Movie Review: The Hunger Games Delivers
This review was written by Mockingjay.net staffer Beth Dinkel. It is SPOILER FREE!
After having the privilege of attending the worldwide premiere of The Hunger Games, there are three things I’m absolutely certain of. 1. Panem is hauntingly similar to how I imagined it ought to be. 2. Gary Ross is ten different shades of brilliant. 3. Josh Hutcherson IS Peeta Mellark. If I continue to list everything else the movie does well, we will all run out of time and patience. For the sake of our sanity, I’ll keep this short and sweet.
I went in with high expectations, as I’m sure all fans will. I tried not to, but it’s hard to reel myself in when I have such a strong love for a story. There was a constant fear that The Hunger Games would stop feeling real and turn into the next Twilight. Don’t get me wrong about Twilight. I was a fan when the book first came out, and this is exactly why I was afraid for the sake of The Hunger Games. Most book-to-movie adaptations manage to change the feeling entirely, and you begin to wonder why the movie even has the same title as the book. You find yourself thinking, “This interaction looks fake” or “She never would have worn that much makeup” or “Wait, when did this scene happen?” I didn’t want The Hunger Games to turn into a joke. I didn’t want it to become a movie in which people play drinking games strictly to make fun of it. (I’m guilty of this with Twilight. Take a drink every time Edward Cullen looks constipated. In case you’re wondering, that’s a lot!) Needless to say, this isn’t the case.
Jennifer Lawrence leads the cast with a subtle and believable portrayal of our heroine, Katniss Everdeen. Even covered in mud and with no makeup, she’s stunning. Not stunning in a conventional way but stunning to us because she’s our Katniss, and we love her. Josh Hutcherson is the only person on the planet that could’ve made us fall in love with Peeta all over again. He really is as wonderful as everyone says he is, and the thought of anyone else having that role is absurd. Liam Hemsworth as Gale doesn’t make as much of an appearance, but if you’ve read the book, this shouldn’t come as a shock. His story comes more into play in the next installment. However, the few times he is on screen, he’s got the perfect chemistry with Jennifer to be her trusted hunting partner. Gary Ross and Lionsgate couldn’t have picked a better trio to lead the films into a successful run.
The supporting cast is equally important to the story, and no one feels out of place in the whirlwind of characters, both good and evil. Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Stanley Tucci, Wes Bentley, Willow Shields, and every last one of those district tributes nails their respective characters. (***Okay, this next part might be slightly spoiler-ish, but I don’t give any details!) To me, the surprise performance comes from Alexander Ludwig as the villainous Cato. We don’t get to see much from him, but the bits we do see leave me aching for more. Kudos to him for turning someone like Cato into a character you want to love. Kudos to everyone. To Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson for bouncing funny words off of each other so effortlessly. To Donald Sutherland for being just as intimidating as President Snow needs to be. To Stanley Tucci for making me wish he actually had his own talk show. To Wes Bentley for that beard (and also because one of his last scenes is so brilliant, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.) To Willow Shields for breaking my heart in a way only a little sister could. Everyone brings their A-Game, and it shows.
The point is: The Hunger Games works. It feels real. I didn’t walk out of the theater thinking the story was forced or altered in a way to please studio executives or thinking it was a different story entirely. That’s not to say it’s perfect because nothing ever is. Don’t go into the theater thinking, “I can’t wait for THIS scene” because chances are, you’ll be disappointed by the alterations or the omissions altogether. I’m guilty of this. There were certain scenes I couldn’t wait to see on the screen, but as the time for the scenes came and went, I did find myself wishing they were there. My disappointment didn’t last long, and every new scene brought the same sense of excitement I got from turning the pages of the book. As long as you go into it with a full understanding that some details didn’t make the cut, the overall feeling never changes. In the end, the movie delivers, and you won’t spend much time worrying about what’s missing.
Happy Hunger Games, everyone.
THIS MAY BE A SPOIL-ISH QUESTION: Is there a close-up scene with them on fire? Or is it all just far away?
DEAR LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM SO FLIPPING EXCITED!!!
Thank you. That review is exactly what I hoped to hear and is exactly what I hope to see.
Yes yes yes! There cannot be too much Hutch love in the world. And thanks for making this spoiler free, as I have no willpower whatsoever.
