What Are Critics Saying About ‘The Hunger Games?’ The Reviews Are In…
- Posted on March 20, 2012 at 2:51pm by
Liz Klimas
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Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are Hunger Games tributes for District 12.
The highly-anticipated spring film “The Hunger Games,” based on the best-selling novel by Suzanne Collins, is only a few days away from making it to local theaters, so what are reviewers saying? In short: the odds are in its favor (you’ll understand that line once you see the movie).
(Related: Liberal or conservative? Both sides trying to claim “Hunger Games” as their own — Why?)
If box office sales are an indication of a film’s worthiness, “The Hunger Games” is off to a good start. Forbes reports that the film has already amounted about $8 million in the United States from 1 million advanced ticket purchases — the average ticket price is $8. Forbes reports that the film depicting a dystopian society where a group of teenagers are forced to battle each other to the death on national television is expected to gross $100 million this weekend alone.
District 12 "Reaping" where one male and female tribute is selected to fight to the death against other tributes in Panem's annual Hunger Games.
Watch the trailer for a brief overview:
And here’s a clip from the flick:
So what are the critics saying? We’ve compiled excerpts from some reviews below.
AP Critic Christy Lemire: Satisfyingly true to the book:
Those same fans should be thoroughly satisfied with the faithfulness of Gary Ross’ film, with its propulsive nature and vivid imagery: a mix of decadent costumes and architecture and harsh, unforgiving exteriors. At its center is Jennifer Lawrence, an ideal choice to play this strong, independent young woman. Those who saw her Oscar-nominated performance in 2010′s “Winter’s Bone” already were aware of her startling screen presence — her natural beauty, instincts and maturity beyond her years. And yet there’s a youthful energy and even a vulnerability that make her relatable to the core, target audience of female fans. Lawrence is endlessly watchable, and she better be, since she‘s in nearly every single shot of Ross’ film.
And speaking of Ross, he may seem an unlikely choice to direct a movie about a futuristic, fascist world in which teenagers must fight each other to the death in an exploitative display of national loyalty and pride. He is, after all, the man behind such clever, charming and uplifting films as “Dave,” ”Pleasantville“ and ”Seabiscuit.” But those movies, while based on high-concept premises, ultimately had pointed things to say about politics and society. The methodology of “The Hunger Games” may be more complicated but its darkly satirical message is unmistakable.
The script adheres rather closely to Collins’ novel — no surprise there since she co-wrote it with Ross and Billy Ray — although it does truncate some of the subplots that give the book its greatest emotional heft as well as soften the brutal violence of the games themselves, ostensibly in the name of securing a PG-13 rating. Still, the makers of “The Hunger Games” have managed the difficult feat of crafting a film that feels both epic and intimate at once.
Three stars out of four.
Read more of the AP review here.
Peeta Mellark in the Hunger Games arena.
Forbes: Roger Friedman says you’ll be left “hungry” for more:
“The Hunger Games“–maybe you’ve been thinking it’s like those “Twilight” movies. A cult hit trilogy of books, now coming to the big screen for teens. Well, it’s not. Gary Ross has directed a well made, action packed film with really great young actors and lots of fun characters. Violent? A little. But the violence is broad. The main thing is that “The Hunger Games,” which will open with big numbers on Friday, is just fine. It’s a sci-fi adventure set in the future. Author Suzanne Collins has taken “Lost,” and every reality show from “Survivor” to “The Amazing Race” to “Big Brother” and “Fear Factor,” dumped them in her Cuisinart and added a bit of “Romeo and Juliet,” topped with a sort of weird pinch of the Holocaust, and pressed Frappe. Did I forget also to mention the Christians and the Lions in ancient Rome? Another ingredient. But somehow it all works.
Unlike “Twilight,” there’s some intelligence at work there with director Gary Ross and the actors–principally Jennifer Lawrence (“Winter’s Bone”) and Josh Hutcherson (“The Kids Are All Right”_. But then there’s the supporting cast, a group of experts who play their parts broadly a la the “Harry Potter” or “Batman” movies–Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones and Elizabeth Banks are having such a grand time that it’s infectious.The movie also marks the big screen return of Wes Bentley, who made a big impression in “American Beauty” ten years ago and then took a powder. It’s nice to see him back. Pop star Lenny Kravitz, now doing a little acting (“Precious”) is well cast as one of the game instructors.
Read more of Friedman’s review here.
