Overall rating

5 / 5

Amazing!

PostedMarch 23, 2012

If your a fan of the world wide book, you'll love this movie. If you've never heard of the book and want to see an extremely fun movie go see "The Hunger Games". Not only was the movie exciting but the atmosphere in the theater was just so much fun!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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5 / 5

So Frickin' Good!!!!!

PostedMarch 23, 2012

Jah544

from AZ

The movie was a tad different from the book but it still kicked some serious butt! Jennifer Lawrence was the perfect Katniss, absolutely flawless. I fell head over heels for Josh Hutcherson as Peeta. I expected so much and I got way more! Recommend it for everyone!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

4 / 5

Overall Impressed

PostedMarch 23, 2012

Goobinator

from Greensboro, NC

My 13 year old daughter was beside herself when I got the tickets. I was a bit worried knowing how skiddish she is about any kind of blood and gore especially knowing what the plot was but the PG rating gave me hope. Yes, it is a violent movie but the violence is presented in a way my daughter could handle it. The story was beautifully told with enough intrigue and action to keep me on the edge of my seat. The theme is one of my favorites, futuristic, fantastic characters and strong characters. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it almost as much as my daughter.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Well worth the wait

PostedMarch 23, 2012

trina297

from Los Angeles, CA

The Hunger Games was definitely well worth the wait. Jennifer Lawrence did a great job as Katniss and seemed to have good chemistry with the other cast members.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Awesome Movie

PostedMarch 23, 2012

KtRz

from Newport News, VA

I read all three books before I saw the movie, so I knew what was going to happen. That said, my boyfriend saw the movie with me and had not read the books. We both loved the movie! I'm really happy with what they put in and what they did not from the book and the movie plot was laid out really well.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

2 / 5

The Great Hunger Games Rip-Off

PostedMarch 23, 2012

Sacrosanction

from Los Angeles, CA

THE GREAT HUNGER GAMES RIP-OFF
By Regent St. Claire

They say that there are only seven stories, aka plots, and that every story we’ve ever read, heard, or seen in a film, is either one of those seven, or a combination of one or more of them. Proof of this was recently hammered home in a big way via the “Avatar”/”Pocahontas” debacle.

While I’m a big fan of mash-ups, aka taking elements of several existing stories, whether in films, books, or music, and making them into one new-ish one, I do find it odd that with all the hoopla surrounding this season’s darling, “Hunger Games,” no one seems to remember where that story actually came from.

FADE IN:

#1: BATTLE ROYALE: Let’s start with the obvious and controversial, “Battle Royale.” BR is a fairly well-known and infamous Japanese film, released around 2000, in which The Act of Battle Royale decrees that once a year, a class of ninth graders is randomly chosen, dumped on a tiny deserted island, and armed with random hardcore weapons of every imaginable stripe. The kiddos are also outfitted with locking electronic collars that monitor their locations and vital signs, and all of these Star-Trek-ian devices will explode if more than one student is still alive at the end of the 72 hour “game.” These normally harmless kids are hence transformed into brutal killers. The acting is top notch, the violence is mind-numbingly merciless, and the film is beautifully lensed.

Here’s some actual dialogue from the movie, spoken by the TV commentator: “This year Zentsuji Middle School number 4's Class E was chosen from among 43,000 Ninth grade classes. This year's game, said to be more blistering than the last - - Oh look there! There she is! The winner's a girl! Surviving a fierce battle that raged two days, seven hours, and 43 minutes - the winner is a girl! Look, she's smiling! Smiling! The girl definitely just smiled!”

Yep, that’s right – the whole thing is televised. Sound familiar? Onward and upward!

#2: RUNNING MAN: Next on my state-the-obvious HG rip-off list, is 1987’s well-known and beloved, “Running Man.” You’ll no doubt recall that in RM’s futuristic totalitarian world, a wrongly-convicted cop (Arnold Schwarzenegger) tries to survive a public execution gauntlet staged as a TV game show hosted by none other than Family Feud’s/Hogan’s Heroes’ Richard Dawson. In this society, felons are given the televised chance to “run to freedom” but have to elude the “stalkers,” American Gladiator-esque rejects who hunt down said felons and kill them in gratuitously horrifying ways, reminiscent of Roger Corman’s classic (the 1975 original) “Death Race 2000.” RM is also notable for (1) its director, Starsky & Hutch’s Paul Michael Glaser, (2) its source material, a short story by Stephen King, and (3) also featuring rare acting turns by rockers Mick Fleetwood and Dweezil Zappa.

Ringing any bells yet, Gamers?

