With DVRs across the country loaded with fresh episodes of “Jersey Shore” and “Survivor” and people pacing living rooms, screaming at their televisions as they take in the latest UFC spectacle it is easy to imagine a world where “The Hunger Games” could be a “reality”.
Set in the distant future (or an alternative reality, it is never specified), Panem is a country that has risen from the ashes of almost total destruction. There was a rebellion many generations ago where each of the Thirteen Districts took up arms against the oppressive Capitol and lost.
Now the Totalitarian government mandates that each District hand over two Tributes each year, one boy-one girl aged between 12 and 18, to participate in “The Hunger Games”. The games are a battle (royale) to the death where there is only one victor. In other words, to make sure the citizen of Panem remember that revolting against the Capitol was a terrible idea they must sacrifice their children on an annual basis. Forever. And it’s televised, of course, and gets higher ratings than the Super Bowl.
Our heroine is Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), a strong-willed young lady from District 12. There is a natural defiance in Katniss and as she takes center stage in the Games, she quickly becomes a living symbol of the spark of rebellion that lives in the heart the people of Panem. She becomes the Girl on Fire and must survive the Games to keep hope alive.
Based on the hugely popular Young Adult trilogy of books by Suzanne Collins, there are the inevitable “Twilight” comparisons that need to be discussed and dismissed. The major connection between the two series is that Lionsgate Studios produced both and “The Hunger Games” is meant to fill in the fiscal void that will be left after “Twilight” concludes with “Breaking Dawn Part 2”. The company has handled “Games” with some incredible expertise as they just went through this with the “Twi-hards” and made this a must-see movie with wonderful buzz.
As for the comparison of the quality of the two stories, “Games” benefits from being much more accessible and attracts a much broader audience than “Twilight”. In other words, middle-aged men want to watch and read “The Hunger Games” not just pubescent female teens.
And of course there is the love triangle and Katniss is torn between two handsome young boys much like our Bella. There is Gale (Liam Hemsworth- Chris’ little brother) back at home and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) who goes into the arena with her for the Games. While in “Twilight,” the Team Jacob/Edward thing is all that Stephanie Meyers ever focuses on; this is a minor element for “The Hunger Games”. Collins deals with abusive government, the human spirit and sacrifice while Meyers only gives us emotionally stunted vampires impregnating teen girls.
Director Gary Ross brings the book to life and presents the world of “The Hunger Games” almost flawlessly. The writer/director worked on the script with Collins and is able to present much of what is in the book. This is what happens when you make a long movie (2 hour 20 minute running time) out of a short book (384 pages) and doesn’t have the rushed feel of the Harry Potter films. Everything is lush and vivid. Ross gives us a desolate District 12 with the citizens wearing clothes right out of the Great Depression and Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” paralleled with the horrid denizens of The Capitol that look like zombie clowns.
Woody Harrelson is perfect as Hammitch, the reluctant, drunk mentor for Katniss and Peeta who is District 12’s only victor in the previous 73 Hunger Games. Many of the kids running around the arena do fine but the only real standouts are Amandla Stenberg as little Rue and Alexander Ludwig has a stunning moment towards the end that reminded me of Rutger Hauer waxing poetic in the rain for “Blade Runner”. Lenny Kravitz, who seemed like such an odd choice as Katniss’ stylist Cinna, turns out to be an odd choice after all. He breathes no life in a pivotal character and is incredibly stiff in the part. Mr. Kravitz is “The Hunger Games” greatest flaw.
Jennifer Lawrence gives a star turn and is fantastic at flashing the steely gaze of Katniss while easily switching to a venerable, scared girl when it is time to cry. “The Hunger Games” is thrilling and exciting but doesn’t gloss over the fact that this is about a bunch of kids killing each other. It’s a fragile line the movie walks on and it is expertly dealt with. Who wants to get in line for “Catching Fire”?