Characters Katniss and Gale in "The Hunger Games"
NY Daily News: “True Shot to the Heart”:
It’s also a far more serious movie than the marketing, and mainstream mania, have led us to believe.
It’s better and scarier than its source book, and aims an angry eye at our bloodthirsty, watch-anything-and-cheer culture.
And there’s also pro-rebellion, anti-1% sentiment coursing through its blood. While the dark allegory within Suzanne Collins’ 2008 publishing phenomenon remains intact, it’s anchored by a remarkable performance from Jennifer Lawrence and — it has to be said — can’t-look-away action.
[...]
Director Gary Ross, whose “Pleasantville” is spiritual kin to this movie, may seem too grown-up for the material, but he’s a smart chaperone.
He allows for historical context — children registering to be slaughtered evokes a concentration camp — but doesn’t glamorize the horror of kids killing kids, and isn’t shy about dramatizing how a government can abuse and manipulate the poor.
Check out the rest of NY Daily News’ review here.
People Magazine: “Lives Up to Hype”:
Yes, The Hunger Games is feral, but its unwillingness to coddle its young audience is what made author Suzanne Collins’s trilogy such a hit. The movie sticks close to the first book, with detail-perfect renderings of the districts, the Capitol, the arena – and certainly of Katniss.
Lawrence, an Oscar nominee last year for Winter’s Bone, is a fan’s dream. With her soulful eyes and innate grit, she gives skilled hunter Katniss equal doses of complexity and appeal. Forget Twilight‘s insipid Bella Swan. This is a literary heroine girls can cherish.
Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Lenny Kravitz have marvelous supporting roles, but the film isn’t always as strong as its stars. Its subtleties may get lost on viewers new to the story. Still, it’s so fiendishly engaging the even darker, scarier sequels can’t come fast enough.
See more of People Magazine’s review here.
Here‘s another sneak peak offered by the film to prep you for the weekend’s festivities:
Heading out to see the movie this weekend? Let us know what you think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_m-0vtEMeM
Images are from the official Hunger Games movie.
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Comments (106)
Mojoron
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 8:07pmHaving read the book, the fundamental problem with the fiction versus the reality is undeniable. It is a depressing read and it has a 1984/Rollerblade type of feeling to it. If the movie works at the theaters, then more power to it. But I hope people don’t start making comparisons to current political isms because its not going to happen. Remove God and make everyone dependent on the Gov’ment and you might have reality.
Report Post »Inkmage
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 9:22pmAh I can’t stand overly religious people, but I do see the further pushing out of god- and ushering in of secularism. And because of the crap going on with Islam, I can see how religion will be completely thrown out. Its already happened, or is happening in some countries. However only people who have never lived through serious times, can sit back and say; how something so drastic could never happen, because they can’t imagine such things… Well people like that are not only mistaken, but the very people who allow such things happen.
Report Post »azitdad
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 9:47pm@INKMAGE
By ‘Religon” I can only assume you mean Judeo-Christian beliefs. Islam is the fastest growing ‘religon’ in the world. There are plenty of Hindus and Bhuddists, hundreds of millions of them in fact. ‘Religon” has been successfully pushed out of China, and most of the communist countries like North Korea, Cuba etc., but the people are brainwashed to worship their leaders AS gods. So, they still have ‘religon” per se.
In the United States we still have more than 70% who identify themselves as Christians, so keep dreaming. It’s the communists/socialists who are the minority, and with Obama’s track record of failures, you are likely to see your fantisies fizzle in the next election.
Report Post »Luke21
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:10amNot so fast Inkmage, even the beast (anti-christ, soon to come satanic world leader), gives Islam & the Hindu their due, respecting their intollerance for the Left hand (Rev 13:16):
Then [the great beast who's authority comes from Satan] opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His dwelling, and those who dwell in heaven. And it was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, people, language, and nation. And all those who dwell on the earth shall worship him, whose name is NOT written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. (Revelation 13:6-9)…
And [the 2nd beast who causes all to worship the great beast] causes all, small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, that they should receive marks on their RIGHT hand, or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except he that has the mark, the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of man–his number is 666. (Revelation 13:16-18)
Of course it will be “open season” on those that love the true Lamb of God, so you’ll be free to excercise your disdain for their like & take out your frustrations upon them (for 1260 days anyway – assuming you last that long..’8^)).