#3: ROLLERBALL (the original): This iconic James Caan starer was actually a huge success in 1975, that also nearly made Bach’s classic Toccata and Fugue into a quasi-pop hit. In RB’s future, corporations have replaced governments (self-fulfilling prophecy?), and an ultra-violent televised sport known as Rollerball represents these various regions/companies. This game is supposed to help control the populace by demonstrating the futility of individuality, but one player, Jonathan E., becomes its star and hence the poster child for not only his own personal freedom, but that of the everyman. Jonathan’s rise to fame threatens the corporations’ control, so in an effort to remove him from the sport, they start to increasingly scale-back the game’s rules (no more penalties, no more time limits, etc.), until the “winner” is merely the last player left alive on the track.

Getting “Hunger”y yet?

#4: THE WHITE MOUNTAINS (aka THE TRIPODS): This first book in a legendary Sci-Fi trilogy by John Christopher, has only come before the lens once, in a low-budget 1984 BBC mini-series production called “The Tripods.” Every few years I end up spotting another notice in the trades that a big budget Hollywood version is about to be made, but somehow it never happens.

TWM/TP is set in a pastoral, post-apocalyptic world, mostly filled with small villages, and what minor industry that still exists is conducted under the omnipresent presence of the tripods, hence the series’ title. The look here is reminiscent of the Middle Ages, but rarified mechanical artifacts from more modern eras are still sometimes allowed to be used, giving people and their homes a vaguely Steampunk-ish vibe.

In this world, giant, three-legged, extraterrestrial walking machines (the tripods) tread the Earth which has been long-since taken over by unseen aliens who ride around in these H.G. Wells-ian contraptions. The inhuman conquerors control human minds by installing cerebral implants called "caps" when kids reach the age of 14. These caps suppress curiosity and creativity and leave the recipients placid and docile slaves, incapable of dissent. These delicate, circuit- board-y mechanisms even cause the humans to worship the tripods like gods, but some people’s minds can’t function properly after the installation of the gizmo and they are driven insane instead of successfully being controlled.

But this all means that until age 14, everyone still has free will.

So once each year, the tripods make their way to every village, and each kid over 14 can choose to participate in a quasi-Olympics, whose winners earn the privilege of being taken to the aliens’ base city to serve them, which is considered a high honor.

Of course, the horrific truth is that these “games” really only serve to identify the strongest and most durable of the kids, because unbeknownst to the mind-controlled adult humans, said aliens are from a planet with much harsher gravity and an unbearably humid and hot atmosphere which they have re-created in their base city here on Earth. Hence, only the most physically stalwart humans can withstand that environment… before succumbing to it and dying while serving their alien masters, which unpleasant slavish end is always assured.

***
So take the above four films, jumble them up, add a dash of Orwell and a splash of Bradbury, bake at 350 for 110 minutes and voila!

Instant “Hunger Games.” Serves 100 million.

No, I do not recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Very Good Film

PostedMarch 23, 2012

CleetusTher

I really enjoyed the movie; yet being a hardcore fan of all the Hunger Games books I was a bit let down when a few characters and important details to the story were left out. Such as: Peeta not receiving a prosthetic leg after the games as written in the book due to his leg injury while competing, Madge not even existing in the movie and the way the Mockingjay pin story was changed, and just various other little let downs like relationships between characters not really being built enough and poor depiction of scenes. But I still loved the movie, just wish it would have stayed more true to the book. The cast fit their parts very well and the overall production was nice. I would recommend the film to anyone.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

awesomes ass movie

PostedMarch 23, 2012

Erwin14

from ohio

Was an awesome movie would deff recomend it to others. Would've liked it to follow the books a bit more but I guess some changes had to be made. Loved the portayal of the capitol and the seam as well as the districts. Can't wait to go and see it again.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Action Packed Awesomeness!

PostedMarch 23, 2012

JarsOfClay

from Louisiana

I really loved it. I was surprised they made it a PG13 movie since the books were so gory... but I think they pulled it off well. I wanted action and I got it without being over the top. The movie made me jump a couple times and there was character depth, which I was glad to see (not just some fight-only movie, but much more). I've read the first two books and I still wasn't disappointed after seeing the movie. There are some things that aren't maybe explained in depth for those who haven't read the books, but they covered A LOT of the book and even I could tell that the movie was bursting from the seams with all of the story they put in there --which I LOVED by the way. I think they made a perfect balance. Don't overload the audience that hasn't seen the book, but still include so much that those who HAVE read it, know and understand the little details others wouldn't get. Great job guys, the movie was totally worth staying up all night to watch the midnight showing-- and I would do it again, too. :)

The only way it could have been better is if the theater security had walked around with bow and arrows of their own! lol, it really was great. And great moral, too. LOVED IT.

