The Hunger Games 2012

Trailers

Reviews

Flicks.co.nz
The People
Press

Stuff

Poster

The world will be watching.

Sci-fi thriller set in post-apocalyptic America that sees a young woman (Jennifer Lawrence from Winter's Bone) being drafted into a brutal, fight-to-the-death, reality TV show. Based on Suzanne Collins' hugely popular teen novels, from the director of Pleasantville. More

In the face of drought, fire and famine America has crumbled and been replaced by the Capitol, a regime that ruthlessly controls the country. Each year, two residents from twelve districts are selected and forced to fight one another in the televised 'Hunger Games' - a twisted punishment for the citizen's past uprisings. When Katniss Everdeen's (Lawrence) younger sister is selected to participate, Katniss volunteers to take her place, pitting herself against highly-trained competitors who have prepared for the Games their whole lives.

The film is adapted from the first book in Collins' trilogy. It's already been confirmed that book two (Catching Fire) will soon be getting the big-screen treatment. Hide

Family friendly nastiness

Mark-Roulston Flicks Superstar

When a massive movie franchise comes to a close, often a hole can develop in the highly competitive market of Hollywood blockbuster filmmaking. Perhaps never before has that hole been as large as the abyss left by the HARRY POTTER series, given the rapid release schedule of those films. It's 2012, and there's no new POTTER. Some might argue that the TWILIGHT series fills the void, yet not only is that franchise little more than a punchline to all but the hardcore fans, it too is set to (hopefully) wrap up this year. Enter THE HUNGER GAMES, seemingly a sure thing based on the POTTER formula: hugely successful series of young adult novels? Check. Talented cast of young leads and respected character actors as support? Naturally. Large scale production and, crucially, marketing budget? You bet. So is THE HUNGER GAMES worthy of taking up the POTTER mantle?

Amazingly, it might be even better.

While no-one would suggest that THE HUNGER GAMES is the most original new property coming from the Hollywood machine, Lionsgate and director Gary Ross adapt Suzanne Collins' source material in just the right ways, jettisoning un-cinematic elements and focusing on the meat of the story right from the opening frame. Rather than build the world of Panem through tedious exposition and backstory, Ross instead drops us directly into the grim life of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and her journey to the Hunger Games, a perverse spectacle inflicted annually on 24 unfortunate teens. While the POTTER series certainly headed in a darker direction as it went on, THE HUNGER GAMES is horrifically bleak right from the get go, and Ross' decision to show instead of tell, through the use of wonderfully expressive, fluid camerawork, paints an ugly picture indeed. There are so many refreshing elements at work here, with an active, independent, and strong female protagonist and a startling absence of overblown CGI, but it's the nastiness that makes this film unique. Delivering a family appropriate experience while retaining the majority of the violence and unpleasantness of the novel is a delicate proposition which Ross mostly pulls off, but one can't help wondering about the potential for a much harder, R-rated cut of the film. It's an understandable issue to be sure, but an issue nonetheless.

Where THE HUNGER GAMES perhaps doesn't fare so well is in the internal strife faced by Katniss, particularly in regards to potential love interests Gale (Liam Hemsworth) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson). Collins' novel has much more freedom to explore, and even dwell on, Katniss' emotional state through inner monologue, but given the nature of film, particularly a mainstream blockbuster such as this, much less room is left for introspection, and some of the character dynamics and relationships suffer in comparison. Katniss' independence is unfortunately undercut by the franchise building mentality of the film, setting up an inevitable love triangle to be explored in two potential sequels. That said, she's still a much more positive, appropriate female role model than TWILIGHT's limp and passive Bella Swan, or indeed any young female character in recent memory. THE HUNGER GAMES is an important film at many levels, one which heralds the birth of the next big Hollywood franchise, and if the quality of the first installment is maintained then the sequels can't come soon enough.

tinribs27.wordpress.com

86 %

Want to See it

What say you?

