This past weekend, my wife and I went to see The Hunger Games, the action-packed adaptation of the first book of Suzanne Collins’ ultra-successful book trilogy. Starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katiness Everdeen, the movie follows her as she leaves her home to take part in a cruel and highly political game of survival.
Thoughts
Having read the first book several months ago, I knew what to expect from this movie, although I was curious how they would handle the story. The book is told entirely from Katniss’ first-person point-of-view, so unless they used an inner (or outer) monologue, details would have to be given to the viewer via added scenes. (Potential Spoilers Ahead!)
I am highly impressed with this adaptation. I had heard that the movie expanded the story to show you more of the political machinations that run the world of Panem and the 74th Annual Hunger Games, and I heard correctly. Scenes are added to this movie, but they don’t detract from the story at all. No, they indeed do add to the richness and fullness of the world. While you read the book and know the Games are nothing but a display of power from the Capitol government, in the movie you can see those plans being run.
Probably for time restrictions, some of the books minor details are left out — the training seems a bit shortened, we don’t see as much of Katniss in District 12 before she heads off to the Games, the Games themselves seem to take less time. But on the whole, most of what we need to see in the book makes it to the screen. Katniss is shown to be the resourceful girl who is the reason her family survives. Rue is the small, shy girl who has skills that nobody expects. Peeta knows he won’t win, but he’s going to do what he can. Haymitch is a drunk. And Effie… oh, Effie. You were on the screen for only a short time, but you made me hate you so much with your “Rah! Rah!” attitude.
One of the things I really liked is when they showed District 11 watching the Games. When they break out into a riot, you finally get the sense that it’s not just District 12 that hates the Capitol and how they shove their rules and laws down the throats of the people. You grasp that this tension is more than just Katniss vs. the others, or even District 12 vs. the government of Panem.
There were a couple things I didn’t like, though. First, because the book is written from Katniss’ point of view, we know exactly how she strategizes, plus we can hear her reactions to Peeta’s actions. She uses what he does to her benefit, and we can see the struggle she has with his feelings for her. In the movie, though, we can’t see that as much. Sure, she goes along with the plan to be the star-crossed lover, but you don’t really see how she feels about it.
Secondly, there’s a scene where Haymitch is talking with Seneca, the director of the Games. Haymitch convinces Seneca that it would be in his best interest (meaning, higher ratings) to mold the Games into allowing Katniss and Peeta be the lovers. Having Haymitch talk to Seneca makes me just wonder what role Haymitch is playing. In the book, you don’t get any idea that Haymitch might be working with the Games, but this new scene leaves some doubt. I don’t know if I should consider this a flaw, though — it may just be me not liking this character choice (and it may be set up for future movies, and it may be addressed in the two novels I haven’t read yet).
The Final Rewind
Overall, The Hunger Games is a great movie, and it should be on this year’s list of Must See Movies for the Geek/Action Movie Lover. I’m a bit surprised it didn’t get pushed more towards Summer, but with a crowded release schedule, perhaps it’s best. After all, it smashed box office records, so who am I to judge?
The Geek Bits
Title: The Hunger Games
Director: Garry Ross
Screenplay: Garry Ross, Suzanne Collins, Billy Ray. Based on the Novel by Suzanne Collins
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 142 minutes
Website: http://www.thehungergamesmovie.com/
IMDB Entry: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392170/
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