Thank you all so much for sharing your experience of the premiere with us! I know that the movie cannot contain every line or scene from the book, and I’ve spoiled myself a bit in preparation. More than anything, though, it’s the characters we love that I’m concerned about, and reading that both the actors and the script respect and bring them to life so beautifully is such a relief and thrill! Again, thanks for all you do!
Thank you for taking your time to review the movie!
Just curious if they left in the entire “Rue” scene. I hope Katniss sings and places the flowers around her in the movie.
Thank u soo much!! That really gave me 0a sense of releif!! I was soooooo scared that my expectations were way to high, so this really helps!!! i cant wait for 12:01 on March 23!!!!!
Man, i’ve been waiting sooooo long for this movie! i’m so excited, and…i cant say anything else. cant put it into words.
i have a question: is there any cursing? Because i read on IMDb that the words “bitch” “bastard” “piss of” and a few other appear quite a few times. Just wondering…
I´m just crossing my fingers the critics are simply overlooking Josh´s performance, one in particular said the two male leads didn´t measure up to Jennifer, which is understandable, to a certain point,because she´s the protagonist, another one didn´t appear too impressed by Katniss and Peeta´s chemistry, would you say that was intentional?? The chemistry not being totally “there” as to portray the romance as what really is, an act. I also read somewhere that they failed to make the ambiguity of Katniss´feelings work, and her behavior towards Peeta, because of the lack of internal monologue, seems simply irrational (the critic used the term “bipolar”). As my question is essentially about your opinion on these matters, I´d really like to know what you think.
And I thought I was excited to see the movie before I read this. Now I’m slowly going insane with impatience for the 23rd..
Thanks for the comments, everyone! You all are the best for checking in with Mockingjay. <3
@Eleonora
That is false. None of those phrases are used. Katniss says "Damn you" a couple of times, but that is it.
@buenlg
The two male leads didn't "measure up" to Katniss because they're still secondary characters compared to Katniss. I don't think that's a fair statement, though. I think they're both strong for the roles they are. Josh is amazing. Don't let the critics make you think otherwise!
@buenlg – You’re talking about Total Film? I read the review and granted we do not expect Peeta and Katniss to fall for each other so quickly in the first book…in fact I don’t think they do at the very start. If they do, that would be completely unrealistic and entering Twilight territory. From what I did read is that Josh Hutcherson for a good portion of the film was very discreet about what he felt about Katniss. He has to be because the audience (without the internal monologue) should not be 100% sure about what Peeta feels for Katniss at the start. The same thing follows for Katniss. But from what I read, there are moments where you can tell there is something there…its obvious enough to make you wonder if they really do care about each other or it is all an act. If we are watching to see Katniss and Peeta make goo goo eyes at each other, then we will be sorely disappointed.
Just one question. The clip with Peeta’s interview. Do they joke around or it goes straight for his proclamation of love?
@AnvilGate
I don’t want to give anything away, but the interview scene is awesome! Josh and Stanley have great chemistry as the characters do in the book.
@buenlg – I’ve started seeing some great notices for Josh, from more than one reviewer. The one from DIY Film is fabulous:
“The biggest surprise, and the clear stand-out of the cast, is Hutcherson as Peeta. The revelation of this astute but affectionate realist from a choked, terrified boy is handled to perfection, with Hutcherson coming across as the heart and soul of the film. The moment when he tells an ambitious Katniss he knows he has no chance of winning is sobering.”
@buenlg: funny that you mention that “bipolar” comment, because when i read it, i couldn’t help but laugh and think “hey, that’s exactly the way she’s supposed to come across!” in a good way, of course. i haven’t seen the movie, but i think they went for that on purpose– katniss isn’t supposed to know how to act in a “relationship.” she’s never thought about it before the games. her acting really loving at one moment and then curt and defensive the rest of the time is a reflection of that.
katniss is not supposed to be believably in love with peeta in the first book; she’s supposed to NOT be in love with him (at least that’s what she tells herself), except for that one kiss. the people from capitol believe her pretense because they’re into sensationalism. peeta believes her because he WANTS her to love him. most of the rest of the characters can easily see the act. even peeta himself comments that it all seems fake, later on when he watches the tapes in mockingjay.