BoB

Bare minimum teaser
Josh

Meh.
ACE

wat da hell that didnt say anything
alex

I'm super stoked to see this film, but that is a shocking teaser
100WordReviews

So... Brave meets The Truman Show? Sure, what the hey?
Koren

i hope this is as good as the books
Steph

Woohoo! Can't wait til March 2012! :)
IceDemon

Trailer doesn't tell you much but hoping it lives up to the books
Jux

I'm guessing its based on a box, can't imagine they'd be that vague in a trailer without the story already having a fan base.
Bek

Can't wait to see this, loved the books!
Jessie Mao

Reaminds me of twilight the music and the setting
Cass

Looking forward to the next trailer. Great cast too, should be good!
Kaye

So freaking excited. Don't screw this up!!
RAVEN

CANT WAAAAIT FOR THIS ! SOOOO EXCITED ! hope the movie doesn't miss out details from the book !
Amy

I can't wait! I'm so excited. The books were amazing and hope the movie is just as good
LizLemon

This sounds just like Battle Royale.
steveisatree

Battle Royal-ish. Sweet.
gr8luau

i like the premise
Matt Butler

Once i finish the book, im gonna see this
Hugo Burns

gave away to much
M Chauvenist

Another bloody girls own flick...yeah yeah girls can do anything blah blah blah enough already!
reetz

Hahahaha oh yeah...bring it on girls..
Jumbo Big Ears

Sounds and looks like a knock off of the japanese Battle Royale movies.
lolly pop

soo unicorn
fish&chips

sounds awesome
Unicorn

BLAHBLAHBLAHBLAHsurpise awesome movie must see
Hodstar

I saw a tiny entree of Trailer and thought 'yeah choice bro' then I saw this and thought 'what a load of kaka!
Lily

Read the books they are awesome this movie is NOT a chick flick its like the best series EVER and im sure the movie will be just as great!
Jess and Emma

This movie could be as easily wrecked as the books
Luna

This looks amazing and Gale and Peeta look as i thought they would but im not so sure about Katnis
moviegeek

This looks totally awesome! The young actress looks so like the one written in the book! Especially the way her eyes looked around!
imbored

This trailer looks fantastic! Hopefully have time to read the books first . . .
BlahBlah

fantastic cant wait looks sooooo interesting
lily

love the books characters are cast perfectly
Angela

Loved the books, can't wait to watch the movie!
TwiliteSchmilite

YES FOREVER! This is the only movie I am really looking forward to in 2012!
brad

this is going to be cool and the best
Potter fan

Is going to be amazing. I am so there!!!
yes

i am going no doubt about it
Catfin

If this is as good as the book, and it looks like it will be, its going to be AMAZING!
anon

looks great, but they could have picked a hotter main character (katniss)
Summa

So cant wait to see the movie !!!! i hope the secound book turns into a movie as well. the quarter quell would be amazing !!!!!
jessie

Cant wait to go see this read the boo so it looks awesome as!!
KatieF

Just read the book, can't wait for the movie!
woopwoop

Super excited and can't wait - the book was spectacular so I hope the movie does it justice =]
isabella

So excited! I love the books and Josh Hutcherson ;D
Jacqui

Couldnt put these books down even while on holiday in tahiti. CANT WAIT TRAILER LOOKS GREAT!
Yay

Amazing books cant wait to see the movie
Taylen

where can i get premier tickets? i have to see it!
Natalia

Before America yeah ya Can't wait no everything that happens on every page love hg. Read each 143 times no lie
Min

CANNOT WAIT <3
Prrrrerna

OMG IAM SO incredibly excited! this is going to be the best movie of the year! CANNOT WAIT!
Hugo Burns

going to get midnight premiere tickets no matter what!
Jacob

Counting down the days, and re-reading the books! Cant wait! - Where can we get official premiere tickets?
Karl-Flicks

@Jacob, Your best bet would be to keep an eye on Hoyts or Event for advance midnight screenings
Kahmeelia

URGHH!! Where do you get premier tickets?!?! I'm soooo pumped!
babz

sooooo gonna see this movie when it comes out deffinitly gonna be the best movie of the year
Hannah

Got the days counting down on the calender!!! Re-read the books, might have to read them again tho!!!! THE BIGGEST MOVIE OF 2012! DEFINATEL
Kate

