The Hunger Games

May the odds be ever in your favour.

With such a strong cast (excluding Liam Hemsworth), a solid source material and focused directions - how could the odds NOT be in THE HUNGER GAMES' favour?

I have yet to read the book, which made this viewing that little bit more thrilling... so, I shan't discuss the plot in depth, but with this dark premise, you know what you are getting into! This idea is an old hat, of course, Battle Royale anyone? Somehow, it feels fresh and exciting here, the film is a good mix of thrilling action and social/political commentary, and THANK HEAVENS, the social criticism is not too blatantly obvious, rather than stealing the spotlight, it plays as background to the situation.

I don't think I need to praise Jennifer Lawrence and call her a SUPERSTAR or a goddess, because everyone else has already done that. Prior to viewing this film, I DID NOT know that Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks were among the cast! They rock! Of course, Tucci, with his seedy smile, would make a fine master of ceremonies... I'm glad they thought of it. Woody can do no wrong, and once again shines as the cynical yet heartful mentor, and Mrs. Banks... you should just watch it. She gives a performance that is entertaining and airy fairy, and yet grounds it with substance. I adore her guttural shrieks. And then there's Liam Hemsworth... okay, what's next!

The film does not do anything new and yet feels authentic. I think, for me, likeable characters never get old. Katniss Everdeen, with her amazing archery skills and ordinary vulnerabilities, makes a fine heroine and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) is one VERY likeable guy. In case you missed the point, Jennifer Lawrence makes an extraordinary Katniss, a role could so easily be overacted. It's all in the eyes. The film gives us heart-wrenching moments without compromising its swift pace and thus the urgency of the Hunger games, and that is why it is a HIT.

ONE MORE THING, I do agree with many critics that if it was not restricted to the PG-13, it may have provided more CINEMATIC SPARKS (starting with MORE BLOOD and MORE VIOLENCE) to stress the cruelty of the games. After all, it is a political game. Well, LIONSGATE has to maximise its profits, doesn't it?  Hehe.

P.S. Josh Hutcherson is morphing into a wonderful actor himself, which leaves... not naming anyone... Liam Hemsworth. Notice it's always the bad performances that get mentioned THE MOST in my reviews - hence the word 'critique'. ALSO, by heart-wrenching, I'm referring to Rue. Thus, if you choose not to see this film IN CINEMA, you will rue the day! Bad pun, I know.

HAPPY HUNGER GAMES!