The Hunger Games

This is where I mention that "It's no Battle Royale" and then all the beautiful women in the world flock to me because I have shown them how cool and smart I am by having seen/read a more obscure movie/book that this borrowed heavily from. I will await these women in my bedding chambers.

Starts off reasonably well and the buildup to the titular games was at the least interesting, but when things get underway you realize it's just going to be teen drama in the woods for an hour, interrupted by silly plot contrivances to reach a conclusion that's obvious from the very start. On top of that, there's no tension, the Games are pretty stupid (instant fireballs and CGI dogs!) and they really should've hired a cameraman with more than one leg.

Lacks the guts of its influences, suffers from 'shaky-cam syndrome' and the visual limits of PG-13, but it does succeed in establishing a Dystopian atmosphere suitable for teen audiences that are new to action films with political plots. Strengths lie in the casting of Lawrence and Harrelson and many supporting characters who display unique personalities. Sadly, important arena scenes would benefit from sharper editing and darker, grittier presentation to truly convey the horror of the games.

A perfect example of how studio interference undermines creative freedom. Addressing the timely questions of its introspective premise is something THG cares little about. Instead, it wallows in faux teen angst while dishing out jittery shaky cam "are you kidding me, that's it ?!" PG-13 violence that inevitably weigh down the depth it attempts to flaunt. Knowing this translates to box-office gold isn't as shocking as it singlehandedly reflects the attitudes and upheld values of today's society.

Not the most original idea or narrative, it still never feels like less than a future classic. This is mostly b/c not 1 second of it is forced: there's no ADD-rush towards action, focusing on developing character instead; no predictable romantic blueprint adhered 2 or attempts at humor 2 lighten the mood. Indeed, this may be the most relentlessly serious action blockbuster ever. Why? B/c it's exactly what the story calls for. Who'd imagine a H'wood studio would ever do such a thing?