The Hunger Games

Perhaps the most anticipated film of the past year, The Hunger Games does not disappoint (which is no small feat). If you don't know the plot, you have probably been living under a stairwell recently. The world is post-uprising where a central government controls 12 colony districts. Each district contributes resources to the central government in return for "security and food". As a constant reminder of their place in the power hierarchy, each district donates (by lottery) two teens each year for the Hunger Games. These games are a gladiatorial fight to the death watched by all on TV. Our hero, Katniss, volunteers to save her younger sister from having to represent district 12. The beauty of this story is that it is not about the glory of battle. Instead it is about the political and human implications of a massive power difference which is supported by brutal force. This is a story of awakening and revolution. The film does an excellent job of developing and portraying this story and not falling into the action-mayhem abyss of many action films. Don't get me wrong, there is enough "action", but I would not characterize this as an action film, but as a drama. Well done, and bring on Catching Fire.
4 stars (out of 5)