The Hunger Games (2012) - ★★★

Just a note; before I watched this movie I read the book myself and found it very entertaining. 

Director: Gary Ross
Writers: Gary Ross (screenplay), Suzanne Collins (novels)
Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Donald Sutherland, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Stanley Tucci, Wes Bentley

Considering all the 'Twilight-esque' fan hype that has been building over The Hunger Games, truth be told I wasn't expecting anything great. My expectations were exceeded, (not for the first time), because this film actually lived up to the quality of the book and followed the story almost perfectly.

Set in an unspecified future, the world we are told of is made up of twelve districts which are under the rule of the Capitol. In the past, an uprising against The Capitol took place in which The Capitol won. To remind civilians that they are powerless against what can be seen as a dictatorship by President Snow, an annual Hunger Games is held. One male and female adolescent are given from each district as tribute to fight to the death with each other where only one can survive.    

Katniss Everdeen is a plain-faced and strong character which makes her instantly likable as she is not one of those typical beautiful figures, yet has beauty in different aspects of her personality. She is the rock of her family, the provider after the death of her father. She has to take care of them in the impoverish District 12, a coal mining 3rd world society. When her little sister Primrose is announced as the next competitor in the Hunger Games, she volunteers as tribute in an emotion packed scene. The boy that also had to compete in the games is Peeta Mellark, an honest and kind-hearted person that has a history with Katniss. The story revolves around whether Peeta and Katniss can survive The Hunger Games and if they've truly developed feelings for each other. The most disappointing thing about this movie was the anti-climatic fighting between the tributes in the film whereas in the book it was thrilling. Josh Hutcherson looked and sounded the part of Peeta, yet he came across weaker than the character in the book which also took away from the film. Jennifer Lawrence portrayed Katniss perfectly. She captured the look, the personality and everything that she should of been which was a great touch.

Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz and Elizabeth Banks were brilliantly cast in this film as the mentors of the two through playing the characters the way they should be. There were gut-wrenching death scenes and nerve-wracking close calls throughout The Hunger Games, but I cannot call it an 'epic' due to the lack of brilliant fighting scenes that would have enhanced this film greatly. The Hunger Games is a remarkable film that I will not easily forget. Through following the events in the book perfectly and using brilliant actors, I was not disappointed but thrilled once I left the theatre. I highly recommend this film for anyone that loves a good sci-fi flick.