Report Post »lapitup
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:52am“INKMAGE” It sounds like your testimony of a “GOD” any “GOD” is strengthening. I know you’re not the only atheist who feels this way. I don’t know the way you were raised, If you were raised in a house of warship or if you have a long history of atheism in your house. I can tell you though, for those religious people know or should know that the stuff happening today has been foretold. Almost every “Legit” religion in the world believes we are living in the end of times. Isn’t it funny how all religions can come together on that one issue? However for Christians it is written what will happen. It is happening right before our very eyes and most religious people refuse to see, which is also written… So with every passing moment there are more and more prophecies coming true. If that does not strengthen your testimony I don’t know what will. The only thing I think most Christians that do see, the similarities are surprised at how fast things are happening. That is also written that in the last days things will be speed up.. that even the believers will be unbelievers… It is amazing to me that how many people even in my own church do not see, or choose to be blind. War is upon us, we only choose to see it or not.. God help us in this late hour, which is also written, that does not mean a lot of people are going to die in Gog and May Gog..
Report Post »Iswingright
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 12:28pm@lapitup
There have been God loving Christians in every generation, since the Apostle Paul and including him, that believed Jesus would return in their lifetimes. Maybe, maybe not. The fact is, no one knows, now do they?
The people running around saying the end times are near are typically the blind ones, though well-meaning.
It could be today or another 5000 years. Live each day as if you’ll live a long full life — but also live as if today is your last day, because on of these days you’ll be right.
Report Post »treas54
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 4:59pmDid you mean books as in trilogy? I seriously doubt you read the books as you would see the resemblance to our present day society. Pitting oilmen, farmers and miners against each other as in the 12 Districts. The dictatorships of the past such as Mao and Stalin starving millions of their own people. As in the present an easy observance is Mayor Bloomberg stopping the food giving to the hungry because of salt. Bloomberg is a pathetic tyrant and slum lord. Just as Atlas Shrugged showed how the progressives spin their insane web to trap the stupid believers and make criminals out of the entire population with all their insane laws. The progressives hate these stories. They’re FICTION, so what’s the big deal? Do they hit too close to home? God and good will prevail and all the Alinskyites can go to hell, coddled and cared for by their beloved Lucifer.
Report Post »foobear
Posted on March 22, 2012 at 5:58amIt’s not only depressing and horrible, but the Hunger Games are also a blatant ripoff of Battle Royale.
I would recommend everyone to stay away from these movies.
Report Post »UrsaMajor
Posted on March 22, 2012 at 7:46amRIGHT ON, FOOBEAR!
The books and the movie are just as big a rip-off of the Japanese book and movie “Battle Royale” as “Avatar” was of “Dances With Wolves.”
Every penny spent on this franchise supports Hollywood, elitist Progressives and SPITS on the Conservative, Capitalist ideal of not stealing someone else’s intellectual property.
No WONDER Mitt Romney is the front-runner!
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on March 22, 2012 at 12:43pmThis a blatant rip off of the Chinese Downhill
Report Post »Onowicit
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 7:28pmdownload it for free movie and book. don’t give them your money.
Report Post »DesertDave54
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 7:44pmLove the idea!! More people on this site should understand that. But too often you get someone recording in a theater and it looks crappy.
Report Post »mdeputy7
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 7:54amWhat is wrong with you people? Steal it? Yeah that’s the answer….if you don’t want to give them your money, don’t watch it. Otherwise pay for it like everyone else. ….. sheesh
Report Post »bpodlesnik
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 8:23amLove the idea of stealing? After a lot of a people put a lot of hard work and time into the movie and book, whether you like it or not, and you want to steal it?
Report Post »Pontiac
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 6:36pmTheft involves “taking” goods or property or depriving them of something like currency. They still have what they have and I did not deprive them of money as I would not have otherwise given them any. Besides Hollywood wants government to take more from you while they skirt every tax they can. I have absolutely no remorse making a copy of their ones and zeros. You can keep feeding them, I wont.
Report Post »supressorgrid
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 11:22pmShaddup stupid.
Report Post »22
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 7:00pmI’m a father of 2 college age kids and I read the books. They were great! It’s not a 1% 99% thing. Its more like the Soviet Union, with a preferred class of citizen with all the perks and then the peasant class. Its got the Gulags and big brother watching everything, hearing and knowing everything. Torture, intimidation, and reward for those who help the masters. I personally felt like its a precursor for whats to come in these United Socialist States of the Americas. Of coarse if you’re a psycho lib nut job, you’re also going to think its about OWS.
