The Hunger Games

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Mommy Bear's Review of The Hunger Games

Violence

Fairly heavy, though curiously the film uses violence not to glorify it, but to criticize society's detached fascination with it, showing such callousness as detrimental to our humanity. In this way the brutality in The Hunger Games may serve as an antidote to the glorified violence found so often in film, television, and video games. Though this film movingly contrasts the worst aspects of humanity (bloodlust) with the best in us (compassion, altruism), parents should be aware that it portrays teens fighting to the death in gladiator-style combat. Though it is shot and edited to preserve a PG-13 rating (therefore leaving much to the imagination), what is shown is intense and somewhat bloody.

Sexual Content

Minor for a film of this kind. There are a few dresses that are somewhat low-cut. A teenage boy is shown shirtless. A teenage girl takes a bath, though the audience only sees her shoulders and leg. A teenage boy and girl share a fairly passionate kiss and sleep in each others' arms, though both are fully dressed and no sexual activity is implied.

Language

There are a handful of mild obscenities, but thankfully harsh language isn't really an issue for this film.

Story

In the America of the future, a nation known as Panem, teens from the country's various districts fight to the death in a nationally-televised competition, battling the elements and each other for a chance at fame and fortune. Poverty-stricken and starving, 16-year old Katniss Everdeen selflessly offers herself as a gladiator to save her younger sister's life, finding her courage tested as she fights to feed her family and defy the totalitarian government.

Pros and Cons

Intelligent and moving, The Hunger Games serves as a powerful reminder that decency matters most in indecent times. The performances are terrific, the action is gripping, the story is original, and the film-making is strong. The screenplay does a fine job of not losing those viewers who've never read the books, though some additional background on the oppressive government and its motivations would have been welcome. The only flaw is that the action scenes are shot with a shaky camera and overly-edited, though this will be less distracting on the TV screen than in the theatre.

Discussion Points

No matter how corrupt and cruel the world gets, it needn't change us or rob us of our compassion and kindness. Being willing to die to save another is the highest form of courage.

Studio Summary

Customer Reviews

entertaining, 12.17.2012 Reviewer: Crystal Irvin (Streator, Il ) I enjoyed this movie, it was very 1984 almost. It made you think, and I can't wait to see what the next movie will be. And no I haven't read the books yet One of the best of 2012!, 9.29.2012 Reviewer: Hannah C (Puyallup, Washington) I had doubts about this movie but it was actually SO amazing. I loved that it had such a strong female role. The actors were great, the story was great. It's one of my favorites of 2012. You won't regret watching it, seriously give it a try!! I shouldn't have waited to see this!, 9.13.2012 Reviewer: Erinn S (Gig Harbor, Wa) I never read the book and honestly tought it was more odf a teen genre, then I saw the movie. I didn't want it to end. It is one of the most well done book renditions of any kind I have seen in a while. I definitley don't recommend for the very young. View all 7 reviews

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