have you seen 'the hunger games'?

the hunger games starring: jennifer lawrence, liam hemsworth, josh hutcherson, elizabeth banks, woody harrelson and stanley tucci

well what is it about these hunger games? its definitely not twilight (despite what everyone seems to be saying) but it is the new book-turned-movie smash hit, sourced from suzanne collins' novels the hunger games. directed by gary ross (only his third directed project), this film is quite unlike anything i have seen. i'd personally liken it to things like big brother, or surviver, maybe even a hint of lord of the flies especially in its focus on savagery. it is a very stylish movie, from the costume and makeup (very 'tim burton-esque'), to set design, the camera work, and the overall idea (although quite convoluted). 

in a nutshell; basically set in a distant future, the US now exists as a compilation of  12 districts. every year two teenagers (boy & girl) from each of these districts compete in what is known as the 'hunger games'. only one can survive. 

the story follows (almost solely) the young katniss everdeen, played superbly by jennifer lawrence. lawrence is really likeable as the skilled and affectionate katniss, and her presence throughout the film (which is a fair amount!) does not become tiresome. the supporting cast, although fairly minor, are really strong; from elizabeth banks, woody harrelson, donald sutherland, and stanley tucci, they're just a lot of fun. but unfortunately the two male interests (hutcherson and aussie's own liam hemsworth) aren't actually all that interesting. the story really is all about katniss. the visual style of the film lets us in on the the perspective of katniss and experience the confusion and fear that she often feels. her emotions (unlike that of the tortured protagonists of twilight) are fascinating.

the hunger games, although surprisingly watchable and quite gripping, is rather horrific - i cant say i'd recommend this one for any family outings. it's not the new twilight but its quite clearly the new craze...you might want to give it a go if you want to be included in upcoming conversations surrounding the hunger games, because, i can only assume, theres going to be a lot.