‘The Hunger Games’ Movie Reviews
The Telegraph * * * * * (count ‘em – 5 stars!)
The Hunger Games is an essential science fiction film for our times; perhaps the essential science fiction film of our times. Whatever your age, it demands to be devoured.
Empire * * * *
As thrilling and smart as it is terrifying. There have been a number of big-gun literary series brought to screen over the past decade. This slays them all.
Total Film * * * *
… the camera does mostly cling to Katniss, requiring a Herculean amount of heavy lifting from Lawrence. She bears the load. Stoical or heart-on-sleeve, afraid or defiant, the starlet hits the mark… Katniss as Collins intended.
Den of Geek * * * *
The Hunger Games wants us to question ourselves, and look at the consequences of our own lives – the points it makes may not be particularly original, but they feel revolutionary when they pop up in a movie this mainstream… You couldn’t ask for a braver teen movie than this.
HeyUGuys * * * *
Even the youngest actors, Willow Shields and Amandla Stenberg, who could easily have been the weak links given their relative inexperience are terrific. It’s become something of a cliché to drone on about how good Lawrence is, but here she carries the film spectacularly.
The Hollywood Reporter (careful contains spoilers)
At the center of things most of the time, Lawrence remains compelling all the way… she can convey a lot by doing little. An ideal screen actress.
Proficient, involving, ever faithful to its source and centered around Jennifer Lawrence’s impressive star turn… Yet in the face of near-certain commercial success, no one seems to have taken the artistic gambles that might have made this respectable adaptation a remarkable one.
Cine Vue * * * *
[The Hunger Games] deserves all the credit it gets for its confrontational subject matter, delicately-orchestrated fight sequences and sci-fi sensibilities. For the teen/young adult audiences, films don’t get much darker – or smarter – than this.
The Daily Mail * * * *
There’s much to admire here. The make-up, costumes and environment of the decadent ruling class are spectacular
The Guardian * * * *
The Hunger Games is that rarest of beasts: a Hollywood action blockbuster that is smart, taut and knotty… Jennifer Lawrence gives a performance of stoic, solemn intensity as Katniss
IndieLondon * * * *
Gary Ross has created a gripping and emotionally absorbing film that retains the essence of the novels if not all of its harshest elements.
IndieWire B+
[Gary Ross has] produced an engaging, thoughtful, populist piece of entertainment that transcends gender, genre or source material. The rare blockbuster that’s as smart as it is spectacular, “The Hunger Games” offers a full meal and still makes you want to go back for more.
Directed by Gary Ross, the film works best in its matter-of-fact depiction of a nightmare society in which materialism and bloodlust have escalated – not to mention people’s thirst for reality-based entertainment.
Time Out * * *
The film’s strengths are many: from the opening scenes set in the beautifully realised Depression-style District 12 to some grittily realistic, often shockingly nasty fight sequences inside the Arena.
Box Office Magazine * * * * 1/2
As action, as allegory, as cinema, The Hunger Games is the best American science-fiction film since The Matrix, and if Ross and his crew stay with the series for the next two books, we may get that rarest of things: a blockbuster franchise that earns our money through craft, emotion and execution, not merely marketing and effects.
… supporting co-stars Woody Harrelson (Haymitch) Elizabeth Banks (Effie Trinkett), Stanley Tucci (Caesar Flickerman) all fill their roles valiantly — especially Lenny Kravitz, who brings a real, soft-spoken compassion to Cinna.
The Times apparently has a favourable review entitled: “So Good I Can’t Wait To See The Hunger Games Again.” But since when did you have to pay to use The Times online? It’s the principal, I refuse to pay
Slash Film 8/10
Throughout, Lawrence maintains the same sweet and frightened center. One might think that nuanced performance would be intimidating for fellow actors. Yet Hutcherson, the second lead but still a minor character compared to Katniss, is the best he’s ever been: subtle, charming and sympathetic. The pair compliment each other nicely as friends, rivals and more.
Hit Fix A
…it is a thrilling, intelligent, deeply-felt movie that does not play by the typical rules of franchise building in modern Hollywood… there’s an indie sensibility at work in the film that makes it feel surprisingly fresh… “The Hunger Games” is likely to be a major hit, and in this case, it deserves to be.
Cinema Blend * * * *
With The Hunger Games, it’s a distinct pleasure to sing about all of the places the masterful translation went right… Ross’s decision to film The Hunger Games with docu-drama techniques rite an indie realism for this obvious sci-fi fable that brilliantly plays into the tensions and hostilities of the narrative.
DIY 9/10
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.
JoBlo 8/10
THE HUNGER GAMES is sure to please the many fans of the books yet it strives to be more than that. With a lesson in empathy, there is a sense that this kind of reality may be close at hand in our own civilization.
IGN * * * *
Overall though, The Hunger Games is a notable accomplishment, delivering on its source material and capturing the core elements that have helped the books stand out from other series aimed at the same demographic. Both fans of the books and those brand new to the story of Katniss Everdeen will find The Hunger Games compelling.
