Movie Review: The Hunger Games

I'm going to start this review by saying this: Jennifer Lawrence is beautiful. She is one of the most enigmatic actors I have ever seen grace the screen, and I believe this is partly because she is one of the most beautiful people alive, and she's a terrific actress, and an Oscar-nominated one at that. Now, on to the actual movie. Adapted from Suzanne Collins' addictive best-seller trilogy, The Hunger Games, (followed by Catching Fire and Mockingjay), this film is one of the most successful adaptations of a book I've seen, next to the Harry Potter series. Panem, the nation formerly known as the United States, is now divided into 12 districts, all manned by a Captiol in the center of the districts. The Hunger Games, created in response to the rebellion of the now-extinct District 13, pits 24 teenagers against each other in a fight to the death, with the winner being bathed in riches for the rest of their life. Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, lives in the very poor District 12 with her mother (her father died earlier in a mining accident) and her sister, Primrose (Prim for short). She has a hunting partner in Gale, played by newcomer Gale Hemsworth, in a relatively minor role compared to the books. On the day of the Reaping, where the contestants for The Hunger Games are selected, Katniss, Prim and Gale gather in the town square to hear this years tributes called. Prim is called for the female tribute, but Katniss comes to her rescue and volunteers as tribute. The male tribute nominated is Peeta, played by Josh Hutcherson, who has a sordid past relationship with Katniss after giving her bread when she was starving, and later confesses during the tribute interviews that he is in love with her. That's the basis of the story, without giving too much away. Peeta and Katniss enter into the Hunger Games, and fight for the latter half of the movie. The casting for the movie was incredible. Jennifer Lawrence is perfect for the role of Katniss, as are Liam Hemsworth as Gale and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta. The one supporting role that really stood out in my opinion was Donald Sutherland as President Snow. Sutherland provides an unflinching performance as the cruel President of Panem, and is very successful in displaying the subtle evil that he gives off in the books. Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson also do terrific as Peeta and Katniss's mentors, Effie and Haymitch, and Lenny Kravitz does very well as Katniss's stylist, Cinna. With an almost scene for scene adaptation of the book, a FANTASTIC cast of many wonderful actors, one of the most beautiful actresses ever in the lead role, and enough action and drama to satisfy boys, girls, men and women alike, The Hunger Games is the best movie of the year so far. It definitely lives up to the hype. If you haven't read the books or seen the movies, do it. They're enthralling, and very satisfying. 

Rating: A