I Just Love That!

One of the most anticipated film of 2012 is finally here! The Hunger Games, the first entry of the trilogy, directed by Pleasantville's Gary Ross and starring the best ensemble ever for a book adaptation since Harry Potter. Trailers are amazing, posters too. See the Super Bowl trailer because it is the best. I'm a fan of the book, so excuse me for saying things you may not understand (unless you read the book too!)

Not gonna talk about the story in details. It's about a dystopian future where North America is now called Panem and divided into 12 Districts after the war. As a reminder of the war and the power of the Capitol, a gladiator-ian game is held every year where 24 teenagers are pitted against each other until a lone victor emerges in an event named The Hunger Games. In the 74th year, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark represent District 12 to battle the other 22 teens to the death.

I watch the film twice already and I have to say, the best film so far in 2012. It doesn't disappoint. It is made seriously and expertly. I liked Gary Ross' approach with hand-held, shaky camera, leaving the conventional way of making films. The film became more intimate and epic at the same time. The amazing cast also makes this film even more amazing. Jennifer Lawrence is the perfect fit for Katniss, not sure about Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth at first but they are okay in their respective roles as Peeta and Gale. Elizabeth Banks is also great as Effie Trinket, Wes Bentley makes his expanded role as Seneca a lot better too and of course Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman is a casting gold. Not to mention another casting gold of Woody Harrelson as Haymitch and the surprisingly casted Lenny Kravitz as Cinna. It's a shame that those supporting characters don't get much screentime. The story is well translated to the screen, a few changes is inevitable but I think those come from Suzanne Collins herself, who co-wrote the screenplay too. The action and violence is well-contained, by showing what is needed to be showed. Also, thank god for the contained romance parts, I was afraid it would get too Twilight-y but thank God it didn't. It fits the atmosphere incredibly well. The out-of-the-book scenes in the control room with Seneca is great and also that Seneca-Snow conversation is also great. I've been overusing the word great with this sentence. The only thing I wanted was more Games scenes because most of the conflicts in the arena are overly simplified. And also I need a glimpse of Plutarch Heavensbee which I was really hoping I could see. All in all, it still intrigues me to revisit it for the third time. Best film so far, and best book adaptation since Harry Potter series! Can't wait for Catching Fire on November 2013. The Hunger Games: rated 4 out of 4 stars