'The Hunger Games' will undoubtedly become the next "Twilight"/"Harry Potter" blockbuster franchise for the year. The first chapter of action-adventure opened last night to a huge, lively teen crowd who were very loud and congratulatory during the final credits.
The first of a planned four-film series is based on Suzanne Collins's highly successful book. Director Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Seabiscuit) seems to have defied the odds of the usual book-to-film disappointment, given the audience's reaction last night. Perhaps this could be because Suzanne Collins was one of the writers of the screenplay along with Gary Ross and Billy Ray.
This story starts in the very near future. Drought, fire, famine, and war have weakened North America and replaced it with Panem, a country which is divided into the Capitol and 12 districts, run by the iron tough President Coriolanus (Donald Sutherland).
The Capitol is full of gaudily dressed inhabitants who live in luxury. However, as punishment for a rebellion several decades ago, the natives of the 12 surrounding districts are subjected to poverty and exploitation.
Annually, each of these twelve districts are forced to send a teenage boy and girl to compete as "tributes". Those chosen must fight with one another in a nationally televised outdoor survival death match called The Hunger Games.
Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone) is Katniss Everdeen. She has taken the responsibility of providing for her mum (Paula Malcomson) and little sister Prim (Willow Shields) since the death of her father.
When Prim is selected as female “tribute” for the Games, Katniss impulsively volunteers to take her place as the female representative of the mining district.
So she moves to The Capitol with male tribute Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), here they are wined and dined as they undergo an intensive two-week training. Here the supporting cast excels as Katniss and Peta get tips from alcoholic former District 12 winner Haymitch Albernathy (Woody Harrelson) and stylist/confidant Cinna (Lenny Kravitz).
Despite never reading the book I did enjoy this. However, I must agree with other audience members who said it was too long. While it is fast and exciting, two hours and 22 minutes was excessive for me.
While I agreed on that point, I disagree with the accusation that it was "too feminine". I think that it is encouraging for a younger audience to see a girl as the brave and triumphant lead. I think Katniss will be an inspiration for young girls to get out there and be strong.
Whether you’ve read the book or not, I think many of you will agree that this is a great film!
The Hunger Games is in cinemas now.
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