Report Post »claymoremacm
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 8:39pm22…you are right the OWS are going to try and hyjack the popularity of the movie and say it refers to them and watch the Libs do the same thing…..I read the books and will see the movie with my Rush/FOX Daughter,
Report Post »TC
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 8:46pmI got my tickets! I am bias though, my daughter is one of the Tributes. : ) Read all the books and loved it.
Report Post »keats5
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 10:27pmWho can not like a book which starts with a girl disobeying the government to hunt for her own food, and trading it on the black market to keep her kin and friends alive?
Report Post »22
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 10:35pmWe also pre-ordered our tickets. We are all dressing up as capital snobs. TC, thats cool! We live in Cincinnati, so a lot of the main actors are from our Tri-state area. I read the books because I try to read what my kids are reading. I really enjoyed them. My wife is playing catch up now and reading them before we see the flic.
Report Post »UrsaMajor
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 5:13amI loved this movie the first time I saw it…
… when it was called “Battle Royale.”
Report Post »sta
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 8:23amDistrict 8, textiles.
Report Post »We are going in costume too.
22
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 8:35am@STA, We’ve done it several times in the past and makes for a fun night. Others will criticize and make fun, but deep down in side, they wish they were secure enough to let loose and have a harmless good time with your kids and friends. More power to you from District 4!!!!!
Report Post »TC
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:06amSTA and 22. Thats great! I prefer the grain district. : )
Report Post »bamadadof3
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 6:36pmFolks please quit taking everything so seriuosly and literal. It’s just a movie made after a great series of books. For those commenting about never going to see the movie or read the books in that case you have no need to comment since you don’t have a clue what the subject is! The books were very entertaining and thought provoking and I am guessing the movie will be entertaining too. This series of books was one of the top selling series in history so apparently they are decent to read. Get over yourselves haters.
Report Post »Abraham Young
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 8:16pmRight I have to read every bad book before I can comment on anything bad.
Report Post »BrayDeck
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 2:07amYou obviously haven‘t read the book and therefore don’t know if it’s bad or not, Mr. Abraham.
The ignorance on these comment sections is astounding. Why am I reading these again?
Report Post »UrsaMajor
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 5:14amI loved the book the first time I read it…
…. when it was called “Battle Royale.”
Report Post »3monkeysmomma
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 8:13pmI actually saw this actress in “Winter’s Bone” which was a great film and she was excellent in it.
Report Post »I highly recommend it although its not for children and its quite depressing.
foobear
Posted on March 22, 2012 at 5:59amI’ve read the books. They’re terrible.
Report Post »Ilovetea
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 6:32pmConservative momma here, read all the books in a few days. Loved them. Read a lot of books and these are by far the best I’ve read from a current author. Don’t be judgmental of them…they depict our future very well. We need to get our heads out of our asses.
Report Post »UrsaMajor
Posted on March 22, 2012 at 7:50amWhat kind of “conservatism” is it to support a franchise developed by an intellectual propert theif? I guess a “conservative” message is the end that justifies the means of stealing someone else’s ideas (the Japanese book and movie “Battle Royale”).
No wonder a Massachucetts liberal is leading the pack in he Republican primary!
Report Post »Kiddle
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 5:40pmSince when is it propaganda when the “people” in the lower class societies are taken advantage of and played as the fools (as usual) but then cunningly show rebellion to the system?
Report Post »mike o
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 5:05pm“…and aims an angry eye at our bloodthirsty, watch-anything-and-cheer culture.”
and it does so by asking people to pay 8$ to watch teen bloodletting and cheer it enough to give it a good review and encourage still more to watch it. try not to think too much
Report Post »UrsaMajor
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 5:16am… just like “Battle Royale.”
Report Post »goofyfoot2001
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 4:50pmUnfortunately in the books (I read all three in a week) the violence was central to the story. Softening it I hope, doesn‘t ruin it’s surprisingly well crafted combination of grit and wholesomeness.
Report Post »shimauma
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 4:45pmI’ve raised my youngest with a conservative mindset and she has read the whole series. She tells me that it is very anti-elitest and that it has a very strong message about a society that tries to rule on a caste based system instead of giving people the freedom to choose their own futures. I think I can trust her judgement.
Report Post »Godzgrl247
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 5:55pmI agree! And I think the books go along with what G Beck has told us about bread and circuses (hence, the name Panem). I only hope that the movie stays true with the messages from the book.
