Overall rating

5 / 5

I could feel the emotion.

PostedMarch 25, 2012

from Phoenix,Az

I loved the books, and i could feel the emotion from the books on the screen.There were only about 5 differences between the 2 which i was thankful for!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

OMG

PostedMarch 25, 2012

LudBud

It was incredible. It was great. it was like harry potter all over again but in Hunger Games Form. Almost exactly portrayed as it is in the book.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Wonderful Adaptation

PostedMarch 25, 2012

MandaMichelle

*SPOILERS*

After the previews rolled, a few fans behind me squealed at the LIONSGATE logo and the pre-games set-up began. I absolutely loved the portrayal of the seam along with the Hob. The forest was much more vast than I pictured in the book, but the Gale scenes with Katniss were spot-on. Reaping of the tributes gave me chills and brought tears to my brother’s eyes, as Jennifer Lawrence owned that scene.

On the rail to the capitol, Haymitch and Effie delivered their roles strikingly well due to acting and make-up. “That is Mahogany” won laughter from everyone in the theater. The capitol itself was stunning, and it had the absolute grandeur that was described in the book. Cinna’s role was just the right amount of sexy and subtle. Their fire outfits were amazing and pulled off better than I had imagined in the book, although the CGI needed to be sharpened.

THE GAMES STARTED OFF INCREDIBLY WELL. I wanted to applaud the beginning of the games due to the accuracy from book to film. Needless to say, everything up until the cave scene was spot-on and thrilling. Rue’s death and burial was perfect. Absolutely perfect.

The cave scene did… well… not live up to the expectations the book set. I understand they only had so much time to work with in filming and that the cave itself was a dark location to film, but it just wasn’t delivered to me. I want to blame Josh (Peeta) for the performance, but it may have been more about the timing and lack of time than the acting. And showing Gale after every on-screen kiss… that was overdone. It. is. not. a. love. triangle. However, the camouflage of the treebark on Peeta was amazing.

The end of Cato and the mutts was difficult to pull off, but the filming was spectacular. Cato was a success and the mutts were only mildly disappointing. The games’ conclusion was fabulous and everyone cheered in the audience.

Coming back had the bittersweet feeling the book gave and that was much appreciated. The filmmakers did a great job making it so the end tied in with Catching Fire but was concluded enough to give satisfaction even if the viewer doesn’t plan on watching the next films.

Filming: The shaky camera effect was a bit much at key parts, like the fight scenes and watching the careers. It was effective when Katniss has adrenaline pumping through her (the initial bloodbath, running from the fire), but a bit overdone. Often, but not entirely, the CGI was poorly incorporated due to the indie-style of the filming with somewhat random graphics tossed in (such as the commentary/tribute ratings).

Missing:

1. Madge giving the pin

2. Peeta’s father not visiting Katniss after the reaping

3. Introduction of the make-over team (aside from Cinna obviously)

4. No bread from district 11 after Rue’s death

5. The sadism of Clove when pinning down Katniss

6. Tributes did not come back as mutts

7. Avox’s and Lavinia were never explained

Why these are important:

1. Without the link between the mayor’s daughter and Katniss, there is virtually no connection between those “in power” and those without. Madge is the bridge between the heartless Peacekeepers/capitol dwellers and the people of the seam, and without her creates a much wider gap. Also, how will Katniss discover the news in the mayor’s office later on if not looking for Madge?

2. This lets very little come into Katniss’ mind about Peeta in the beginning of the trip, when in the book he is all she thought about (sizing him up, trying to figure out his plans, etc.). When his father did not visit Katniss and assure that her family wouldn’t go hungry, she therefore has to rely solely on Gale and her mother. This makes her less connected to the people of the seam that she has made so many deals/partnerships with.

3. Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Need I say more?

4. Katniss’ description of the bread’s importance is enough to remind her in later books of the peaceful protest district 11 gave by sending bread to her. It was unheard of to send a parachute to someone of another district that your own (especially when they still had Thresh), but district 11 is nearly more impoverished than 12! Sending bread (not their district product) to a tribute from a different district was a huge slap in the face to sponsors and the gamemakers, and the first protest given from 11. There wasn’t a riot in the first book, but it was damn well portrayed.

