MOVIE REVIEW: THE HUNGER GAMES

One of the big event films of 2012 has finally made its impact! And it certainly did create a huge impact! Based on Suzanne Collins' series of novels, "The Hunger Games" did set some great box-office records both in the US and worldwide. And this is definitely a start of new franchise.

So why did "The Hunger Games" hit it big? It boils down to an extensive marketing campaign that features roughly what the film was about. A lot were excited that it is not the normal cheesy love story nor the all-out action caper that normally drives away women viewers. It has both of those elements and it was carefully sewn together by a wonderfully crafted script. Like most of the book to movie adaptations, it is definitely a challenge to incorporate all the elements presented in the novel but this film has made a very good effort on that.

Aside from the great script, another strength of the film was the great presence and on-screen power of its cast. There is a good mixture of young and veteran actors that all did great performances in the movie. The up and rising Jennifer Lawrence did a wonderful job in his portrayal of the loving sister Katniss Everdeen who both showed beauty and grace of a young lady and the fierceness of a young warrior. She was transformed into the character and i'll have to say she has good acting chops. The guys were good and convincing to be really interested in Katniss. Both relatively up and coming stars Liam Hemsworth (Gale) and Josh Hutcherson (Peeta) are perfectly casted for their parts. The support cast were also great with Woody Harrelson as the odd Haymitch, Elizabeth Banks as Effie and Lenny Krawitz as Cinna. Two other tributes also made great impressions - Amanda Stenberg as Rue and the hot Alexander Ludwig as Cato.

The Hunger Games is not presented as a teen caper or a simple movie spectacle. It is one that has great social relevance and meaning. It's pseudo-political atmosphere shows us some of the quirks in our society and how ugly the higher ups sometimes operates. But this was attacked with great subtleness and presented as only a backdrop of the compelling story. It gives out a lot of points to ponder and life values to intake. It pictures how great love is both on one's family and friends. It shows us that challenges may come along the way but it is just a struggle from which one could actually hurdle through will, determination and prayers. Katniss was a picture of a fragile woman who actually triumphed and stood above everyone else. Belief in one's self is also triggered in the film putting into emphasis that anything is possible with self-belief.

This one's not a masterpiece but for sure is one of the better films in the past few years. 5 out of 5 popcorns.