The Hunger Games (2012)

Guest review by Megan Clendenin.

           The Hunger Games, based on Suzanne Collins' best-selling novel series, explores a dystopian future of violence and oppression.  As punishment for a past civil war, the capital forces the 12 districts to participate in the annual Hunger Games.  In the Hunger Games, two children (a boy and a girl) are drafted into a gladiator fight to the death.  The winner earns extra food for their district.  Exploiting our growing obsession with reality television, the entire nation is forced to watch the games as a form of entertainment.  Thrown into a wilderness arena, tributes must battle the elements, hidden booby traps, and each other.  The movie centers on Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, a capable teenage girl who volunteers as tribute for the Hunger Games in place of her young sister.  With the entire nation's eyes on her, Katniss fights for survival while struggling with the morality of becoming a killer.  Josh Hutcherson stars as Peeta Mellark, Katniss' fellow tribute from district 12 and love interest.  Strategy, tragedy, and excitement ensue in this blockbuster hit.  The film condenses the novel into two and a half hours, and tones down the gore for a PG-13 audience.  Grossing over $150 million on opening weekend, The Hunger Games is a must see!