The Hunger Games is a science fiction action drama film directed by Gary Ross and based on the WORLDWIDE PHENOMENON novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins. It stars Jennifer Lawrence (LOVE HER) Josh Hutcherson (Finally is a household name), Elizabeth Banks, Liam Hemsworth (Thor’s lil bro and future father of Miley Cyrus’s kids), and Woody Harrelson. So yea, the cast is pretty awesome. Some fans at first were a little skeptical of some of the producer’s picks, especially Jennifer Lawrence as the beloved Katniss, but no one is complaining anymore.
Some people say the plot is unoriginal, and it’s been done, but I still think it’s awesome and original in its own right. The basics of the plot are that it’s set in a post-apocalyptic/future where people are distinguished by district and every year the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve different districts to fight to the death on live television for everyone to see. The games are to set an example to remind the people who’s in charge. The story’s main protagonist, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers to take her younger sister’s place when she is selected to participate in the Hunger Games on her first year of availability.
There was no doubt in my mind that this movie was going to break records, and give the likes of Twilight and Harry Potter a run for their money. This is the first HUGE book series to come to the big screen after them, and it has major appeal. You all know I am a huge Potter fan, but the Hunger Games is a force to be reckoned with, and I feel has the broadest appeal out of them all.. When the film was released, it set records for opening day ($67.3 million) and opening weekend for a non-sequel. At the time of its release, the film’s opening weekend gross ($152.5 million) was the third largest of any movie in North America but now is fourth behind The Avengers, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, and The Dark Knight. I have a feeling the Dark Knight Rises is going to bump it down to fifth. It is also the first film since Avatar to remain in first place at the North American box office for four consecutive weekends.
For all you die-hard readers who aren’t always too keen on these types of adaptations, this is as faithful as they come. I may be going out on a limb saying this, but I think this is even better than the book. This series appeals to everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, which is why it has been so successful. The demand for the second film in the series, Catching Fire, is ENORMOUS, and is only growing bigger by the day. This is a MUST SEE in my eyes, not only because it is just great, but it also is one of the more gorgeous films cinematography wise that I have seen recently. It’s a little upsetting that Gary Ross will not be returning for the next installment, but Francis Lawrence, director of I Am Legend and Water For Elephants is on-board this time, so I think we are in good hands.
So one last time: make sure you check out The Hunger Games film, and jump on the AWESOME bandwagon. Stay tuned for the Blu-ray release on August 18 and for Catching Fire’s release on November 22, 2013. You can bet I’ll be at the midnight showing.
MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR…
5 out of 5 Stars
The Hunger Games (2012) Lionsgate PG-13,142 Minutes
Reflections of a Book Addict 
Loved this post! I have the series of books just waiting for me to read after I’ve finished Pride and Prejudice. Can’t wait to see the film aswell! Looks like a great cast 🙂
Excellent post!
I also wait in great anticipation for the next instalment. The trilogy truly is a spectacular read!
It was pretty faithful, but there still were a few inconsistencies that REALLY bugged me. That’s always the issue with a movie adaptation of a book though. Overall, great movie, great books! 🙂
I’ve never read the book. But I thought the movie was pretty good — smarter than your average blockbuster.
I’ve read the books and seen the first movie. Like you, I’m waiting for the later movies. The Hunger Games is MUCH better than the Harry Potter series. Much more thought-provoking. I’m finding that I reflect on HG, and particularly the ending of Mockingjay repeatedly. I won’t go into why, because it would require a spoiler.
I thought that the film was such a true reflection of the books – I was surprised. Normally I find that the film adaptations make a lot of changes and miss out bits from the books, but this film was an exception. Really good 🙂
Omg, i just looooove The Hunger Games! If anyone is interested, i got my own blog, called: Hunger Games and Mockingjays.. take a look! http://mockingjaysing.wordpress.com/2012/08/11/day-03-a-character-you-love-that-everyone-hates/
For all the Hunger Games lovers!!
I like your blog very much and I have nominated you for One lovely blog award!
I mostly agree with your assessment, but I felt the movie unsuccessfully tried to balance the political message and human emotion. You never really felt the political turmoil brought on by years of oppression, and you never really felt the gut-wrenching pain of the experience illustrated through senseless violence. I understand why they directed the movie the way they did (for mass appeal and a more family friendly rating), but I wish they had leaned more in one direction than another. At least then I would not have felt slightly cheated out of both.