Monday, March 26, 2012

MOVIE REVIEW ... THE HUNGER GAMES

 

the-hunger-games-movie-poster-2012Bookstores in Hollywood must be empty given how much it plunders books for fresh ideas.  It seems every new franchise is based on a long-running novel series with ‘The Hunger Games’ being the latest.  Based on the trilogy by Suzanne Collins it mixes some social commentary amongst the action teenage readers have found captivating.  The movie version has been eagerly awaited by fans helping the books fly off the shelves as fast as Tinsletown can adapt them.

Every year the young citizens of Panem, a city arising from the ashes of North America, are forced to endure a deadly televised competition.  Called The Hunger Games, a boy and girl are chosen to participate in various challenges where the surviving victor gains untold riches.  Chosen are Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson).   With the help of former competitor Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), they compete in the game of their lives with victory continually slipping from their grasp.

Targeted at the same teen audience who have helped the ‘Twilight’ saga to great heights, ‘The Hunger Games’ is far superior.  The arresting totalitarian world Collins has created which director Gary Ross brings to stark life is the main reason.  Whilst the George Orwell ‘big brother is watching’ motif is one oft seen, this new spin gives it a fresh slant as adolescents turn into killers.  Doing so for the amusement of the idle rich, the participant’s primal need for survival is effectively contrasted with the high life the upper classes lead.

Against that strong background the action sequences become genuinely exciting.  The tense atmosphere as each contestant dodges danger is keenly felt.  Lawrence shows her fine acting skills in these sequences and makes for an engaging heroine.  She is supported by a strong cast who make this futuristic world seem all too real.  Whilst certain narrative strands don’t quite make sense overall this first instalment of the trilogy hits its targets.

There may be those tired of seeing yet another teen orientated franchise on screen.  Thankfully ‘The Hunger Games’ is one of the better productions with a well utilised concept ensuring book sales of this series will further increase.

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Movie Review Rating  7 / 10

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.

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