5. Clove’s dragging the knife down Katniss’ face was so much more sexy and sadistic in the book than the movie portrayed. I was disappointed but mostly because Isabella rocked the role of Clove and deserved more screen-time.

6. THIS HORRIFIED THE READERS but did not have its full effect in the film because the tributes weren’t portrayed in the mutts. I think this scene was not done justice, but it may be due to the fact that all creatures are more frightful in our imaginations than when others create them. I personally missed the touch of the tributes = the mutts.

7. Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Along with making Katniss feel partly responsible for Lavinia being a SLAVE.

Minor missing touches: the hovercrafts weren’t explained or used in the arena, her favorite soup wasn’t described, her survival skills weren’t given justice, Katniss didn’t use sleep serum to trick Peeta, Haymitch didn’t really sober up, there was no revelation that Katniss was using Peeta to survive

OVERALL: I absolutely loved it. This was an amazing film and portrayal of the book, and I couldn’t be more excited to see it again!! I give it an A alone and an A as a film adaptation.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Unforgettable

PostedMarch 25, 2012

LKP11281

from Duluth, MN

I have not read any of the books but I think the movie is nothing I have ever seen before(in a great way)! Before I went to see it I had an idea in my mind what it would be like but until I got through the whole movie, I left wanting to read the books so i know what happens next. Katniss is everything I expected her to be! Awesome movie ! I know I could watch over and over again !

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

So Good

PostedMarch 25, 2012

Sweet16Mom

from Hooksett, NH

I took my daughter to go see this movie this weekend to celebrate her sweet 16 birthday and WOW we both got a present. This was a great movie and enjoyed it very much. Now I want to read the books and purchase the DVD as soon as it is released. My daughter will go see it again next week with her friends......they will LOVE it!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

MOVIE AS GOOD AS BOOK!!!

PostedMarch 25, 2012

alayasmom

went to see the movie Sat. with my daughter and we both agreed that FINALLY there is a movie just as good as the book!!!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor

PostedMarch 25, 2012

redbeard

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from Kent, Wa

Hunger Games has such a strong narrative structure, built-in forward movement and compelling central character that it can't go far wrong. Both fans of the books and those brand new to the story of Katniss Everdeen will find The Hunger Games compelling. With the first film proving the series is in good hands, I'm excited to see the next chapters play out onscreen. Rarely does a blockbuster live up to its overheated hype, but The Hunger Games proved to be an exception. Lawrence and this franchise will go far. A must see."

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

PostedMarch 25, 2012

prskywalker69

from Malden, MA

Great movie. Love the plot and characters and although I didnt read the book but my wife says they did an excellent job about making it into a movie.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

PostedMarch 25, 2012

Nijle

from DFW, TX

Great movie. Actually could have been a bit longer to include more things from the book.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

The Hunger Games, a movie you just can't miss...

PostedMarch 25, 2012

dancer703

The Hunger Games movie surely met my expectations. It stayed as true to the book that a director could. The actors were believable, and Katniss, played by Jennifer Lawrence was just as I pictured her. I think they could have went more in depth to some important scenes. For example, when Katniss made an alliance with Rue, it seemed like they were together for less than two days and Katniss was crying for her death, and loving her. Another example was the cave scenes with Katniss and Peeta. They only spent a few days together, and I was just waiting for Katniss to trick Peeta into eating sleeping surup, so she could go save him. Instead they cut it short, and he was just asleep and never went after her. Finally i didn't love the ending, when Katniss and Peeta never had the little fight, and Katniss admitting to not knowing how she felt about him, and them holding hands at the end instead. Not much anticipation for the next movie. Just some constructive criticism, and I understand that the movie couldn't be 5hours long, (even though i wish it was! ) Ithink they did a great job, and I really think it was one of the best movies i've seen!!! I am so excited to see that the next movie is already set to be filming in a few months! Happy Hunger Games!!!!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Amazing