Man I cannot wait. Biggest book to movie release since HP. Pity it comes out on a Thursday
Eban

I watch this trailer and I can't believe that its out in two months. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, LET THE SEVENTY-FOURTH HUNGER GAMES BEGIN!
Gemma

OMG!! CAN'T WAIT FOR THE HUNGER GAMES TO START! GOING TO BUY THE DVDS!
flibbb

SOOOO AMAZING!! HAVE TO SEE THIS!!! I LOVE IT <3
Teresa

The mocking jay call at the end there is chilling, can't wait to see it!!!
Esta*

LOVE IT!! Can't WAIT!!
ben

want to see it now!
sakusi

want to see it read book !
Charlotte

Why is Katniss giving the pin to Prim..? I'm guessing they've cut out Madge.. Hollywood should really read ahead.. Otherwise looked awesome!
Alastair

I've read the books...now let's see the film. It's going to be the biggest movie of 2012 - let's hope Catching Fire will be even better.
olivia

so excited to see it
soph

does anyone know if there is going to be a midnight screening?
syms

half way through the book... can't wait for the movie.
Kate

Is there going to be midnight screening like for Harry Potter? SOOO EXCITED!!
Megz

I AM SOOOOOO EXCITED! I LOVE the Hunger Games! Honestly CANT wait to see it!
Taylen

Will tickets go on sale for a Premier on Feb 22nd like with the us? or do we not have a midnight screening? i hope we do!!!
eve

I have just red the book and am looking forward to seeing the whole series of movies
Hugo

HOLY FRICKIN JESUS! I CANT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mikaela

Please have a mindnight screening i wanna go with my friends <3 PLEASE!!!!!!
EBANSKI

I GOT MIDNIGHT PREMIERE TICKETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Isabella

Does anyone know where they are selling the midnight screening ? As i'd like to go, meaning which cinema is it ?
RexH

Logan's Run meets Soylent Green via Battle Royale??
Aaron

where do you get tickets
Hugo Burns

To get tickets go to event cinemas nz website and on the right there is a promotion
Justice

I. Am. Obsessed! Half way through the last book. Omg im excited...
Rosie

im up to the 3rd book, i read the other two within 4 days!!! god im excited!!!! i REALLY wanna see it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Voldemort

This is such an excellent novel! But Thursday is a ghastly day for screening, no offense! This is gonna be awesome like Harry Potter.
Harriet

I can't wait to see the hunger games! I have just finished the books and I am in love!!!
Sam

*** Midnight Screening at Roxy Cinema, Miramar, Wellington You can book online
Katniss

WOW!!!!!!!!! I'v read the books and rate them top 3 material!!!!!!!!!!
Katniss

When do I get my tickets????????
sammy

omg
shell

sounds awesome
zHungerGames

I've booked premiere tickets and i wanna know what z rating is!
shiftbutton

Cool. LOVE IT!
Lucy

This will be the movie of the decade no doubt! i REALLY want to see it!!!! i have already booked tikets OMG OMG OMG but what is the rating??
Lucy

i know this sounds impossible but this could definetly beat harry potter the finale!!!
lucy

awesomeness has arrived, BIG TIME
Maddy

OMG! I couldn't sop reading the books, they are soooo amazing! The movie is going to be fantastic! Can't wait!
Luke

AHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I can't wait! I've read all the books and am going to the midnight screening!! :D I am so excited!!!
Sharlette

ITS LIKE THE NEW TWILIGHT SAGA, BUT NOT SO DAMN CHEESY AND WAY MORE ACTION!!:D
Anesu

I realy wanna c it ma frenz keep telin me to go so i wil lol
Malle

Can u buy the tickets for the 23 of march in the internet as well?
Kian

Wowowowow read the books, and have seen 3 clips from the movie on YouTube. They r amazing. Can't wait!!!!
Ed-Flicks

@Malle - Yep. Go to the movie times on The Hunger Games profile page, click any time to book tickets (available only for cinemas with online bookings).
Sha