Report Post »CW3147
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 6:31pmOne Common theme that most people don’t notice is the striking resemblance to Ancient Rome. In the Epilogue, she mentions her in depth study of Rome.
The Hunger games are a Circus to the citizens of the capital and lead them to a careless desensitized attitude. The drawings are also a way to scare the general public.
Another key evidence of roman influences in the throwing up of food to enjoy more. This happens to the rich of the capital and went on with the rich of Rome.
The Separation between rich and poor is not OWS, Many forget that communism did not eliminate all of the wealthy and that classes still existed. The Rich are Rich because of BIG GOVERNMENT
The so called climate change was virtually absent except for maybe a description of the wars and reasons that Panem Started.
Even the laborers in district 11 are starved even though they produce Grain.
In my opinion, This was an overall Anti big government book that showed what happened to Rome Could happen to us. But of Course, Hollywood might find a way to make this great book in the opposite of what it is.
Report Post »CW3147
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 7:09pmAnother thing it teaches in the Last book:
Report Post »The enemy of my enemy is not my friend. Katniss decides that one dictator should not be replaced with another.
UrsaMajor
Posted on March 22, 2012 at 7:55amIs that the same “conservative mindset” that is perfectly fine with stealing someone else’s ideas?
Maybe I should write a series of books based on a young wizard named Barry Kotter who grows to vanquish the threat of the evil Voldermorgan.
Every penny spent on this franchise is a penny spent on theivery…. and that is NOT conservative values!!!
Report Post »TraceyInAZ
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 4:21pmPurchased advanced tickets for my D-Box motion seats… I hope it’s a good flick.
Report Post »Kaoscontrol
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 4:21pmNot to rain on a large parade of posters here but, I’ve seen B movie trailers that look more interesting. There‘s so much hype surrounding this movie that it’s probably a stinker. If its a good movie, why didn’t the studio release it closer to the summer blockbuster season? Studios usually release crappy films in the Feb/ March months when there isn’t much competition. My bet is that Lionsgate (who is a smaller distribution company) is hoping for a big weekend before word gets out the movie is “just OK.” or worse.
Report Post »Gman42
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 6:15pmIt can’t be all that good. I didn’t even see Jar-Jar Binks in the preview!
Report Post »Mikev5
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 7:47pmI agree with that assessment this thing is getting pumped up real bad and will be a looser.
More brainwashing to the useful idiots of the USA how pathetic
Report Post »zzbear
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 10:38pmI have no idea what to expect, but saying it’s going to be a flop before seeing it is just a good excuse to post something about nothing for no good reason. I guess I’m just as guilty for replying. My kids tell me the story line is fantastic, the actors are all superb (Jennifer Lawrence in Winter’s Bone… c’mon – she’s made for this role). I’ll stick with what the professional reviewers say and pass judgement after viewing.
Report Post »snorkey
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 1:21pmKaos: LOL! ;) I wondered about the trailer for “Hunger Games” when I saw the trailer for “Snow White and the Huntsman”. The latter is clear what the story is about where as the “Hunger Games” trailer leaves you scratching your head…
Report Post »shogun459
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 4:05pmI have a comment on the articles Writer.
Can’t you discribe THIS movie without comparing it to another movie?
Is your Personal language based in metaphor or are you just “Discrptively Challanged”?
I Still Don’t know what the movie is about.
THE PLAYS THE THING!
Report Post »W. Shakespeare
keats5
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 10:42pmThe book series is about a future dystopian society, post USA. The tyrants force selected children, age 12-18?, to fight each other to the death as a reminder that the government has complete control. Only one teen is supposed to win.
As you make your way through the series, the two competitors from the poorest region, once known as Appalachia, rebel against the government and fight for each other’s lives. To tell more would be to spoil a good ending.
Ultimately, it’s a story of liberty against tyranny, self reliance, and family. The heroine has an edge because she knows how to hunt, even though that was against the law. Her mother and sister are seen as the source of truth in a world of lies.