PostedMarch 25, 2012

MereMereMere

Definitely lived up to my expectations after watching the previews and just finishing the book. Just like how I pictured it reading. Great cast. Can't wait to go see again!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

3 / 5

Might Not Be for Younger Kids

PostedMarch 25, 2012

viclee1955

from Virginia

The acting was well done. Some scenes were moving. It was disturbing to see teens slaughter each other with knives in order to "win" the games, although these images were brief. The background/theme reminded me of "In Time" with poor people districts vs. the rich classes. The rich were exaggeratedly overdressed. I don't think it was explained how the rich who were not part of the government were excluded from the games. The ending was flat, but appears to lead to a sequel.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Great Movie

PostedMarch 25, 2012

lotrah745

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I really liked the movie. Really good actors and plot. And it also did a good job being transferred from the book. For the most part it followed the book well, and the technology in this film was also amazing. But it is kind of rough and some people saw it more disturbing than others, but with the fight-to-the-death scenario in there(especially with the teens). But other than that I recommend to anyone, and once more the actors were incredible. Overall a really good movie.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

PostedMarch 25, 2012

Mnmscharf

from New York

I thought the movie was great but I didn't read the book. My 13 years old was disappointed because he thought the book was better.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

best movie ever!!

PostedMarch 25, 2012

Lyss22

I would recommend this for anyone! Even if u have not read the books it does an amazing job at explaining everything, and I think they did a fantastic job at casting, the actors were amazing, it is definitely a mist see. Although it might be a little disturbing for younger kids, it is still toned down on te violence quite a bit

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Amazing!

PostedMarch 25, 2012

taytay98

from Howell. MI

This movie was awesome! It matched the book for the most part and I love the casting choices! The actors were amazing! I loved the graphics and makeup too.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Amazing

PostedMarch 25, 2012

Birdie1234

This movie was amazing. It surprisingly stuck to the novel for the most part, and the acting was amazing. I was disappointed with many of the casting choices originally, but after seeing the movie I think that they are all perfect. I think that they could have done more with some scenes and cut down on a few scenes, but they did a good job with the time they had. I loved the book series, so I was a little disappointed when some of my favorite scenes and characters weren't in the movie. A few of my favorite lines were replaced, but the movie was amazing overall. It is definitely worth seeing and I plan on seeing it again in theaters and buying it when it comes out on DVD.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

PostedMarch 25, 2012

Nyrhtak41

from Indiana

Great book and great movie! I think they did an amazing job casting!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Hunger Games - visually spectacular

PostedMarch 25, 2012

mrszonie

from Chandler, AZ

I saw the Hunger Games yesterday. I can't believe any critic would dislike it, but a few reviews have been less than favorable. NY Daily Times gave a great and well deserved perfect score. It was fantastic watching the arena come to life. The book is so visual to begin with, but the film took some of the scenes beyond anyone's imagination. The set of the sadistic "Gamemakers" engineering fire balls and wild beasts at the tributes for example, was brilliant!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

3 / 5

Dont know what hoopla is about?!

PostedMarch 25, 2012

alina

Top 25 contributor
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from East Greenwich, RI

Ok movie was entertaining; colorful scenery - neat...actors are good..
.but this story is really is a compilation of movies;
'The Truman Show', meets 'Running Man', with some 'Lord of the Flies' combined! Very predictable, not suspenseful at all.
Could really wait for DVD.
Sorry kiddos.

No, I do not recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

4 / 5

Stays close to the novel

PostedMarch 25, 2012

englishtcher

from Massachusetts

Movie adaptations of novels is risky for both the producers/directors and the movie-goers. Assuming we've read the book, we go to the theater with preconceptions about characters, plot, setting, etc. Those who adapt books to film know this of course, but also have to change the story to a greater or lesser extent to fit into a different medium. The Hunger Games does a very good job of striking a balance between the two.

