The concept of televised arena games in which kids are forced to kill another in gladiator fashion certainly piques interest - the power of the concept to which the fanbase to the trilogy of novels the first book the film is based on can attest to - for an audience wanting something more visceral to sink their teeth in, unlike the otherwise bland offerings of another, popular book series with vampires for the young adult demographic. With this regard, it comes across as a bit of a shame when The Hunger Games takes what could easily have been a more intentionally controversial premise and takes a more tame and conservative execution of these themes.
And perhaps having this film's teeth dulled could have been more forgiven had those not familiar with the events of the book be given enough of a reason to care about combatants in this 'battle royal'. Often, the film is eagerly trying to get us to feel for our reluctant little gladiators forced into combat in an authoritative society that greets their eventual demise like the punchline of a long and sick joke. Yet, there's only so much gravitas to be had about any of these fighter's death when we are only treated to several seconds of screen time among each, outside the characters the film wants us to root for. It doesn't help much when the rules surrounding the contest are constantly in flux, and thus the tensions and stakes for our heroes is dulled and no doubt thrown in to insure those with shorter attention spans are kept at the edge of their seats.
The Bottom Line:
Fans of the books will no doubt find this film caters the elements that drew them to the franchise in the first place. Otherwise, this film leaves much desired, even if it still manages to provide the moderate enjoyment one can appreciate from a rental.
The Hunger Games stars Jennifer Lawrence and Woody Harrelson, available on Blu Ray & DVD from Lions Gate Entertainment .
