The Hunger Games

Jennifer Lawrence, who gave an Oscar worthy performance in Winter’s Bone, has become the “combination of Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker” for the next generation. This isn’t set on a different planet, but it is in a different time when the post-apocalyptic United States has become the epitome of a totalitarian society that punishes it people in the name of a televised sporting event on a yearly basis. The children from 12 to 18 from 12 districts specializing in different industries, i.e., coal mining, agriculture, textile manufacturing, technology, etc., are pitted against each other in a highly elaborate fight to the death after having their names drawn from a lottery. Our heroine, Katniss Everdeen, is from District 12, the mining district, and in an effort to save her little sister from going to certain and immediate death in the Capitol, volunteers to take her place. She’s paired with a boy from town, the baker’s son, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). There are similarities to Star Wars, 1984, A Clockwork Orange, First Blood, Metropolis, Spartacus, and oh so many other films, it’s hard to list them all here. I’m still reading the last book in the trilogy, Mockingjay, and hadn’t finished the first one when I saw the film, but never fear, you won’t be disappointed by either and it’s not necessary to read the books first. Yes, the film is violent and not recommended for the very young. It has a gritty edge to it and once you understand how the characters fit together you’ll have a hard time turning away from the screen. I, myself, can’t wait for the sequels, Catching Fire and Mockingjay, if handled correctly will become classics akin to the Star Wars series and Harry Potter. “May the odds be ever in your favor” is our new mantra taking the place of “May the Force be with you”. Rating: 3.89 stars