The film is, for the most part, conservative in its adaptation. There are few risks, which works in the film favor. The plot is not overly complex, thought the interpersonal relationships between the main characters are. Had the film focused less on the characters and more on the setting & external conflicts of the Hunger Games, it would have been just another book-exploitation. However, a very well-cast group of young actors bring the principal characters to life with a fair degree of subtle but powerful emotions. Woody Harrelson and Donald Sutherland are brilliantly cast, and Elizabeth Banks and Lenny Kravitz play their parts well. And Amandla Stenberg was totally convincing as Rue. All of that said, there was enough understatement in all these performances that left me hoping that the roles will be more fully developed in the sequels, as Suzanne Collins did in the books.

All-in-all, this was a fun movie interpretation of an enjoyable novel. The audience for both is, of course, young adult, but the characters of both book and movie have enough depth & complexity to appeal to adults as well.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

4 / 5

Very good

PostedMarch 25, 2012

Ksblondie

from Wichita, Ks

I had not read the book, myself. But my son was reading it & he wanted to see the movie. The movie was much better than my son's description of what the story was about.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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5 / 5

PostedMarch 25, 2012

Annie14

This movie really stuck with the novel and I thought that it was well made. I highly recommend it.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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5 / 5

Very good!

PostedMarch 25, 2012

KrissyPoo2012

from Madison, Wi

Very good movie...follows the book fairly well. Would holy recommend.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

PostedMarch 25, 2012

Katriel

from KC, MO

This movie was great! I think it did lack character development, however, I think that can be fixed in the next one. No, I haven't read the books yet, but am planning to do so, so I can't tell you how close they were to the books. I can however tell you that this movie was action packed and even sentimental! Good for kids of any age!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Nicely played

PostedMarch 25, 2012

TheEasyKill30

from New York, NY

The movie was a faithful adaptation to the novel (well, as faithful as a movie can be) with lots of added in bits that actually help to enhance the story (such as the behind scenes interactions between President Snow and Seneca Crane). The book is still better (as books usually) are but for the uninitiated the story should be easy to follow.

I understand that the movie had to tone down the violence in order to earn a PG-13 rating (and therefore be able to make money) but I do feel like some of the horrors are too toned down. Yes, the concept is disturbing and that's the point. The movie loses some of that but it's not a 100% dealbreaker for me.

Jennifer Lawrence is AMAZING. If nothing else, go see it for her amazing performance.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

4 / 5

Pretty good

PostedMarch 25, 2012

Lguns

from Dallas, Texas

I liked it but of course liked the book better. I wish they hadn't tried to not include the violence because that is part of the story and shows how evil the capital is. But of course movie producers are greedy and want to have it so small children get to go to the movie when in actuality they don't have any business being at this series movies or reading the books because they are meant for an older audience. That being said I wasn't disappointed per se, I want to see it again and I hope they show more of the violence in the second movie since it doesn't involve as many children fighting.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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5 / 5

PostedMarch 25, 2012

Nursejenni13

from Richland, michigan

What I loved about this movie is it was enjoyable for both my teen and I. The plot was a new and fresh idea. We were totally wrapped up from beginning to end. If you've read the books you won't be disappointed. The excitement builds throughout the movie. Overall a highly enjoyable experience.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

4 / 5

Good Movie

PostedMarch 25, 2012

Redbird720

from Northfield

Overall the movie was Good. The Cinematography in the being of the movie was very shaky. It mellowed out during the course of the movie. Good plot and it followed the book pretty closely. The casting of the characters was on the money!!
I will definitely recommend the film.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Definitely worth the money

PostedMarch 25, 2012

NCCollegeMom

from near Worcester, MA

This movie was no less than terrific. The choice of actors for the main characters was right on. I loved the choice of Woody Harrelson for Haymitch. He was great!

There were a couple places where the story line was skewed a bit, and a few scenes were added to clarify what was going on. That was done in a way, though, that added to rather than detracted from the movie.

The special effects were excellent. Costumes for the people in and outside of The Capitol were well done.

I bought tickets for this movie in advance and am so glad I did. We got to the theater early for a later afternoon matinee (Saturday) and still had to look for seats!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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