I am so excited- the first book was really good!!!
aly229

lol i cant wait till fri soo gonna watch
Gawa

BEST BOOK IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD EVEN BETTER THAN HARRY POTTER would give the world to see it (but not my dog :-) )
Hannah

omg soo excited!! read the books like a million times!!! in love with peeta!!! ♥♥
izaak

gon'2 dah premiez!!!!!!!!!! noobz
Hannah

I love Peeta!!!!!!! <3 :D
gabby w

HUNGER GANES RULE I JUST HOPE U READ THE BOOKS IN TIME.
GABBY W

I LOVE PEETA !!!!!
no one

no petta is ugly lol
nik

it is rated m.do you have to be over 16 to see it?
Angel

Can't wait for it to come out i'll be the first in line waiting to get my tickets
Bobbi

Have read the books and they are an amazing series. We can only hope that the movies are just as good.
Ed-Flicks

@nik - yep, rated 'M'. So you can be any age.
HUNGER GAMES

THIS LOOKS SOOO GOOD
28364922

CANT WAIT TILL THURS
Isabelle

THIS IS THE BEST BOOK IN THE WORLD!!!!! I WILL SOOOOOO B FIRST IN LINE TO BUY TICKETS!!!!!!!
Steven

GALE IS BETTER THAN PEETA! KATNISS SHOULD GET WITH GALE! or me ;)
eve

Once I read the movie was coming I decided to read the 3 books. The movie lived up to everything the book was but it did lack the full story
starwarsgeek007

Great Direction - Awesum Acting by Lead Lady - Great Movie. Go see it! 5/5 similes!!
lala

i really wanna see it!!!!!
alice

I SOOOO badly wanna see it :(((((((( maybee tomorrow !!!!!!!!
Oli

Im dying to see it!!!
Bryan

Yay Gonna see it tomorrow!!!!
Andy

What a yawn. Yet another post-apocalyptic themed film, this time with overly good-looking teens in dull fights. Zzzz
NIC

The books were amazing. Havent watched it yet but i can nearly garentee it wont be as good as the book.I wish it was a bit more violent
NIC

Seein it 2day !!!!
ash

cant wait 2 c it !
Michael Carrigan

trash, utter, utter trash.
wtf

awsmness
loved it

amazing movie well worth the wait
Fuckin Amazing

It was just amazing this movie
Charlotte

Disturbing. I watched teens kill each other at the movies. How am I any better than the capitol with their tv screens?
heey

going 2 see it 2day cant wait (:
lucky

fantastic though not as-good as the book ,reading the book again
Araya

I Want to see this might 2Nite ,
Shannon

I loved the books and this movie looks even better! :D
lisa

the movie is amazing, so are the books !!! :D
jazzy

OMG! i wanna see it over again! it was sooo good!!!!!!!! :DD
Cinny

I SOOOOOOO WANT TO SEE IT!!!!
k1tt3ny

dftgubvjdkmxgy I WANNA SEE IIIT
Stella

BEST MOVIE IN THE WORLD!
maddy

ill say
hunter

Yea hard it sounds cool and also looks cool
Amy

it was so amazing, best movie since harry potters :L going for the third time tomorrow can't wait!!
taylah`

i sooo wanna c this wiv all my maytes aye!!!
ali

love to c it !
BeccaBoo

will this still be in theatres for this friday april 13th??? wanna go see it again!
Jabba

Hi peoples!!!
hgaj

wasuuu
Carrie

Read the books, can't wait to see the movie!
swaggadelic

please please please be tickets still left for tomorow hoping and wishing to see it
Hannah

Sorta disappointed, was an alright movie, but they didn't stay close enough to the nbnnnnbook :(
Kendall

Good movie but the books are better :)
dewald

exelent one of the best movies ever
caleb and ryan

can wait 2 c it
kris

cant wait to see it will be awesome
vicky

i read the books and they are awesome i have see the movie with all my friends i have seen it at lest 12 times :) good movie
Grace

