The Hunger Games (2012)

Welcome to the 76th review of FILMCLUB!!!

IMPORTANT NOTE: The film is based on a book series that at the time of writing this review, I have not read.

The film is said to be a rip-off of another film named ‘Battle Royale’ which was based on a Japanese light novel. At the time of writing this review, I have not read or seen Battle Royale so I will judge this film by its own merits.

The Story

The story is about a young girl who is chosen to join the annual Hunger Games where 24 teens aged 11-17 fight to the death to honour those who died in the nuclear war 77 years ago…

The story is very believable and well done, with the whole world of the Hunger Games is explained to us in a natural, flowing way that makes the story more believable.

The story felt perfect, but the only problem with the film’s story was the ending. It felt rushed, forced and just unbelievable and it no longer absorbs you into its world.

The flow of this film is also great as well, with one hour building up to the games and explaining the world, and the second half being the actual Hunger Games and showing how all of the children survive.

The Characters

This film has one of the best main characters I have ever seen in film. She is a smart character who has her flaws. She is strong and independent but not to the point where she isn’t invincible.

The love interest in this film is also a likable character. He is a shy, timid but he builds up courage as the film goes on and their love is built up gradually, thus making it feel more natural.

The girl Kattness meets is also a likeable character, she also makes the feeling of friendship more believable in a world where everyone wants to see children kill each other.

The villains of this film (I.E. The leader of the gang in Hunger Games and the man in charge of the games) are not given much development at all. The film doesn’t show how these two convinced the other people to follow them making them feel like generic villains.

The side characters in this film that help prepare the main characters for the Games are both really interesting and funny characters. But you don’t know if they are being nice because they care for them, or if it is just an act to make their children win the battle so they will gain fame and fortune.

The Special Effects

The use of colour in the first half is amazing! Showing us the extreme fashion the rich districts have, while the poorer districts wear plain and dull clothes.

The special effects used in this film is something people will either love or hate. The camera effects (E.G. the blurry vision) make you experience what the characters are going through, whether they have been poisoned or are running through a fire.

The CGI effects are a mixed bag. The CGI Wolf beast are done well, but the fire effect isn’t it looks faked and rushed to the point that the scene was added last minute to make the film longer than it actually is.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this film is a masterpiece. The story is amazing (Except the ending) the characters are interesting and the special effects are really good for 2012 (apart from a couple).

I heard many people say that this film is as bad as Twilight, but after seeing the film, I don’t know why the film was hated as much as it was. Maybe it’s because people keep comparing it to Battle Royale? Who knows?

So if you are looking for a smart film, are a fan of the Light Novel/Manga/Anime series, NO.6, or are looking for something similar to Battle Royale that hasn’t been given an 18 certificate by the BBFC, this film will defiantly fill you up!

The Story 4.5/5

The Characters 4.5/5

The Special Effects 4/5

Overall 4.5/5