Also, I don't think I was the only one who enjoyed it--I think the entire theater crowd was in agreement. :)

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

3 / 5

Good Flawed and Very Long

PostedMarch 23, 2012

DoubleOSix

Top 25 contributor
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Top 25 contributor

from LA

The movie turns out good but you can see the manipulation and eagerness to have an epic and a franchise. Take out 40 minutes and this move is awesome. With the extra stuff, it's just good.

Jennifer Lawrence and Woody Harrelson really shine.

The only downside other than the length is the usual marginalization of black characters used for sympathy, strength, or menace and then killed to evoke emotion. How long are we going to service this worn-out metaphor?

Partial redemption comes in the form of Lenny Kravitz, who should definitely make acting a priority.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Amazing.

PostedMarch 23, 2012

KKKKKaitlyn

from TX

It followed so closely to the book, and was what I was expecting plus more. I can't believe how well they executed this movie. I just have no words to describe how amazing this movie is. I can't wait for the next two!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

OVERALL BEST MOVIE EVER

PostedMarch 23, 2012

Cheecha1997

from Warrington, PA

This movie i have to say is one of the best that i have seen. I went with my friends to the midnight premier and this was worth only getting 2 hours of sleep and going to school the next day! The cast who was picked to play this movie was really well also! I have to say Effie and Haymitch were the best together <3. Yes there were some parts of the movie that were cut out which i was VERY upset with but i think they made a good replacement with it. Maybe it was just me trying to live everything up to what it was in the books but after watching it i had to realized that they could not do it all in one movie. They expaned what this was all about and did it in a great way. If they never changed it would have been an 4 hours movie or it would needed to be broken down into 2 movies which would suck. Overall i was happy and im buying it when it comes on DVD and im counting down the days till Catching Fire!!!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Can't wait to see it again!

PostedMarch 23, 2012

Celinda

from Chicago, IL

Quality movie covering an amazing book...don't miss it!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Hunger Games

PostedMarch 23, 2012

Sheilajon

from Wichita ks

This movie was totally worth standing in the drizzel and being up until 3am... They did an outstanding job of keeping the story accurate and the action going without making it graphic and gross.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Top Marks -- Must See

PostedMarch 23, 2012

KDB06

This movie ended up being a lot better than I expected. I loved that the trailer never showed the arena, so the viewer wouldn't have any idea what to expect until they see the movie. I was worried -- but this movie is definitely better than the Twilight series and I credit that to the skilled actors that were selected for the film.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Great Movie

PostedMarch 23, 2012

Daniel29

As a personal fan of the books, I was a little disappointed with the things they left out, but the things that stayed were spot on and very well done. You'll definitely enjoy it!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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5 / 5

PostedMarch 23, 2012

kjo22

an amazing movie with great acting and shooting and was very similar to the book. highly recommend it

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Great movie made for families

PostedMarch 23, 2012

Chrisjay

from Las Vegas, NV

Ok I read the books for the hunger games in 2 weeks. I was struck by the heart and grittiness of the books. I was also inspired by the heart and character of katniss and the interaction between the characters. The movie was good too. The cast brought together to play these characters did a great job. I was a little upset with the misdirection from the book but I understand that this movie had to be made for families and it's hard to take all the book content and make that family friendly. I will watch the movie again and I recommend this movie to anyone ROOTING FOR AN UNDERDOG.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

3 / 5

PostedMarch 23, 2012

gomegandoyle

from Cincinnati, Ohio

This review can either go one of two ways depending on if you've read the books or not.
If you haven't read the books, I'm honestly not sure that you'll be able to follow the movie. There's a lot of confusing points that even people that have read the books were questioning, so be sure to go in with at least a little background, or you'll be lost.
If you've read the books, then you'll be able to follow the story line, while also finding this movie a bit disappointing. I found that some of the characters / plot line weren't developed well enough, so I was left with more questions than before. Also, there were a lot of things left out (one of my main pet peeves being the attainment of the mockingjay pin was COMPLETELY off topic) and a lot of things that were just skipped over.

Aside from camera angles, graphics, and effects, they did a very nice job. I was scared that this movie (being rated PG13) would effectively display the crude and raw emotions like the books did, but I admit defeat. It was appropriately gritty and gory and displayed the true hunger of the games.
Overall, I think that the film was simply alright, mainly because it didn't follow the book enough.