Peeta is sooo hot and sexy!!!!
India

I LOVE REECE MAASTIN
Molly/Nat

I love the Hunger Gamees!!!!
gen

i love the hunger games so much
SALLY

cant wait to see it!
hana

i agree with grace
emma

want to see it with my boyfriend.xx
poo

haha xxx
hehe

omg i sooo wanna see it im reading the books!!!!!!!!!!
ahhhh

Sooo excited loved the books and can't wait to see peeta!!!! Omg!!!!
nic

splendid, powerful, moving, and with terrific acting by Jennifer Lawrence, this film pleases on all levels.
Gawa

Best movie ever! i love it so much i have read the books and when the ads were on i was shaking my leg like crazy! i have seen it 4 times!
anoAMOUS

i love this movie the awsumest movie eva
brooke

i soooooooooo wanna see this movie it looks soooooo awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bee

i love johny!
ZIli

OMG i love the hunger games
Katness

I love what i look like
hihi

cant wait to c it cato is annoying read the books
Emma

Amazing book love Liam Hensworth and Josh Huchterson and Jennifer LAwrence and of course the writer sk
Nonoes

after watching the trailers - definintely NO
Ngaere

Read all three books in 10 days I could not stop looking forward to the movie!!
unknown

Hunger games is best movie EVER!!!CANT WAIT TILL ON DVD
Angel M

Read the book. Just wanna see the movie!!!!!!!!!
Pieta

Almost read the whole series...Dying to see the movie!!!!!!!
Bridget

The movie is the best watched it already want to see it again!!!!
roxanna

love this movie seen it three times !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Arnie Ingalls

The Running Man meets Battle Royale meets eur... Little House on the Prairie, pinch me it is so bad.
Bullflick

Battle Royale was immoral and sadistic. The Hunger Games is equally sadistic while trying to make it moral. So wrong.
Lenny Bar

Kids like these must have killed John Lennon :-p The moral of the story is: don't have kids.

AGREE? DISAGREE?...
RealityCheck

I agree with your movie references :-) I was thinking the same things while watching...
Tessa

The Hunger Games is going to be much more than the next Twilight fad.
Anee

yea i agree too the hunger games is aswome
alicia

i love the hunger games its better than titanic its so the best movie ever
Maddie :) !!!

I luv this movie its the best movie in the world i will always luv it 4eva nd eva

comment / reply

Dominic Corry Flicks Writer

The next Twilight? Battle Royale rip-off? Reality TV rumination? Going into the movie, I wasn’t entirely sure which angle to come at The Hunger Games from. More

There's such a huge variety of touchstones here - American Idol; Big Brother; The Truman Show; The Running Man; teenage bullying; unrequited love; the one percenters vs the rest of us; professional sports - it would be an achievement simply to keep things coherent but director Gary Ross goes beyond that to create a character-focused arrow of a film that maintained my attention from start to finish.

Jennifer Lawrence ably carries the film on her shoulders, appearing in practically every scene. She projects pluck, moxie and vulnerability in equal measure. The older supporting actors do stellar work to ground the occasionally quite ridiculous-looking universe they inhabit – Lenny Kravitz and Stanley Tucci especially. Male lead Josh Hutcherson lets the side down a bit with his wooden emoting but there isn’t a complete lack of chemistry between him and Lawrence.

The lack of any gory on-screen violence (the kills are all quick cuts and close-ups) doesn’t take much away from the impact of what is occurring and there are several impressively taut action set-pieces.

The film only really lags when it stops to serve romance – did we really need two tender moments in the cave? After the climax occurs, the film hangs around for some follow-up scenes that fall a bit flat, ending the film on a somewhat muted note. But that doesn’t mean I’m not totally amped for the sequel. This movie rules. Hide

AGREE? DISAGREE?...
Amy

Yes! Shorter reviews - most welcome :)
John

I highly disagree I saw no refrences to battle royale and I would rather rip out my small intestine that watch hunger games.

A reflection of The Hunger Games and Battle Royal.

steveisatree Flicks Superstar

The Hunger Games was a good film, but the "fight to the death" game was done much better in Battle Royal.
However The Hunger Games had a better back story.

