There is just one reason you need to see “The Hunger Games”â€¦.. it’s stunning!Â I do not mean that strictly visually. The story, the characters and the social commentary all have strong performances.Â You find yourself in an almost Orwellian universe with a government that has complete control over its subjects through its use of fear. Families struggle to stay alive while others seem outright frivolous and then there’s the promise of youth and budding romance overshadowed by the threat of death.Â Though it is based on a young adult novel (of the same name by Susanne Collins), which are usually thrown into the “Twilight” category, do not be discouraged by this comparison.Â No offense if you are among those who enjoyed those films (and/or books), but Katniss is so much more kick ass than Bella!Â I love a good vampire story, but that one cannot begin to compete with the depth of plot or characters in Hunger Games.Â It is like comparing day time television to a show on a private network, perhaps a similar medium but the content is completely different.Â “Young adult” is not synonymous with “unintelligent” and “The Hunger Games” is not synonymous with “Twilight”.

This film of course did what all adaptations do, leave out some details, smash others together quickly and then show you another perspective you weren’t exactly expecting.Â These are not deal breakers, even to a purist like me because right from the beginning you are drawn into the world of Katniss from District 12 and the harsh reality of the annual Hunger Games.Â Within the first 5 minutes of the film, I’m on the verge of tears for these teens and preteens who have to face such a horrid thing as fighting for their lives, but worse, killing others to stay alive while the whole world watches.Â The characters like Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, Gale Hawthorne and Primrose Everdeen could be kids you went to school with, your next door neighbor, your brother or sister. Â They are all ordinary teenagers growing up under a totalitarian government who are then forced to fight against 22 other teens to the death.

Before I delve into too lengthy an advertisement for the book, I’m going to get down to the bare essentials. When seeing a film we expect to be taken out of our world, away from our own problems.Â We want to feel something other than whatever is going on in our own lives at the moment.Â We want to be immersed in another world, meet new people, fight different battles whether literally or figuratively, we want to be shocked and we of course, want to fall in love.Â This film will deliver on all counts and then some.Â The pacing keeps you following every step of the way at Katniss and Peeta fight to survive.Â There is some violence but it is not overly bloody or drawn out.Â Katniss and Peeta pull you in and make you care, encouraging you to cheer them on, even though it means other teens must die.Â Be prepared toÂ feelÂ while watching because it is not a passive experience.Â Visually there is always something worth watching, whether it be the architecture of the Capitol, the woods outside of District 12 or the horrors and excitement of the arena.

Jennifer Lawrence is outstanding in this role.Â Without her excellent performance and emotional depth, even theÂ rest of the criticallyÂ acclaimed cast couldn’t have saved the movie.Â Jennifer set the tone of the film with her portrayal of Katniss and allowed us all into her life.Â Each performance in this film was awesome. Â I loved Woody Harrelson and Lenny Kraviz. Â No one can dislike Donlad Sutherland’s performance as his scenes force you to Â feel the coldness of his heart and his hunger for maintaining absolute power. Overall, a great ensemble cast performance from veterans and rookies alike.

The film was excellent as a stand alone and a great adaptation, but you get more understanding, depth of character and relationships, having read the books.Â All in all, I cannot wait to see the film againâ€¦this time in IMAX!

Conclusion: Check it out for Full Price in IMAX!

Until next time…

See you at the theater!