it’s hard enough to show that she’s really starting to care about him while she’s trying to convince herself she doesn’t care about him but trying to convince the audience she does care for him. it’s kind of a crazy thing to have to portray on the big screen without a narration. if it translates to this kind of awkwardness and the idea that they don’t quite mesh up just right yet, that’s fine by me. it doesn’t mean josh and jen have no chemistry; it only means that katniss and peeta aren’t quite there yet, and that’s the way it’s supposed to be. now, the growing closeness will HAVE to come through in catching fire. that’s when things really start taking a turn for them.
tl;dr i think some awkwardness there is not only fine but needed. anywho, good review, beth! i love that you focused more on the way the movie gave you the FEEL of the book. that’s exactly what i’m going to be looking for when i watch it. and as far as i can see, i won’t be disappointed. =)
Can’t wait! Thanks for the Reviews!
Sorry, forgot to add this:
The movie is sure to be great! That must have been a great experience for you guys
@carla @SPM @AnvilGate @beth Thank you so much for your comments! I live in Spain, so I don´t get to watch the film until April. I don´t let the critics´ reviews of the film influence my opinion, but I have to wait longer than you guys to see the movie, so I have read a few reviews just to see other people´s opinions. I´m not as interested in spoilers as I know there´ll be differences, but I am very curious about how they filled the “gaps” left by Katniss´internal monologue, if it becomes clear at the end that she´s been acting for the cameras. Without giving any spoilers, would you say the way the actors/director approach this would be understood by people who haven´t read the book?
i’m so happy the film is getting positive reviews, so excited!
Ahhh this made me even more excited for the movie!!! I didnt even know i could get more excited! haha!
@buenlg: i wonder why it’s going to take so long for it to be released in spain. we’re getting it next weekend here in latin america.
as far as your question goes, i don’t know if katniss’s conflicted feelings about peeta will come across as effectively without her inner monologue. maybe they won’t. and maybe someone who hasn’t read the books won’t really get the mess of emotions going on in her mind at that point.
but to be honest, i don’t think it’s that important that it’s all explained RIGHT now– it’s definitely something they could easily deal with at the beginning of the catching fire film, just introduce a scene here and there to make sure katniss’s confusion is actually explained to us. maybe prim could ask katniss why her and peeta are being distant after coming back from the capitol. maybe katniss could explain all of it to gale in an attempt to make him understand why she did what she did. it’s easy enough. once they’re back at twelve, there are no cameras and they can actually DISCUSS these things openly so that the audience will understand.
that’s the beauty of this being a series, you can leave some things ambiguous in the first film, and have them make sense in the second or third.
With all of these positive reviews, somehow I have become EVEN more excited! Gosh I love this trilogy!
In 6 days I will be waiting anxiously for the midnight showing to start! Yay! 
Thank you so much for sharing. Now I know it not be all like oh my gosh I can’t wait to see this part and then it’s not what I expected!!! ;D (as long as i get to see Peeta shirtless i don’t care
)
ARFGHJV!@@@!! I AM SOOO EXCITED! And this just makes my expectations better, which is bad because I don’t want to oversell it! But really I just can’t wait…and I won’t have to! Less than a week!
@Beth,
Thanks for the review! The ONLY thing that I’m questioning is if District 13 is referenced at all. Thanks, and Happy Hunger Games!
@Carla, I agree so much with you.
That’s the essence of Katniss and Peeta’s relationship at the beginning, they weren’t quite there yet, because in the hunger games Katniss was faking it but falling for him at the same time, she was so messed up, so confused that for you to see what she really felt without an inner monologue it’s just impossible, nevertheless, even if she’s being this ambiguous in the hunger games, that’s how it’s supposed to be, we see haymitch telling her how she doesn’t deserve peeta, mostly because he really understood Katniss and knew what she was going through, he knew Katniss was a mess with her emotions, those scenes in the movie has to be like that, Katniss and Peeta can’t be the perfect or lovely couple in the movie because it would be out of character, it wasn’t played like that in the book and it surely shouldn’t be that way in the movie, Catching fire is the one that has to bring this, that’s the books that really shows how Katniss started to fall for him, to care for him, to need him more than anything.
