The Hunger Games

When books are written an author targets one audience and one audience alone. They don't expect their novels to be transformed, scripted and forged into a completely unique, brilliant and breathtaking adaption of their works. While it's an honor, it's also a tremendously difficult task that any director takes upon themselves when they make the choice to create a film out of something so magnificent and of something with such a large and loyal fanbase.
It's been done before with Harry Potter, and now, it's been done again with the Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games is an adaption of the first book in a trilogy. This tremendous task is taken on by Gary Ross the director of this unique story of the struggles of the future, the corruption of the Government and the hardship that many may face, given the circumstances pan out in a similar fashion. To simplify the story of the Hunger Games without giving too much away, audiences find themselves in an almost refuge-like camp districts (of which there are Twelve). From each of these districts, the Capitol selects a boy and girl to fight to the death on live television. Ultimately, a regular occurring event that many muse over and bet upon. This time however, Katniss Everdeen (played by Jeniffer Lawrence), a young girl from district twelve volunteers to take her younger sister's place for the latest match. What horrors will she face along the way however, she doesn't know.

The story is quite simplistic. In it's own right it's unique and unlike anything we've seen in theaters before, but when you're sitting in the theater and watching - you know that you're going to be in for a merciless show. Young teens are going to have to take up arms and fend for their lives - otherwise - death is all that awaits them. While the story is fairly accurate (from what I heard from book readers I attended with) there is a lot that's missed or cropped from the end product of The Hunger Games. While it's got the meat of the story, it's missing the apple sauce to go with it.

It takes about half-an-hour to really get into it. However, it's essential that this half-an-hour is given for the development of the characters that audiences are going to want to survive. That audiences are going to cheer for and actually worry about given the moment that they find themselves in a situation which could mean life or death. As this is the case, the character development in this film is excellent. You're actually drawn to certain individuals and actually care when they're going up against the odds. Some characters you may only be introduced to personally for a minute or so, but somehow, you still feel linked to them - even when they're not as significant as Katniss.

The directing in this film is excellent. The set choices and the destinations that the film is set within are somehow dreary and uncomfortable, but at the same time, beautiful and cinematic. The film is never a drag and you're not casting a glance down at your watch ever five minutes to see how long the scenes been going for because it doesn't seem to fit. Everything that's been filmed, created and assigned throughout the adaption is essential to creating the exciting adventure that The Hunger Games is. Director Gary Ross makes sure to drill home the message of how powerful hope can be, as well as how overpowering fear can be in the very same respect. The idea that fear, however, is always something that can be overcome - for better or worse.

Performances in the film are excellent. Jennifer Lawrence had me a little concerned when she first appeared on screen and I wasn't sure if she'd be able to carry the film - however - her acting abilities blossomed like no other and I'd go as far as saying she'd one of the most talented young females in Hollywood at the moment. She has a way of connecting with an audience emotionally, through her sadness and happiness as well as her relief and freight. A perfect choice for the lead role. Josh Hutcherson plays Peeta Mellark, co-starring alongside Lawrence. Hutcherson is immensely talented, and he is able to convey that through his acting in this film. While before he might have just been "that kid that was in all those Disney movies", now he's actually starting to branch away from all that to shape himself as a performer. Once more, his display and connection to his character was phenomenal. Minor cast members including Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks put in stunning performances as well, further carrying this movie in every regard.

While many are still unpleased with the minor rating it received, Gary Ross does his best to display all the bloody, gruesome violence in a way that doesn't risk the film being pushed out of the desired rating. While it isn't as bloody as many would've hoped - it isn't absent of blood and gore. The suggestiveness of what is happening and the distinct splatters of blood and the reckless camera work makes for just as good a show as extensive blood works would have.

The film isn't without its flaws and it's certainly lengthy with an abrupt ending, considering the fact that there are another two films to follow, but The Hunger Games makes for a good watch and a nice night out at the movies. It's exciting, new and thrilling in every respect and showcases some talent that we haven't seen nearly enough of in the past few years.