The wait is finally over and The Hunger Games delivered on all the hype. The movie version follows Suzanne Collins’ Young Adult dystopian novel very closely. Jennifer Lawrence is brilliant as Katniss Everdeen, a teenager who volunteers to participate in the future society’s version of gladiatorial games broadcast as reality TV. After a vaguely referred to catastrophe, the United States has been replaced by a Capitol District and 12 Districts. Katniss is from District 12, a mining district. Each year, all the districts must send two teenagers to complete in the Games. Of the 24 contestants, only one will survive the battle of the fittest. Yes, it’s grim. But, the movie version tones down the violence of the novel (probably to get that coveted PG-13 rating) while not compromising on story elements. Although the movie is over 2 hours long, character development is sketchy. I found that reading the book first gave me more insight into the characters. The Hunger Games should be one of the box office champs of 2012. GRADE: A-
Glad to hear it. We are big fans of the books and, like you, have been looking forward to the movie version.
Viewers of the movie who have read the book will understand a lot more about the plot, Jeff. Many aspects of the future world are glossed over.
Haven’t read the book, but I will on your suggestion before seeing it. I have it just not sure where.
There was a woman sitting a couple of rows behind us in the theater who would exclaim: “I can’t believe this!” and “How can they do that!,” Patti. Obviously, she hadn’t read the book and was shocked by the plot twists.
Haven’t read the books and been wondering about them. I’ll have to give then a try.
And the young adult tag reminds me of a story from my days working part time in a Waldenbooks. One of the Harry Potter novels was just out, I forget which one, and an older lady was purchasing one for a grandchild. “I understand they are quite popular with young adults.”
“With old adults too,” was my reply.
Great answer, Randy! I’m astonished that there hasn’t been more of an outcry from conservative groups about the violence in the books.
That’s why it was so idiotic to hear a local TV reviewer (who is generally idiotic, IMHO) give it a so so review because it wasn’t “fun” enough! It’s about teenagers who have to kill other teenagers to survive, moron.
I wonder if that TV reviewer would have panned the Roman gladiator games as “not having enough fun,” Jeff.
Maybe they haven’t panned it because they see it as future entertainment for the rich.
You might be right, Patti. But, in general, violence toward children is a taboo in America. THE HUNGER GAMES makes fighting to the death by teenagers an institution.
Wonder if Ms. Collins is familiar with Battle Royale.
I can guarantee that Ms. Collins is familiar with GLADIATOR, Drongo.