Directed by Gary Ross
Staring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth
Rated M
Score 4/6

Set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister’s place for the latest match.

I was not entirely impressed by The Hunger Games. The whole concept behind the franchise was clever. With each Reality Television, show striving to be unique and more controversial than the other last one it is entirely conceivable that television show like The Hunger Games could exist in the future.
Some film critics have compared this movie to the Twilight franchise. Such comparisons could considered a tad unfair, especially considering that Jennifer Lawrence’s performance as Katniss Everdeen cannot be described as being Shatneresque. Despite his obvious acting talent, Stanley Tucci seemed to be somewhat of an odd casting choice, possibly Michael Sheen was better suited for Tucci’s role?
The Hunger Games joins the long list of movies that I have watched before reading the book but I can’t help but think that any emotional connection between the characters portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson seemed practically non-existent. Perhaps I am overly cynical buy considering how tame some of the action sequences seemed perhaps the M rating that The Hunger Games received in Australia should have been reconsidered before the movie’s release.

If you are looking for a movie that is very similar to The Hunger Games but don’t want to go to your local cinema then I highly recommend Battle Royale directed by Kinji Fukasaku.