Finnick and Johanna, both of them thought Katniss was faking everything after watching her in the games the first time, they told her that in Catching fire, and that’s how you can see what someone without blinders could percieve of those scenes in the hunger games, ambiguity. The Capitol was so dumb and blinded they just went with the flow and what the Television was presenting them, they were convinced that Katniss and Peeta were totally into each other because that’s what Snow presented to the Capitol so they could buy their love and not realize what was really happening, and then in the middle of Catching Fire and in the whole Mockingjay, Johanna and Finnick start to notice that Katniss really had feelings for Peeta, because of her attitude with him in the Quarter Quell and her desesperation and self-destructive behaviour in Mockingjay when she lost him to the Capitol and after he was brainwashed, everything was crystal clear at that moment, unlike in The hunger games.
If we didn’t had catching fire and mockingjay, we really wouldn’t be so sure of Katniss’s true feelings either, even if she had an inner mologue, we just knew that she was faking it, but that she was starting to care for him and that sometimes she was being carried away by the moment and that things could let to more, but we couldn’t be so sure and that’s what the film has to do.
If the critics felt their love ambiguous then the only thing I have to say is that I am so pleased with Jennifer and Josh in this, because they did what they had to do and I cannot be more proud of them.
@SPM Oh I’m so glad you posted that quote about Josh. I’ve only seen a few clips and the trailer, but from what I’ve seen he is amazing and so perfect for Peeta.
@carla COMPLETELY agree with everything uou said about the K/P relationships. If they come off as a little “not there yet” I’m fine with that. There should be moments of course where you’re really not quite sure and from reading the comments and reviews that’s what it seems like the movie DOES get across… and that’s perfect for me because that would be what to expect. Their relationship doesn’t take off really until CF, like you said. When we see their interaction AWAY from the games and we see more of Peeta’s selflessness towards Katniss and in general and we witness the moment that proves Katniss’ love for him (the force field scene in the arena).
Anyway Beth, this review really made me just that more excited from the book. I have high expectations, but not to the point of being unrealistic. I keep hearing you have to go into this movie knowing it’s going to be different, and I’m going to desperately try to.
Quick question – I was planning on rereading the first book before I see the movie Thursday night. Is this a good idea, or bad idea?
I was one of the lucky ones who got to experience the premiere with Beth and the rest of the Mockingjay gang. It was such a wonderful and powerful experience, and I found myself basically agreeing with Beth on every singe point.
So first of all, to everyone who is worried: Don’t be. You will LOVE this movie! (You may also walk out of it a little shaken up, but in a good way. The film demands your emotions and throttles them deeply).
Secondly: How about some major praise for Beth, for writing such an eloquent, clever, and poignant review. Crystal’s review is also superb. You have a lot to be proud of in your admins, mockingjay.net fans!
Was such a pleasure to read your words. Thanks, Beth:)
Thanks for the warning! I felt that with one scene I was looking forward to in Twilight : Eclipse, it would have explained a lot especially about the titles.
But the only scene I care is the muttations, it’s just that shows how messed up the capital really is .
I loved these books and finished the trilogy in 3 days. Thanks for this review as I didnt really know what to expect. the trailer gets me excited and this has just made me more excited!!! Cant wait!
@Courtney – You’re welcome. But that’s not all: one reviewer said Hutch was “the best he’s ever been – subtle, charming, and sympathetic.”
Ambiguity is appropriate by the book, and I think things will be clear enough by Katniss simply telling Peeta at the end that she’s not sure of her feelings. I think Jennifer’s acting can fill in the rest.
I do want to see some sparks between Jen and Josh, as there are moments in the book where K is drawn to P, and one moment (or maybe two) where she feels actual physical attraction to him. So however inconsistent it may be, there should be some signs of physical and emotional attraction between the actors themselves. If I can see that much now, I’ll trust them to build on it as they need to in CF.
Fingers crossed it ends up with a Harry Potter-like fanbase where everyone is still going to love the trilogy for years to come!!! As far as I know, HP is one of the very few book-to-movie adaptations that have been successful AND have had a target audience aimed mostly at teenagers
I’m WAY more excited for this to come out now!!!!!!!!!! I too hyped up even the short sneak peek clips have me squealing… AND I DON’T SQUEAL which is truly something to say about this trilogy and movie!!!
@Jess – I know. I’m the biggest fangirl ever, which is ridiculous because I’m way too old for this. I keep trying to show my husband the clips and he’s all “That’s nice, hon. Now back to the TV show I was just watching…” and I’m all “Don’t you understand how amazing this is?!”
SPM, I think the same about me!
