The Hunger Games

*****
Release Date: March 23rd 2012

Katniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to compete.

Director: Gary Ross (Seabiscuit, Pleasantville)

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Stanley Tucci, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Lenny Kravitz

The biggest question we may ask ourselves is does it stay true to the book? And it's safe to say that yes it does. Some may believe that it's derived or copies Battle Royale. It may seem similar, but The Hunger Games has its open spin and uniqueness.

This is perfect for all ages, from the teenage youngster with a rebellious attitude to the adult yearning to be young again. The games itself are gut-wrenching and emotional, yet it takes a good half of the film to get to them, as we follow both Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) journey of acceptance, help from others, showing off in front of the Capitol and testing their skills. This may sound boring and stretched out, but believe me it's not.

Director Gary Ross puts us in the heart of the choosing of the contestants, otherwise known as the Reaping. People are poor, the lands barren, it hardly looks the ideal place to live in. We have succumbed to shaky-cam, fueling the tension of what's about to happen, as if we are joining them in the ranks of youngsters waiting on baited breath. (The shaky-cam might make you feel a little dizzy).

After offering herself as tribute due to her younger sister's name being pulled out, her and Peeta whizz off to Panem, where steady-cam is used to focus on the glitz and glam of the rich and greedy. Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks) takes them and looks after them through the lead up to the games, whilst Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), a previous winner, is their mentor, albeit a little temperamental.

There's great acting throughout. Jennifer Lawrence is exceptional as Katniss, portraying every emotion with ease. If you loved her in the books you won't be disappointed with the choice of actress. Donald Sutherland is the brooding President Snow. Caesar Flicker Man (Stanley Tucci) is the T.V. presenter of the games and Lenny Kravitz makes a surprising appearance as Cinna, Katniss' costume designer and friend.

Going in to the games is when the film speeds up on the pace. It doesn't matter if there's kills or survival instincts kicking in, it's engrossing to watch. There's a few bits and pieces missed out from the book, but you'll hardly notice.
   
Overview: Consistency in Catching Fire will be most welcome, and it stays true to the book.