All in ill it was a pretty swell film that is worth the watch, but maybe just on DVD.

A refreshingly short review... None of this long review argie barge people seem to be into these days.

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

In tents

DarcyClay A-Lister

This movie expertly builds tension throughout, and I think it would serve you well to see this at the movies because of this. I was on edge throughout, it grabs you using a combination of performance, shaky cam, violence, expectation and a great score.

I really enjoyed this, although the tender moments will end up in a vom-bucket, everything else is fantastic.

See it.

AGREE? DISAGREE?...
Charlotte

Disturbing. I watched teens kill each other at the movies. How am I any better than the capitol with their tv screens?
Sam

Charlotte - The Hunger Games movie IS NOT REAL. You did not watch teens kill.
Aster

I agree they acting was unnatural and unconvincing.

Perhaps I'm getting a bit old for this.

Zac-Young A-Lister

As I joined the screaming throngs of teenies I have to admit to a moment of trepidation, that brief moment that threatened to fill me with a 'ah screw this' mentality but I'm glad I swallowed my pride and entered with a relatively open mind.

I can understand why it's a hit with the younger females with a kick ass female lead, hunky boys and a love triangle (apparently) to boot -but I cannot, for the life of me, understand why anyone over the age of 17 found it anything other than bog standard and flat.
It seemed to me that the whole life or death aspect with teenagers being selected for what was essentially a death sentence was overlooked - sure it was there yet it was met with a 'meh' response from the main characters. The dynamics between the leads was, from what I gather, supposed to be tension filled and rife with teenage angst but was once again lost in a world of Neo Victorian fashion and emotive acting that would make Kirsten Stewart proud.

It seemed, as with all adaptations, to rely heavily upon information you have previously gathered from other, similar films - not forgetting the books, to fill in what otherwise would be a rather bland mix of poorly acted nothingness.

All in all I was left with a feeling somewhere between indigestion and the vague sense that I had done something for the last two hours, but I couldn't tell you what.

Great film

PhilMoore Flicks Superstar

This is a story about 12 districts that choose every year a girl and boy from each district to fight to the death. Jennifer Lawrence is front and centre here as Katniss. She and her boy companion are chosen to fight to the death. Woody Harrelson plays a man who won the Hunger Games years ago and is a mentor to the two. There are some great action scenes here, along with some scenes of emotion. The fact the games are televised is a commentary on how our culture is obsessed with violence these days. I highly recommend this film

Genuinely scary

Ken-Burns Flicks Superstar

I can see why this will be a huge hit. It's surprisingly violent and stuff happens out of nowhere to creep you out. Didn't read the books so went in with an open mind about the story. The crowd scenes were like Nazi Germany.

Hungry for more

RealityCheck Flicks Superstar

Without reading the book I wanted to get the movie perspective first, then read the book. So I dont know how true to the book it is. I liked the way this film unfolded, seemed long, but yet had a good flow to it. The character build up and children acting worked well, even the fight scenes werent too jumpy!! Kids arent very ninja like. Woody Harrison and Donald Southerland well cast in their roles, as was Stanley Tucci. Wish they'd explained the badge / Mocking Jay a bit more but was easy to figure it out. I can see this getting a lot of views and money from the box office. Still, I hope the next films in the series are made bit better than this one.

Genre : fantasy, action, drama, 'little' sci-fi with ships and transport
4/5 : maybe Im too old to get it fully, but great film

Happy Hunger Games

Cass-Hodder B-Grader

Have been a HUGE fan of the books since they came out so have been eagerly awaiting this film for the last year. It did not disappoint!! Thought the casting was superb. Jennifer Lawrence is a star through and through. They did a great job of bringing the capitol to life and even though I'd read the books so really knew what was coming, it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time - can't wait for Catching Fire!

Excellent teen movie yet, about 80% as good as book

JayC4Shaw Flicks Superstar

Loved the action scenes and loved the story. Some characters were PERFECT illustrations of the book. Only thing I found a bit naff was the love triangle between Katniss, Petar and Gale. Petar and Katniss seemed to have absolutely ZERO chemistry and their relationship wasn't well illustrated at all. On the otherhand, Katniss and Gale were too close.

