Adapted from Suzanne Collins novel
Characters
Suzanne Collins' dystopian North America, where twenty four teenagers are "randomly" selected across twelve different districts. They are then put in an huge outdoor arena and have to kill each other till the last one is standing. This endurance test is then watched across this dystopian land, reminiscent of the reality shows one sees on TV today. Across Panem people gamble on the competitors, known as tributes and survival gifts are parachuted in thanks to rich sponsors outside the arena. It may sound rather grim but it is unbelievably gripping and has become hugely popular. So how and why does director, Gary Ross get it so right?
Often a problem with adapting novels is casting the right people for the beloved characters. For instance, not all would agree that Daniel Radcliffe was suitable for the role of Harry Potter. Nonetheless, I feel the casting for all the lead roles in The Hunger Games was nye on perfect. The lead protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, was played exceptionally by 'Winter's Bone' actress, Jennifer Lawrence. She portrayed the heroic, determined and often moody figure Suzanne Collins created in her novels. Lawrence manage to play the role that invites audiences to will her on and share her emotions. It was key that Lawrence played Katniss in a way that didn't irritate or depress the audience, much like Kristen Stewart playing Bella in the 'Twlight' series.
Liam Hemsworth's role as Gale was fine but he wasn't in it awful lot so it is difficult to comment but his love rival, Peeta, played by Josh Hutcherson was excellent. Hutcherson created an innocent, if not a little awkward but immediately likeable figure. His relationship with Katniss provoked 'oohs' and 'aahhs' in the audience. This is where "The Hunger Games' can be compared to Twlight, asking the audience to be either 'Team Gale' or 'Team Peeta'.
Woody Harrelson was ideal for the role of drunken Haymtich, providing some much needed humour in a very dark film. Likewise, Elizabeth Bank's portrayal as the annoying, self-centred Effie Trinket was a fantastic performance, aggravating the audience but also making them laugh.
The baddy in all of this chaos, President Snow, wasn't a major part of the film but Donald Sutherland did evil well and you can see the way his mind is working in the final part of the film. You simply know he's got more to give in the following two films.
My only drawback and it is minor was the casting of Kato, who looked too much like Josh Hutcherson as Peeta. This often led to confusing scenes in which one didn't know who was getting attacked or who was in which pack.
The dystopian world was wonderfully detailed from the dazzling Capitol to the dank, District 12. The arena was controlled with fascinating touch screen 3D monitors, the landscapes rich with forests and lakes. All it took was a swipe by a Capitol employee to change the arena, create a fire that would sweep across the tributes and leave the audience wanting to know what will they subject the teenagers to next.
My only gripe would be with some of the camera shots. There were a lot of shaky and wobbly shots which can be useful in creating a greater sense of realism but at times it just made me dizzy. This is only a minor issu.,
The world created by Suzanne Collins has been translated perfectly, the Mockingjays, the trackers jackers, the arrow through the apple in the pig's mouth. The majority of it is all there. Obviously, there are some bits missing, simply because you cannot fit them all in. From the casting to the costumes and the music to the set, this movie will please those who have or haven't read the book. It is exhilarating, emotional and definitely worthy of five stars. Already it has broken records taking a whopping $19.7 million at its midnight showings. Go and see it, it really is fantastic and of course:
"May the Odds be Ever in your Favour"
Really good review, I completely agree about some of the shots being a bit too wobbly, as well as Cato and Peeta looking too similar.
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