The Hunger Games

I learned not to expect too much in film adaptations made from books, especially the ones that I read and loved and become addicted to so as not to get disappointed in the end. But The Hunger Games is different. It is one of those rare occasions that the movie is as close as the story in the book as it could be. Perhaps the fact that Suzanne Collins is one of the screenplay writers helped, since she herself is the author of the book.

Jennifer Lawrence seemed perfect to be Katniss Everdeen. She portrayed her role very well as a good hunter, a provider, a sister and a friend. Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark and Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne were well played as well. Though I visualized Haymitch Abernathy as somewhat comical, Woody Harrelson played the part just as well, a drunkard yet with sense and a touch of seriousness and maturity in the role. Elizabeth Banks portrayed the role of Effie Trinket nicely as well though in my mind, I had someone more exaggerated. All in all, I believe the casting for the film was well thought of and the actors and actresses did give justice in their respective roles.

The settings of the scenes in the film were great especially depicting the differences in the most impoverished districts such as District 12 and The Capitol where everything was so lavish and exaggerated. There were obviously several differences between the novel and the film, yet the story in the film still captured it all. As what I've read in other reviews, I also believe that the film adaptation is more serious than what it depicts in the book. It is a story with sense and emotion that will truly capture the hearts of the movie-goers.

I personally rate The Hunger Games 4 stars out of 5. I just hope the next franchise would be shown earlier than the previously announced November 2013.