Review of The Hunger Games (2012) by Movie M — 24 Apr 2018
Reviewed 4.20.18. When reviewing teen-targeted movies, I don't hold them up against Casablanca.
Despite that disclaimer, The Hunger Games is darn entertaining no matter your age.
With Jennifer Lawrence in the role that launched her to stardom, and a killer supporting cast (Harrelson, Sutherland, Tucci, even Kravitz), it's as much fun as you can have watching kids murder each other. Surprisingly, that sobering plot device doesn't cast a heavy pall.
The real blows come in its critique of our vapid, war mongering, consumer culture. Ceasar Flickerman's blindingly white teeth. The slavish blood lust for reality show meat. Children bred for violence. Disdain for the oppressed. The elitism. The greed. The movie is rife with parallels to modern western society.
The fictional nation of Panem is us. Is it our dystopian future, or are we already there? Either way, it cuts hard. The loftier themes may be lost on younger viewers, but the analogous connection to the emotional brutality of school surely isn't.
It's popcorn movie entertainment with a message. Didn't like it? You're either old or the intended target. Or as kids see it, both.
This review of The Hunger Games (2012) was written by Movie M on 24 Apr 2018.
The Hunger Games has generally received positive reviews.
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