If you see more reviews let us know in the comments and we’ll keep you updated. So far, excellent reviews! Having seen the movie I know none of you will be disappointed and I can’t wait til next week to hear all your thoughts. Thanks to Michelle, Becki, SPM, Taylor, Elizabeth and Cherie!
Variety gave it a “fresh” rating!
The Hollywood Reporter gave it a decent review – raves about Jen’s acting – but very nit-picky on certain things that had to be shortened or even left out. Almost as if they wanted a word-by-word or scene-by-scene movie. But I’m thrilled about all the positivity.
I’m bummed that so many reviewers are hardly taking notice of Josh’s performance (it’s always “Jen was awesome and everyone else was solid”) or who think the K/P romance wasn’t believable or well done. Maybe Peeta doesn’t get as much story time as I thought. :/
SPM, I wouldn’t worry, in my opinion Josh was perfect as Peeta
YAY! Thanks, Ciara. I just want the rest of the world to notice it as well.
@Ciara – did you think the movie devoted enough time to developing the K/P relationship? That was one of the complaints I read.
Well, the focus of the film isn’t on it but it’s definitly still there and definitly still a relevant part of the story. And it’s referenced quite a bit by others like Rue. It may not be the central theme of the movie but it’s most certainly an integral part. Enough time was dedicated to it throughout and can easily be developed in Catching Fire. It was faithful to the book
Awesome. Thanks for the response.
YES, i’ve been eagerly waiting to read reviews– i’ve been checking rottentomatoes literally five times a day because i wasn’t sure when lionsgate would take down the embargo. it’s nice to see that “100%” there. =) it’ll go down eventually (some critics just don’t like ANYTHING) but i think it’s certain to stay in the “fresh” zone. i’m so excited!
I heard the embargo wouldn’t be lifted till the 20th so this is SUPER EXCITING!!!!!
OMG 100% so far … some of the reviews nitpick certain things but still like it overall … AGGH this is so nervracking … I just pray that it stays at 80% or above …
@Rachael – I know, right?! I want this thing to crush Twilight’s box office records and maybe even get some awards notice.
@Ciara – In the book, Katniss tells Rue that the love story was just an act. However, she says this during the anthem so that it is drowned out bu the music, so the audience doesn’t hear. In the film, does she say it was an act to Rue? If so, is it out in the open so the audience can hear?
Oh I won’t be spoiling any of it, Zack! … but it’s Katniss, would she give the game away?
The Telegraph link is broken. Found it:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/9146761/The-Hunger-Games-review.html
Love the ending of their review:
“The Hunger Games is an essential science fiction film for our times; perhaps the essential science fiction film of our times. Whatever your age, it demands to be devoured.”
@SPM: Geez! Will it really make you feel that much better if the Hunger Games broke Twilight’s records?! What’s important is that the movie is successful at conveying the message of the book. I hope THG is a huge success just as much as you do so can we stop with the comparisons?!
@lina – You misunderstood me. I was saying THG is an amazing story that deserves to dominate pretty much everything. I only mentioned Twilight because those are the numbers to beat (as referenced in THG box office tracking), not because I was trying to compare the two franchises on their substance or merits.
Hehehe, thanks Ciara!
@ciara
I´ve read in a couple reviews that Jen as Katniss doesn´t quite get the ambiguity of her feelings towards Peeta. They blame the lack of internal monologue that clarifies her behavior as the reason why Katniss´ actions seem irrational or even “bipolar”. Do you think they failed to translate the complexity of Katniss´ feelings and is it clear that Katniss is playing this “love story” for the cameras?
Guys!!!! I will see the movie on the 21st of March, because I won tickets in a newspaper’s contest!!!!
I’m super excited!!!!!!!! I wrote about it on my blog!!!!! Check out!!!
I don’t think it’s that bad that the K/P romance might not come through so clearly. When the Twilight comparison started and that unofficial script leaked, everyone was super worried that THG would be turned in to a love triangle story. It’s nice to know that the “triangle” isn’t the focus. Plus, they have plenty of time to intensify K & P’s relationship in the next two (or three) films.
@Ciara – This isn’t a spoilery question and its my last question as well! Is there ANY reference to District 13 at all?
OMG I am still refreshing my screen ever hour or so to see any new reviews coming in!! It’s at 11 now and still 100% … I am SOOOO nervous!!
@SPM YES!! Agree totally …
I haven’t gotten a chance to fully read every review yet, but this is my favorite blurb so far:
“As action, as allegory, as cinema, The Hunger Games is the best American science-fiction film since The Matrix.”
GAAHH!! The Matrix!! I am trying so hard not to let my hopes go through the roof here … I KNOW we’ll see a bad review come in at some point …
@Rachael – dang, I gotta go read that one! What an incredible comparison – I loved the first Matrix movie.
