The new film based on the book by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games, came out in theaters on March 23. It stars Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson. The film is directed by Gary Ross, rated PG-13, and runs for 2 hours and 22 minutes.
This film is about the journey of two tributes from the twelve districts of the new post-apocalypse that are fighting to the death against tributes from the twelve other districts. world in the Hunger Games. The two quickly find that they have a lot to learn. They are mentored by the only winner from District 12, Haymitch, (Harrelson) on how to try to stay alive in the games. A few days after the games actually start the two learn that if they are the last ones standing, they will both win. They then have to learn to work together if they want to survive the games.
This is the first film I have ever seen where it was almost an exact replica of the book. Since most of the book was Katniss’ thoughts, they added extra scenes between multiple characters to explain what is going on. That was the best thing the makers of the film have ever done. It really helped the audience from getting confused on what is happening. The film was also very long, and if they had not done that, I feel like the film would not have stood up to the expectation that it would be the first really great film in a long time.
The only thing I did not like is that it changed a major scene between the two main characters. This scene really set the mood for the second book. Since this is a big point in the second book, if they make a second movie, it will not make that much sense. I feel like if it was included, it would have had the audience even father on the edges of their seats.
Overall, this film lived up to the book. It had everything in there, with the exception of the ending, that was in the book. I do recommend seeing the movie, but only if you have read the book first. It did not disappoint.
Review by Emma Walker