The Hunger Games (2012)

Clearly inspired by actual world governments mixed with the movie Battle Royale, this YA movie stood out in a busy time. Kinda insane that this movie came out the same year as The Avengers. It makes a pretty good political statement while adding exciting action. The book has a lot more backstory for Katniss’ dad and had more stuff involving Cinna and the arena. At its core, it followed the important parts of the book. I loved the first two books/movies when I was younger, and it has not changed. All the actors sell the world they are in. Some of the dialogue could have been done better but as a whole was fantastic. It feels like another world and it is done fairly well. I highly recommend this movie, even as a standalone.

Story - 19%

Characters - 18%

Pacing - 16%

Spectacle - 18%

Entertainment - 18%

Total score: 89%

Grade scale:

90%-100% = must watch

80%-89% = solid, but could be better

70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you

60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons

0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here