Watch the preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S9a5V9ODuY
I confess to know nothing about 'The Hunger Games' trilogy of novels. My 12 year-old nephew loves the books and was eagerly waiting for the movie as well as countless other fans. The movie based on the first one had a built-in audience lined up to make it a monster hit so it was time for us to see what the fuss was all about. Now that the crowds died down, we caught yesterday's matinee which was populated with mostly teenagers and a few adults who chaperoned the pre-teens. We were the oldest audience members but didn't feel we were out of place here. My wife's gal pals seen the film and recommended it. I must say you could hear a pin drop during the showing as everyone's attention was glued to the screen.
>>>The story takes place in the future after an unsuccessful revolt again the government. As punishment each of the twelve districts must offer two children known as 'tributes' to compete in a hi-tech televised survival fight to the death known as 'The Hunger Games.' Names are chosen by lottery and there will be only one winner rewarded with his or her life and other honors. Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss volunteers to take her younger sister's place and she's the better candidate as she's damn good with a bow & arrow. Her fellow district member is a baker's son who excels in lifting. Woody Harrelson plays a former games victor who coaches them when he's not overindulging in booze & food.
>>>There are many good things to admire in this film starting with the production design.. The poor living conditions of Katniss's Appalachia-like district are contrasted with those of the affluent capitol city. I admired the exaggerated costumes and makeup/hairstyles of the upper classes as well as the simple garb of the lower classes.
>>>There's also a nice balance between good guys & bad guys. Each character is given the proper amount of screen time as not to overshadow others. Performances are generally good. Stanley Tucci skillfully plays an unctuous, TV host. Elizabeth Banks, who matches Tucci's character with her own brand of smarminess, is unrecognizable under her wigs & makeup as a government official. Donald Sutherland wisely underplays his role as the crafty President fearful of the outcome of this game inciting another rebellion. He's like a coiled viper ready to attack but subtly chooses his words to make his points or warnings. Lawrence shines as the central character portraying the reluctant and sympathetic contestant who is forced to kill when required. She carries the plot well without detracting from the others. Her unassuming performance catches you offguard.
>>>The film was given a PG-13 rating so younger viewers could attend. The violent scenes are quickly edited as not to dwell on killing & bloodshed and leave much to the imagination. Even a forced suicide near the conclusion is not shown but suggested.
>>>We came to this film with no expectations and enjoyed it as you should too. The story's moral dilemma of kill or be killed unfolds at a slow pace but doesn't drag. Some fans of the novel have seen the film more than once so I'm assuming they thought it was a good adaptation. I hope the next two installments as just as pleasing....
>>>The story takes place in the future after an unsuccessful revolt again the government. As punishment each of the twelve districts must offer two children known as 'tributes' to compete in a hi-tech televised survival fight to the death known as 'The Hunger Games.' Names are chosen by lottery and there will be only one winner rewarded with his or her life and other honors. Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss volunteers to take her younger sister's place and she's the better candidate as she's damn good with a bow & arrow. Her fellow district member is a baker's son who excels in lifting. Woody Harrelson plays a former games victor who coaches them when he's not overindulging in booze & food.
>>>There are many good things to admire in this film starting with the production design.. The poor living conditions of Katniss's Appalachia-like district are contrasted with those of the affluent capitol city. I admired the exaggerated costumes and makeup/hairstyles of the upper classes as well as the simple garb of the lower classes.
>>>There's also a nice balance between good guys & bad guys. Each character is given the proper amount of screen time as not to overshadow others. Performances are generally good. Stanley Tucci skillfully plays an unctuous, TV host. Elizabeth Banks, who matches Tucci's character with her own brand of smarminess, is unrecognizable under her wigs & makeup as a government official. Donald Sutherland wisely underplays his role as the crafty President fearful of the outcome of this game inciting another rebellion. He's like a coiled viper ready to attack but subtly chooses his words to make his points or warnings. Lawrence shines as the central character portraying the reluctant and sympathetic contestant who is forced to kill when required. She carries the plot well without detracting from the others. Her unassuming performance catches you offguard.
>>>The film was given a PG-13 rating so younger viewers could attend. The violent scenes are quickly edited as not to dwell on killing & bloodshed and leave much to the imagination. Even a forced suicide near the conclusion is not shown but suggested.
>>>We came to this film with no expectations and enjoyed it as you should too. The story's moral dilemma of kill or be killed unfolds at a slow pace but doesn't drag. Some fans of the novel have seen the film more than once so I'm assuming they thought it was a good adaptation. I hope the next two installments as just as pleasing....
