Movie Review: The Hunger Games

Imagine a world where teenagers are forced to fight to the death. Now imagine that fight is a hugely popular reality TV show. You'd probably get something resembling The Hunger Games, which could also be described as what you'd get if The Truman Show and Gladiator had a baby (how many of you are imagining a baby that looks somewhere in between Jim Carrey and Russell Crowe - not a pretty thought). But seriously, the result is pretty good.

The basic premise is that Katniss Everdene (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers to be a "tribute" and fight to the death once her sister is selected. We then follow her journey towards participating in this ritual (which apparently is because of and in order to stop outbreaks of violence in what is definitely a modern-day version of Rome) and her relationships with the other tributes and those who are helping her get ready (Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz and the not so helpful Elizabeth Banks, though we can't blame that on her, that's just the character). You do the math though, there can only be one victor. Oh, did I forget to mention she just happens to be almost as good as Legolas with a bow and arrow. That surely will come in handy.

If I were basing my verdict of this movie solely on the premise, I'd give it pretty good marks. I mean, this is one messed up society. The scary part being how it doesn't seem to be too many steps away from what we have now. There is a huge emphasis (but not overwhelmingly so) on how good a show the whole thing is. It tells, but it doesn't preach.

But I don't base my judgments on premise alone (see here for probably my biggest disappointment). The execution (pun half intended) was also quite good. You get a good sense of what these kids are going through at times and that helps with understanding. It's not just a bunch of fighting (there's not actually all that much of it, really). You also get to see how those who control the "arena" (actually a big wilderness area) really do show a sense of detachment. They don't see these children as living things, just a pieces on a chessboard (a really, REALLY high-tech chessboard).

When I first saw the trailer for this movie I was hooked instantly (well, not Cloverfield hooked, but how often does that happen?). It was only recently that I had my doubts when I saw the massive marketing machine behind the movie. But I didn't let the teen target audience deter me from going and I'm glad I did. Certainly this is a way better movie for teens than Twilight (ugh, preview for the last one beforehand). Katniss is certainly a worthy hero and I can't imagine anyone not rooting for her.

The movie is based on the book (first of a trilogy, so guess where the movie's going...) by Suzanne Collins (who was recently featured in the Observer for this particular book). Guess what just jumped onto my reading list?

A lot has been said about this movie and there are definitely high expectations for it. I'd suggest you go give it a try. Even if it's not your thing, I think movies like this will make you think. Hopefully you'll see a little bit of our world in there. Will this happen? Probably not, but it does make one wonder what path we're on and what our current obsessions will lead to.

Watch the trailer (sorry, YouTube won't let me embed this).


Note: Last week I saw two movies that I'm hoping to put reviews up for soon, but it may take a few days. Also, a book review coming and some other stuff (if there's time).