No, I do not recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

4 / 5

Worth the wait

PostedMarch 23, 2012

Teamstites

from Scottsdale, Az

We bought our tickets 2 weeks in advance to see Hunget Games the first night it was out. We waited in line 7 hours to see the first midnight showing.
It was worth the wait. As with all books made from movies it had additions and deletions from the book and was of course condensed from the book. This is expected and happens all the time, hence why the book is always better than the movie.
My biggest complaint is the actors they choose for the characters. While Jennifer Lawerence did an awesome job as Katniss and the did will casting Woody Harrelson as Haymitch, the movie lost it when they casted Peeta. I think the actors playing Gale and Peeta were wrong. Josh Hucherson should have never been cast as Peeta. Peeta is supposed to be tall and very good looking, and instead they made him look like a geek and unsure. While Liam Hensworth was a good choice for Gale, he would have been a better choice as Peeta. The reast of the casting was very good. At first I wasn't thrilled with Donald Surherland as President Snow, after seeing the movie he does an awesome job in fantastic Sutherland style.

Of course, and hopefully they left the movie at a perfect place for them to make the second book Catching Fire. I would be more than okay if the re-cast Peeta though. Frankly I think it is a necessity that happen.
I also think they did well in the violence. In the book it is not graphic or too much for the younger readers and I think the same can be said for the movie.

So all you Hunger Games fans go see the movie because you will love it

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Just Incredible

PostedMarch 23, 2012

movielover629

from Chandler, AZ

The movie was incredible, the way everything was set, was exactly how I wuld picture it in my head while reading the book! Just incredible!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

HUNGER GAMES

PostedMarch 23, 2012

blackhope

from Coralville, IA

My daughter and I went to the premiere of this movie and had a wonderful experience......we fell in love with our favorite characters all over again and with some added insight!!! I love that they didn't try to follow the book exactly and that they made the movie shine all on it's own!!!! The action scenes were a little hard for me to watch (it felt like they had hand held cameras that were a little 'blurry' for me) but I still think this is a great story and I can't wait for the rest of it.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

4 / 5

Very Good Adaptation

PostedMarch 23, 2012

LynnieLias

from Nashua, NH

Great acting from Jennifer Lawrence, great depiction of District 12 and the Capitol (contrast is striking). Toning down the book's violence for a PG 13 audience well done for younger people - but takes away a bit from the horror of the Panem regime. The movie loses points on not making the game itself creepy enough (e.g., where were Rue's eyes on the muttation?) Great job overall. Can't wait for the next two.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

4 / 5

This movie would have been better if...

PostedMarch 23, 2012

Angel24601

from California

This movie would have been better if....I hadn't had a stomach ache the whole time haha. But seriously, this movie was awesome! It stayed really true the book and the cast did an amazing job of bringing the characters to life. My only complaint would be the camera work. A lot of the time it was REALLY shaky. I mean, I know what they were going for with it, but it gave me headaches. And my stomach ache would get worse during those parts. I will be going to see this movie again!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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4 / 5

PostedMarch 23, 2012

stevesb97

Really great movie, a lot better than I expected. Kind of like American Idol meets Lord of the Flies. The fight scenes and camera work could have been better, but the story line and acting were very good. I look forward to the sequel.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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5 / 5

PostedMarch 23, 2012

TwiMom2fourBoys

from Chicago, IL

Characters were awesome. Movie kept pretty true to the book. There were a few minor changes but nothing noteworthy. Fans of the books will love it!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Holy bananas

PostedMarch 23, 2012

HungerGamesFanatic

from Destin, FL

So this movie definitely exceeded my expectations. I seriously loved this movie. I'm seeing it again and I'm buying it when it comes out. Id recommend it to audiences over 12 (who don't have weak stomachs) LOED IT!!!!

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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5 / 5

Excellent

PostedMarch 23, 2012

CRRR

from Houston, TX

Great movie that kept true to the book! LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

3 / 5

The book was better

PostedMarch 23, 2012

taybeck23

from Dayton, OH

I saw the premier, midnight showing of Hunger Games..I have to say I was a bit disappointed overall. This was such a great story to tell, the books were awesome! But the film falls short of the potential it had to be great. While it followed closely to the book..the Mockingjay, which is the main symbol of the whole story, was one of the things that was changed in the film. And details were left out.. Honestly, if I wouldn't have read the books, I don't think I would have been able to follow the film very well at all. All in all, it was okay. I would still go see it..but def not the premier. Wasn't worth not getting any sleep. The Hunger Games is a great book though! Read it if you haven't yet :)

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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Overall rating

4 / 5

Hunger Games awesome all but 1 thing.

PostedMarch 23, 2012

bchris

from Monrovia, Ca

the acting, story, action, details everything was excellent. the only con about this was that it had a Blair Witch feel in the camera angles. very everywhere i know they were trying to show the emotion as if you were in the place during their action but they had done this a little too much. if the whole movie stayed in a less everywhere way it would have been perfect.

Yes, I recommend this movie.

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