the director has chosen not to show us a bloodbath — the quick-cut images are enough. The parable about maintaining ethics and being good in a mad world succeeds in getting its points across. This first installment sets up the story for the next one perfectly.
What doesn’t work: If you haven’t read the book, connecting with the more peculiar characters is challenging. While you can catch up, those not familiar will be a little lost at times. Because it is social commentary about our reality TV obsession, celebrity culture, sheep-herd mentality, and spin-doctoring propaganda 21st century-style, one expects more bite.
However, it has a strong female lead, and that is a good thing. She’s a gladiator in a rough-and-tumble world. There is a sense of danger when necessary, but really, what happens to the characters is never doubted.
MOVIE INFO
Stars: Three
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Wes Bentley, Lenny Kravitz, Donald Sutherland and Elizabeth Banks.
Director: Gary Ross
Rated: PG-13 for intense violent thematic material and disturbing images, all involving teens.
Length: 2:20
Originally published in the Belleville News-Democrat March 2012
Venhaus Creative 