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2/100 The Hunger Games (movie review)
Apr. 28th, 2012 09:16 amThe Hunger Games
Based on the book by Suzanne Collins
Movie Review
Set in one possible future when North America has dissolved away to the country of Panem, a realm where the decadent Capitol dominates 12 provinces through the mechanism of exacting tribute through the Hunger Games. The tribute are children, offered up in combat to the death in an arena. Two, a boy and a girl, from each district and only one can triumph. The games are televised, broadcast live for all to see. This system has been in place for seventy four years, ever since the districts revolted and lost the rebellion. Before the revolt, there were 13 districts but one was obliterated by the Capitol in the war.
The movie opens with a flash of the underlying situation (the Hunger Games idea) on the screen so we know what is what and the stage is set. That is really clear from the get go. We follow the life and day of Katniss Everdeen on reaping day and through her experience as a tribute in the Hunger Games. I don't want to give too much away but suffice to say that this movie adaptation is pretty faithful to the book and gorgeously realized in setting, costuming and casting. I can see where they made some decisions to diverge from the text and that does work for the movie. This movie is compelling, so compelling that it got me to read the series that it is based on. I was drawn into the story, I found Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) believable and the secondary characters supported the story line.
What this movie does have a lot of is production value - the costumes are beautifully done and serve the story line, make up and hair are to the point and support the story and echo what is described in the book. Down to the facial hair. We have appearances by some interesting people - Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, the stylist, in an understated and elegant role that is so so important to the film. Donald Sutherland as the snakey, President Snow, really good and very Machiavellian there. I have to say, my favorite performance in the film, is Stanley Tucchi, as Caesar Flickerman, the announcer and on-air personality for the Hunger Games, he is over the top and outrageous and truly great in this role. He totally hams it for this role and is outrageous and campy. Ever changing hair color and his teeth are just too much for words.
This is a strong first film in the series and I hope that all the films are this good. I look forward to more of these.
Link to IMDB for cast, credits and info about the film:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392170/
Official movie website:
http://www.thehungergamesmovie.com/
Overall rating:
Excellent!
Recommend:
Highly!
Warnings:
Story is violent and disturbing. Add in the visual images that go with the story.
---------------------
post 2/100 in the 100 things challenge
by lotrangel17
Based on the book by Suzanne Collins
Movie Review
Set in one possible future when North America has dissolved away to the country of Panem, a realm where the decadent Capitol dominates 12 provinces through the mechanism of exacting tribute through the Hunger Games. The tribute are children, offered up in combat to the death in an arena. Two, a boy and a girl, from each district and only one can triumph. The games are televised, broadcast live for all to see. This system has been in place for seventy four years, ever since the districts revolted and lost the rebellion. Before the revolt, there were 13 districts but one was obliterated by the Capitol in the war.
The movie opens with a flash of the underlying situation (the Hunger Games idea) on the screen so we know what is what and the stage is set. That is really clear from the get go. We follow the life and day of Katniss Everdeen on reaping day and through her experience as a tribute in the Hunger Games. I don't want to give too much away but suffice to say that this movie adaptation is pretty faithful to the book and gorgeously realized in setting, costuming and casting. I can see where they made some decisions to diverge from the text and that does work for the movie. This movie is compelling, so compelling that it got me to read the series that it is based on. I was drawn into the story, I found Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) believable and the secondary characters supported the story line.
What this movie does have a lot of is production value - the costumes are beautifully done and serve the story line, make up and hair are to the point and support the story and echo what is described in the book. Down to the facial hair. We have appearances by some interesting people - Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, the stylist, in an understated and elegant role that is so so important to the film. Donald Sutherland as the snakey, President Snow, really good and very Machiavellian there. I have to say, my favorite performance in the film, is Stanley Tucchi, as Caesar Flickerman, the announcer and on-air personality for the Hunger Games, he is over the top and outrageous and truly great in this role. He totally hams it for this role and is outrageous and campy. Ever changing hair color and his teeth are just too much for words.
This is a strong first film in the series and I hope that all the films are this good. I look forward to more of these.
Link to IMDB for cast, credits and info about the film:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392170/
Official movie website:
http://www.thehungergamesmovie.com/
Overall rating:
Excellent!
Recommend:
Highly!
Warnings:
Story is violent and disturbing. Add in the visual images that go with the story.
---------------------
post 2/100 in the 100 things challenge
by lotrangel17