Report Post »UrsaMajor
Posted on March 22, 2012 at 8:10am*AHEM*
“‘Battle Royale’ takes place in an alternate timeline—Japan is a member region of a totalitarian state known as the Republic of Greater East Asia. Under the guise of a “study trip”, a group of students from Shiroiwa Junior High School… are gassed on a bus. They awaken… on Okishima, an isolated, evacuated island…They learn that they have been placed in an event called the Program. Officially a military research project, it is a means of terrorizing the population, of creating such paranoia as to make organized insurgency impossible… According to the rules fifty third-year high school classes are selected annually to participate in the Program for ‘research’ purposes. The students from a single class are isolated and are required to fight the other members from their class to the death. The Program ends when only one student remains, with that student being declared the winner. Their movements are tracked by metal collars… which contain tracking and listening devices; if any student should attempt to escape the Program, or enter declared forbidden zones, a bomb will be detonated in the collar, killing the wearer. If no one dies in a 24 hour time period, all collars will be simultaniously detonated.”
“Battle Royale” the novel was published in 1999.
The movie adaptation was made in 2000.
“The Hunger Games” ripped off the idea 12 years later.
Anyone who spends money on the Hunger Games might as well vote for Obama in November…. you a
Report Post »UrsaMajor
Posted on March 22, 2012 at 8:32amIf you support this theft called “the Hunger Games” you might as well go ahead and support the theft of our Great Nation by Obama and the Progressive fascists.
Stealing is wrong.
So is supporting it.
Report Post »Balthazor
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 4:00pmDidn’t read the book, sounds awful, movie looks insipid. I could be wrong, but it just looks to me like an indication of how far away from actual artistic creativity our culture has gone when rehashed bunk like this would appear to be is regarded as quality cinema.
Report Post »Kaoscontrol
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 4:20pmIt looks like ‘Running Man’ meets ‘Robin Hood’ featuring Lady GaGa…. or something worse.
Report Post »n8isgrate
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 6:17pmI think you should still check it out I have been skeptical on movies like inception I thought the preview for it looked odd and the movie would be not good but saw it and it was one of my fav movies I have ever seen. I read all three of the hunger game series books and I dont like reading very much it was very easy to read and I am very excited about this movie what makes the trailer exciting is mainly for the people who read the book so dont think about the trailer just check it out knowing my recomendation that it really is a really good story and if they go by the book which it looks like they will it will be a great movie.
Report Post »UselessIdiot
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 11:49pmrehashed? Do you have any clue of just how many re-boots and remakes are in the works? This is by far original compared to most of the major films in development (21 jump street, anyone?)
You could make the case that Star Wars was just a fairy tale in space. You had the princess, the wizard, the rouge with a heart of gold (Han Solo), the brave farm boy who makes good, etc….using your logic, that too is ‘just a rehash”.
But like other original ideas today, it really comes down to good characters we want to see. That the story is good too is a plus at this point. My 2 cents anyways.
Take care.
Report Post »mlite9
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:38amI realize this is a movie based on fiction that I haven’t read, and don’t want to see. It’s disturbing that in addition to the current fascination with the occult and aliens, that people, kids especially, find something appealing in this. It’s a kind of resigned, GB I have to prepare for apocalypse mindset, and it’s sad. This is fiction, but it’s also NOT our future. I would rather young people prepare themselves by helping to ensure it doesn’t happen, by understanding the existence and nature of evil, and a clear realization that it’s not just our fight – not seeking to be entertained by it. It’s rot, and I intend to stay away.
Report Post »AllAmericanGirl22
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 3:58pmThe books are popular among lost of my classmates (highschool) but I never read them. The movie looks good though.
Report Post »American Soldier (Separated)
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 3:55pmThe story line reminds me of Battle Royale. It’s a Japanese flick that had a similar premise. Definitely worth a watch if you’ve got access to it. I‘m a big fan of dystopia society movies so I’ll be sure to watch this one….
Report Post »Locked
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 4:11pmVery similar to Battle Royale, I agree; although BR focuses much more on the survival game and much less on the dystopia. It‘s also somewhat similar to Stephen King’s “The Long Walk,” although King’s work focuses much more on survival psychology than dystopia.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 3:46pmWas pretty big at work among my coworkers, especially those with kids in high school. When I finally read the trilogy I found them to be an entertaining, if not revolutionary read. The genre is a survival game in a dystopian world; the first book is primarily (but not entirely) focused on the survival game, while the next two go more steadily into the world of the books.
Go into them expecting a good read, pretty basic language (again, they were written for 13-16 year olds), and an interesting story, and you won’t be disappointed. Well, until the third one, when the writing style goes to heck. But they’re still worth it.
Probably going to see the movie.