@THGFWN – That’s a good point. I wish Katniss was more certain of her feelings for Peeta at this stage, but that wouldn’t be true to the book. I can handle ambiguity as long as the chemistry between Jen and Josh is sufficient.
No guys don’t worry about it. Without going into specifics, Katniss follows exactly the same thought process in the book: and we all know sometimes that is indeed ambiguous even to herself. Jennifer does it perfectly. And I remember nothing of District 13… and I’ll be shutting up now!
Thanks, Ciara. Of course, if you want to weigh in on the chemistry question, I’m sure no one would mind…
@SPM – Yup I remember having my mind blown when The Matrix first came out. The second two movies sucked (actually I think I didn’t even bother watching the third one since the second one sucked so bad) hahaha, BUT, I just try to forget that the two sequels existed.
@Rachael – same here re: Matrix. Two more great reviews, one from the Times (UK) but behind a paywall, and the other from Slashfilm:
http://www.slashfilm.com/the-hunger-games-review-exciting-emotional-epic/
HitFix (A) – http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/motion-captured/posts/review-the-hunger-games-is-thrilling-emotional-deeply-felt-blockbuster-filmmaking
@SPM I’ll say this, the chemistry of Jen and Josh mirrors Katniss and Peeta’s exactly… if you get me… anyone who questions it doesn’t get what it means for Peeta and what it means to Katniss. What he’s thinking and what she is. Don’t forget these reviewers don’t get these two like we do. We know it’s not supposed to fit perfectly all the time. It really is a testament to Jennifer’s subtle performance, she is Katniss (I don’t know how she does it). What you read is what you’ll see. <- That was not a spoiler, that’s what we already know from the book… [Just stop talking Ciara!]
Ciara, you can talk all you want as far as I’m concerned, because I like what you’re saying! I’m reading all the reviews like a THG junkie.
@Cherie – so am I.
@Ciara – fair enough. I can’t think of anything better than a lovelorn, angsty Hutch & it sounds like there will be plenty of chances to see that.
IGN just gave it four of five stars.
I love this line from the IGN review: “And kudos to Ross and company for not bothering to try to hide that Lawrence is taller than Hutcherson – a rare thing in Hollywood indeed when it comes to male and female leads.” People can get so hung up on the height thing (probably even more now with those Jen as Glamazon-in-heels premiere photos), and I’m just happy that Gary Ross and Suzanne Collins didn’t let regular Hollywood standards about what physical characteristics make a couple believable keep them from casting Josh. A lot of reviewers, including the IGN one, seem to think he did a great job.
@Cherie – the more I see and read of him as Peeta, the less the height thing bothers me. Thank goodness Ross & co. were smart enough to pick the best actor for the role and not worry about a nominal height difference.
edward douglas from comingsoon.net gave it a 7/10– though personally, any review that starts off with a disclaimer telling us how he’s not going to cut the director any slack is a review that i take with a grain of salt. the guy is obviously expecting people to disagree with him.
and frankly i found the review itself to be confusing, because it felt to me that he kept contradicting himself– first he says D12 did not seem nearly “destitute” enough at the beginning of the movie, but when effie comes along she stands out “against the poor and starving.”
oh, and the whole thing about josh & jen “lacking any sort of chemistry,” but then he goes and says when the games start they really start to “gel” and “win us over” like they’re supposed to win over the capitol audiences. i assume he meant that they don’t seem to “click” in the first half as much as they do in the second, but considering he says he has read the books, it’s just weird to me that he’d consider that a point against the movie. that’s exactly the way it’s supposed to be in the book– it’s only up to the rule change when katniss actually lets herself play the “star-crossed lovers” angle, and eventually comes to care for peeta. so i just don’t get what his position is on this.
the guy could try and tone down the anti-hype sentiment some, i think. he seemed to like the “shaky cam” style a few other reviewers have hated. at least he gave the movie a seven, though IMO the score sounds completely discordant with the actual review he gave. but whatever.
Entertainment Weekly just gave it an A-! Pretty darn good.
Darn, Roger Ebert only gave it 3 out of 4 stars. Not bad, but he is my favorite critic and I was hoping he would really love the movie (which would make me even more excited to see it)! It seems like the critics who are scoring THG a little lower understand the social commentary underlying the story and wish the director and the script had taken things a little more head-on and further. More violence, or more reaction to the horrible situation at hand. They seem to think the movie is a little too muted on these points. I guess that’s understandable.
@bobbie– actually, i am ECSTATIC with ebert’s 3 out of 4. i think it’s pretty darn great. when i read his review i felt like he liked most of it, and the parts he had qualms about is mostly stuff you fully understand when you read the book, and some areas where he just wanted the movie to push the envelope further in terms of sci-fi allegory. which i think is understandable.
honestly, i like the guy, and he’s the reviewer i generally respect the most apart from the more sci-fi oriented ones, but i was expecting him to absolutely destroy the movie– i’m out of this world with excitement that he seemed to like it overall.