Hunger Games

" Hunger Games"

"As Reported by Dollyforme"

This is a fabulous movie. Filled to the brim with everything I like to see in a big Hollywood production. Based on the hit novel series. The story is - Katniss Everdeen (played by a 22year old Jennifer Lawrence) lives with her younger sister Prim (Willow Shields) and her mother (Paula Malcomson) in the rundown forest area labeled District 12. Of all the sectors that make up the nation of Panem, District 12 is the poorest. Everdeen is a skilled archer who hunts to provide food for her family as well as to trade. The government has created a competition called the Hunger Games that has a boy and girl called “tributes” from each district participating in a game of death with only one winner.

When, shockingly, her younger sister’s name is called, Everdeen volunteers to take her place. It is one of the rare times that this has happened. The boy selected is Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), whom she knows slightly. The two, along with a mentor, Abernathy (Woody Harrelson), who was a former winner of the games, and a wildly costumed escort, Trinket (Elizabeth Banks), travel to the capitol to prepare and to be interviewed by the Games’ host, Flickerman (Stanley Tucci), for all the nation to see.

The objective of the Hunger Games is simple – the last child standing wins. The battle takes place on a forest landscape that may look natural, but quickly it is understood to be controlled, complete with hidden cameras and hidden dangers created to enhance the excitement of the games.
The screenplay smartly sets up the back story of the Hunger Games, why the nation needs it and who ultimately has the power over it and the citizens. Also the chain of power behind the scenes and the view and beliefs of the president (Donald Sutherland) that he knows just what the Hunger Games does for the people and, much more, what it does for him and the government.

The opening moments of the film, in which director Ross uses silence as Everdeen hunts and shows her skill, is done with little fuss. So, too, her connection with her friend Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth), as the two quietly talk about life. Ross’ direction is sure-handed. He paces the film in such a way that its 2-1/2 hour running time feels half that. Ross’ handling of the dramatic scenes is strong, giving the film a rock solid foundation. The violence in the book has been toned down to the PG-13 level, but still, through some well-done quick editing, the point is still driven home just how deadly the games are.

Lawrence is the centerpiece. She is in almost every scene. She holds the film and is every bit believable as an average girl thrust into something she wasn’t prepared for. Hutcherson has the less showy role, and he underplays each scene, complimenting Lawrence. The two have a strong vibe that grows as the film unfolds. Surrounding Lawrence and Hutcherson is a strong supporting cast, most of which will appear in the next installment.
Hunger Games’ greatest compliment is that those who know nothing about the trilogy will still be entertained, and the film is compelling enough to please trilogy fans.

I just loved this movie. Jennifer is the actress to watch in the future. She will be huge soon. Her age is 22 so don’t be afraid to see more of her in the future.