“And it was decreed that each year, the 12 districts of Panem should offer up a tribute of one young man and woman between the ages of 12 and 18 to be trained in the art of survival and to be prepared to fight to the death.” - President Snow

(I’ll try to make a review without spoiling the movie… ☺)

I watched this yesterday and since I’m a fan of The Hunger Games trilogy, I’ve had high expectations of the movie.

When I saw the trailer, I wasn’t that impressed with it until I saw the end part, wherein the Hunger Games begin. That was also what I felt when I watched the whole movie.

It was worth watching, but not absolutely amazing. I’m fine with the performances of the actors in this film. I personally loved Peeta’s camouflage. I will also credit Elizabeth Banks with her brilliant portrayal of Effie Trinket and Stanley Tucci as Ceasar Flickerman. But what happened to Haymitch? He was supposed to be a self-destructive drunk but he turned out to be a good-looking man who’s sober and seemed to show favoritism to Peeta and Katniss, which in the novels show the opposite. And why did they have to remove Madge from the story?

The film follows the basic storyline but lacks emotional depth. Half the film was also spent in the quite boring preparation for “The Hunger Games.” The way they filmed it was quite disturbing, though I know they are trying to make it look like a documentary.  I was very disappointed with Peeta and Katniss’ coal mines costume. VERY disappointed. It looks like it was rushed. The editing of the flames was obvious. Rue’s death, which was heart-wrenching in the book, was little more than a side note in the movie.

Since the movie was rated P-13, you will not literally see the bloody scenes so I wasn’t that drawn into the real action of the Hunger Games unlike how I felt while reading the books. The words really brought me to the arena. Yet it was still okay.

Anyway, I liked some of the scenes that were added, especially Seneca Crane’s last scene (once I figured out what was in the bowl).

Overall, the movie was pretty good but disappointing at some points. If you haven’t read it yet, I bet you’ll be amazed with the movie. But again, as a fan of the book, I would have to say at best that this film was average.

P. S. Cato is sooooo handsome. I can’t wait to see Finnick!