The Hunger Games

Alright, so I was the only person on planet Earth who had not read the books. My bad. Since I saw this film that has changed dramatically (I read all three in a week). “The Hunger Games” did something for me. It quenched my thirst for a film that had three things: amazing acting, a terrific script and a politically motivated message that actually wasn’t preachy.

The plot takes us to a future world where The Capitol rules what is left of America by controlling all 12 districts after District 13 started an uprising and lost the fight. Now, to pay the price all other districts must sacrifice one boy and one girl to go and fight to the death in The Hunger Games. The winner is allowed to live in peace and wealth.  The only catch is the mental trauma will haunt them for the rest of their life, but they're still alive.

First, all credit goes to Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone, X-Men: First Class) for doing a non-independent piece of work with the heart she usually puts into her indie films. She is kick-ass as Katniss, the girl from District 12 who saves her sister from being chucked into the Games. She shows vulnerability while simultaneously playing a smart and strong warrior, on and off the playing field.

Her partner from Distrtict 12, Peeta (played by the lovely Josh Hutcherson) isn’t the best fighter but he has awesome PR skills that make him a fan favorite, especially when he professes his love for Katniss on live TV. This leads to tension between the two fights but eventually is resolved on the playing field.

Stanley Tucci (The Devil Wears Prada), Elizabeth Banks (30 Rock) and Lenny Kravitz have wonderful performances that at times steal the show. Liam Hemsworth (The Last Song) plays the stern but appealing Gail, Katniss’s other love interest who also lives in District 12.

This film is a dramatic interpretation on our current wars and what they could lead to. It also brings up the issue of what certain types of leaders could accomplish to stifle the freedom of an entire nation. It scarily realistic at times, but if younger viewers actually absorb the message we may end up having more politically active young people in the near future. Here’s to hoping.