Apart from this, movie was great. Could've had more gore (blood and guts, etc) but I understand that teen films are still very PC when compared to the actual books. Wish the film industry would realise kids are used to graphical content these days, sooner rather than later. More blood and guts would have made this a 5/5 for me.

Great though and movie is very well suited for those who haven't read the book yet. Perhaps a little bit too suited for those who haven't read the book. But still, worthwhile watching!

Finally! A teen movie with teeth.

adamatdramatrain Flicks Superstar

Never having read the books, I assumed this to be a cleaned-up, dumbed-down version of one of my favourite Japanese movies, Kinji Fukasaku's gory schoolkids-kill-schoolkids delight, 'Battle Royale' (2000) - but 'The Hunger Games' is thankfully no insipid 'Twilight' or obese 'Harry Potter.' Instead, it's a sci-fi action thriller set in a dystopian future, where teens fight to the death for the amusement of TV audiences - sort of, 'Big Brother' - with machetes; or 'The Truman Show' - with chainsaws.

Jennifer Lawrence (star of 'Winter's Bone') kicks other teen heroines in the teeth - this ain't Hermione or Bella. For starters, Lawrence can actually act...and so can the supporting cast, which includes Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Stanley Tucci, Toby Jones and, um... Lenny Kravitz - who's actually pretty good. No, really.

When I saw this was directed by Gary Ross (he of the saccharine, feel-gooditty of 'Seabiscuit'), I thought that this would be a tale of violence... minus the violence. Fortunately, I was proved wrong. The "M" for mature rating permits at least the suggestion of violent bloodshed and there's plenty of tension throughout. The only downsides? A dull leading dude in Josh Hutcherson and the nagging feeling that I need to read the book. Still, that said - about time the teen movie grew up and grew some teeth. Hollywood may have defanged vampires with 'Twish*te' - but it's regained its franchise bite with 'The Hunger Games.'

great movie

Eve-Melville A-Lister

Wonderful story of hope, love and death. I have read all 3 books and was glad the story was followed as close as it could be. Was a little sad that the movie missed some vital elements though and should of been nearly 3 hours like the harry potter movies. Looking forward to Catching Fire and MockingJay Hopefully they will not make us wait too long .

AGREE? DISAGREE?...
helena

I agree that the action was rough with the camera but it still shows a great story line with great cast.
LOL

i think there was to much camera movement but was still awesome i loved it

Great start to the trilogy!

KatieF Flicks Superstar

After having read the books, I tried not to have too many expectations for the movie! If I had still had expectations, the movie would have fully surpassed them. The cast was perfect, the action a bit rough with shaky camera but that you can get past. It was so thrilling and kept you in its grasp the whole way through. This series is not just for teen girls! I think everyone that watches it will be pleasantly surprised.

Hunger Games

SammiP Nobody

Didn't read the books
Looked for a good movie and heard this was good, so went was some good friends of different ages and we all enjoyed it
I would recommend this movie anyone
No-one should miss this movie, it's really good
Go see this movie!!!

Leaves you hungry for more!

filmlover Flicks Superstar

This is a film most people could enjoy whatever their ages. I am not in the teen generation, far from it, but I can still appreciate a well crafted flick whatever the genre. If you are looking for a bit of escapism without too much violence and no sex or bad language this fills the bill. Am looking forward to the next installment.

AGREE? DISAGREE?...
judy cornelius

good and funny sat in on it which is good

Reality TV

GrahamP Flicks Superstar

I went to this movie thinking maybe I would not enjoy it.
Being an older male I was surprised to find out
just how good it was.It is very real and grips you from the start to the finish.The downside was the excessive camera movement at times,which was a bit annoying.
I have given it a 4 star but but would have liked to have given it a 4.5.

Out now on dvd/blu-ray

DVD / Blu-Ray

658 votes / 189 comments The Talk

CARE TO COMMENT?

Flicks.co.nz Review

Rating:

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

The People's Reviews

Rating:

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

Your rating / review...

Press Reviews