Hunger Games Movie Review

Well, Hunger Games fans across the global can rest easy after this weekend. After months of obsessing over casting, costumes, and the trailer, the much anticipated film adaption of Suzanne Collins’ popular young adult book series finally hit the silver screen at 12.01 Friday morning–and lay to rest any concerns fans had that the movie would not do the books justice.

Succinctly put, the Hunger Games movie was good. Not “good for a teen movie.” Or “good for a hyped-up blockbuster.” Just good. Really, really good.

My biggest worry has always been how movie makers were going to retain the book’s dark tone, especially the kill-or-be-killed mentality the main character, sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, is forced to adopt. Katniss’s internal dialog–about who, if anyone, to trust; about her willingness to kill the other “game” participants; about how she is being portrayed to those watching the “game” on their home television–is the driving force behind the books, more so (in my opinion) than the actual action sequences. It would have been so easy for filmmakers to downplay or completely disregard the internal struggle in favor of a high-octane thriller. I am so glad this did not turn out to be the case.

I have to first applaud the camerawork done on this film. Although it started off a bit jumpy (a complaint I’ve heard a lot in reviews), the rough quality really gives the movie a more intimate, homespun feel–more like watching a home movie or indie film instead of a glossy action movie. The roughness backs off considerably after the first few opening scenes, but it sets the tone and does the crucial job of getting us into Katniss’s mind. Which leads me to my next favorite thing about the movie: the Acting.

Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss was superb. I was extremely impressed by the way she was able to emote feeling without appearing to emote anything. Katniss is such an incredibly strong female character, I am pleased beyond belief that Lawrence was able to capture all this strength while still letting us feel the turmoil underneath. My favorite scene: when Katniss meets with her stylist, Cinna (played by Lenny Kravitz), right before entering the tube that will deliver her to the arena. Although she is quivering in fear, her face is set in determination. Her will to live is palpable, even through the screen.

Praise also goes out Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Malark (my favorite book character) and Woody Harrelson, who played a surprisingly good Haymitch. The surprise standout for me, though, was Stanley Tucci as the television host Caesar Flickerman. He was both outrageous and believable.

Of course there were a few missteps in the film. The berry scene at the end (you know the one I mean–if you don’t, go read the books) was not nearly as dramatic as it should have been. The end-interview and return home was also too rushed. But, since the movie was already two and a half hours, I suppose this is forgivable–as long as we get an extended ending with the DVD release.

So, overall, I give the movie four stars. It was a brilliant adaption and worth staying up until three in morning.

And, we can expect more Hunger Games in the future! The movie had an incredible opening weekend box office of $155 million, the strongest opening weekend after Harry Potter 7 (well, yeah..) and The Dark Knight.

Mini Movie Review! Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

I cannot begin to express how excited I was to go see Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows in the theater this weekend. My not-so-subtle obsession with this great literary character has driven my roommate nuts in recent months, so it was a relief to both her and me to at last sit down and watch the Consulting Detective’s next big screen adventure.

Overall impression. Love it! The plot wasn’t nearly as complex as the first one; but then, the movie-makers were channelling Doyle’s story “The Final Problem,” which did not star Holmes’ deductive powers either. The action was just as fun as the first movie, as was the hilariously adorable interactions of Holmes and Watson (yes, adorable!).

The big standout for me, however, was Sebastian Moran, played by Paul Anderson. Not a character we hear much about in the Holmes’ screen adaptions, he is Moriarty’s righthand man and a wonderful foil to Watson. Anderson’s portrayal is incredibly subtle, leaving hints here and there of a connection to Moriarty that is just as deep and devoted as Watson’s is to Holmes. Throw in a bit of humor and a truly frightening ability with a gun, and you’ve got a deliciously scary villain who will no doubt be reappearing in the next installment of Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes.

Now I just have to wait for the reappearance of the Holmes on the small screen in the second season of the BBC’s Sherlock this January. Heavens, it’s so hard to concentrate with so much Holmes fever going around!