I tell myself: “Do you remember the last time you felt this way? You were 13 and you just saw Dirty Dancing and fell in love with Patrick Swayze! It isn’t dignified at your age!” But then I smile and enjoy all the excitement, glad to have something that makes me feel alive and so young again. And I think my husband doesn’t understand either …
@she – If you were 13 when DD came out, we’re just about the same age.
Thank goodness for another “old” person around here! I feel like an idiot for being so excited but I can’t help it – I love these books and think they picked a fantastic cast to bring it all to life.
SPM: I think this is the first time I see my favorite book made into the movie right before my eyes, so to speak. I have many favorite books, some of them made into movie, but I’ve never experienced “the birth” of the film in a very short time after finishing the last book. That’s why I’m acting like a teenage girl and don’t feel ashamed
I think it tells something about the quality of the book, which finds its way to the hearts of “older readers” too. PS: DD has a very special place in my heart. Actually, I saw it a few years later after it had come out, but it is connected with the end of my childhood and with falling in love for the first time with a boy, who looked very much like Patrick. Ah, old times! 
Anyway, I’m happy to hear I’m not insane and there are some special women like you, who understand me! Happy to have you 
Hi, Beth. Thanks for the great review. I was just wondering if you could tell me if the mutt scene at the end is really gory. I just want to be prepared if it is. Thanks!
I’m sooooo happy everyone seems to think it’s so good so far!
@L
It depends! Reading it again could be a good way to hype you up even more, OR it could make you more picky with the film. As long as you go into the film without expectations from the book, I think it’d be fine if you re-read it before the release!
@Adam
You’re amazing. Thanks so much for your kind words. It really means a lot. I’m so glad we got to see it together!
@Caroline
It is not very gory. You can still tell how vicious it is, so it will still get your heart going. But the blood is very minimal.
Katniss curses?! The one thing I KNEW wouldn’t be a problem would be language. Why on earth did they make her curse?!
@SPM So. Excited. I’m so happy Josh is getting some attention for his role as well!
By the sound of things (and watching some Gary Ross interviews) it sounds like he knows where he’s going with this and he’s thought ahead to Catching Fire. Meaning, I’m sure he’s thought ahead to the K/P interaction that has to happen in that book. The real developement happens in that book (just in my opinion) and so I have faith that it’ll work out the way it should. Gary is such a visionary and he seems to understand the books SO well.
@Courtney – that makes sense. It definitely sounds like his instincts have led him right so far, and I’m sure they will for CF too.
I’ve never understood the practice of having multiple directors for one franchise. How sweet would it be if he signed on for Mockingjay too? But I won’t get ahead of myself – I’ll just look forward to a (hopefully) huge opening this weekend.
Whooaaaaaa….really can’t wait to see this movie!! Maybe i’ll watch it 2 times in a row,would it be a waste if i do so?hahaha…
The first time i heard that josh is chosen to play as peeta, i think..well it’s good..bcoz i’m tired of seeing all superskinny male lead role (i did love this type), but i think a bakerboy should not be skinny right?! Haha… and when i knew that josh got the part,i became so enthusiast,,he’ll be the best to play the role,,and i knew i was right, after seeing his photo with his blond hair! I don’t mind with his not-blue eyes,he’s just perfect enough to be peeta as i imagined! Hope i’ll see it soon!!
I know i cant realy ask but if you can please tell me did they do the Rue sciene right because it is such an important part of the book, also i heard a critick say they made Haymitch cleaned up and less intresting a since he is my favorit charecter this made me some what worried thanks a lot for the review.
Um glad you liked the movie i was dissapointed to much was cut out or rushed and i found cave scienes cheesy. And to bad you didnt anser me, though i can anser my self now for me Rues death was dissapointing.
I LOVE YOU KATNISS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:):):):):):):):):):)!!! UR SOO PRETTY!!!I THINK THE MOVIE WAS GREAT AND I LOVED IT ALOT ONLY BCUZ U WERE IN IT!!! PLEASE REPLY BACK SOME TIME !! I LOVE U!!!!!!!! UR AWSEOME !!! CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT MOVIE!!! R U EVER COMING AROUND THE BAY AREA IN CALIFORNIA ? IF U ARE I WOULD LOVE TO MEET U!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REPLY BACK!!! ILL CHECK IT EVERY DAY!!!…:):):):):):):):)!!:)!:!:)!:!)!