Report Post »Endstatism
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 3:42pmWinter`s Bone is a very good movie, it didnt get much publicity until it got its Oscar nomination. Its a pretty gripping and scarily realistic flick. Jennifer Lawrence did a excellent job in that movie. She will likely have a excellent performance as Katniss. I was not planning to see this movie as I thought this would be a mindless movie marketed to teens. I do like seeing movies on dystopian societies as I need to get reminded what could happen to America if we do not remain vigilant with our freedoms.
Report Post »debig
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 3:40pmI’m just finishing the third book…..30 pages to go. The 3 book series is very good. My daughter (who recommended these to me) is a high school history teacher and all the kids are reading them…as well as adults. They do make you think about the Roman Empire….very much. But parellels can be made also with the current Obama administration and their tactics albeit not as blatantly violent…..YET. The books make you realize how far an evil administration will go to keep power and control over peoples lives. Worth reading the books and possibly viewing the movie…..Just my opinion.
Report Post »912TexasMom
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 3:37pmHave my tickets for the 12:15 am show… the 12:01 was sold out on Sunday when I went to buy. My 14 yr old raved about the series and I picked it up to read in a book exchange basket while on vacation in January… a little disappointed there wasn’t a better option. I was hooked after meeting Katniss in the first chapter. I finished the whole series in a few days. Any time I had it with me in public, an adult would comment on how good it was. I was a little embarrassed that I was so into it at first, because I thought of it as a teen novel, but it was thought-provoking and the characters were unforgettable. I miss them a bit now that it’s over!
Report Post »Dave.the.Blaze
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 3:32pmI’ve not read the book, but why does everything have to have either a clearly defined liberal or conservative bent? I foolishly think that this is just an election-year problem, but I know I’m wrong!
Report Post »davuf
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:27amPeople generally see things through their own prism. This movie looks good to me because both sides are identifing with it. I hope it lives up to the hype, I could use some good entertainment.
Report Post »sandrunner
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 3:32pmforget about liberals…they are sheep led by one group. all liberals want to be taken care of… plain and simple.
This group that controls the liberals are the elitus (progressives), power hungry, the upper class…and I do not mean the rich. or filthy rich.
conservatives want freedom to do as we wish, and not to be told how to live our lives. We want everyone to have the choice to make mistakes or succeed. Just leave us alone.
Report Post »mapgirl10
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 3:19pmHave my ticket and ready to roll!
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 3:12pmEveryone this is little more than a propaganda film at its core.
Rich elite entertaining the masses with bread and cirucuses; aka Roman Empire, distract the masses while the Emperor does as he pleases.
This is one movie I will never go see.
Report Post »GeorgieBaby
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 3:57pmYou are very much missing out. You are also very much not connecting the dots.
The back story of the book is that after a serious civil war which tore up the U.S., the country was divided up into territories and essentially punished by the winner for their rebellion through forced labor, hunger, and very bad living conditions. The Hunger Games are a way for the winning side to punish the territories for their rebellion.
I would recommend you read the books before you see the movie.
Report Post »hatchetjob
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 7:26pmI couldn’t be paid to go see it.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 3:10pmOk, I’ve seen many a movie and tv episode with the same ole story line. Geez, even STAR TREK did this theme. Why is THE BLAZE so interested in this ‘been there done that’ flick? Sure, I‘ll rent if there isn’t any good movie out there. I suppose it’s in 3D right? LOL!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 3:35pmHi TRON .. this is the only movie that I am buying a ticket and going to see … already have my ticket and son’s … next Tuesday … one night only!
http://www.monumentalmovie.com/
Report Post »VISITORNUMBER3
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 3:58pmTron….not sure of your age but do you remember The Running Man with Arnold Schwartzenegger? This movie sounds a lot like it but probably a little less silly…
Report Post »GeorgieBaby
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 4:00pmYou must read the book. Until you read the books, you will not get it. After you read the books, then you will be qualified to comment on the subject.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 4:07pmYeah, RUNNING MAN was a fun movie. 45 years old and counting; not much of a reader of novels; I prefer nonfiction. I like movies; just ones that are not too predictable. I loved that latest SHERLOCK HOMES. The end was excellent! And again, this flick will be a Sat. afternoon, on the tv rental box.
Report Post »goahead.makemyday
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 3:04pmI’m glad the movie is sticking close to the book, otherwise it would fail worse than John Carter of Mars. But they better not have cut Rue out, that was the one part I nearly cried at. And I never cry when either reading or watching a movie, I have my man’s pride after all.
Report Post »HappyHaloHousewife
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 3:08pmRue’s in.
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