Hunger Games Review

I saw Hunger Games over the weekend, just like half the world apparently.  I made John go with me since my daughter was going with her step-mom.  I was not sure what to expect since there was a ton of hype before the movie came out.  I read the trilogy and absolutely LOVE the books.  If you haven't read the books, you should. 

As far as the movie goes, I think they did a good job.  John, who didn't read the books, thought the movie was only okay.  I found myself explaining some things to him in the movie that were not obvious or explained to those who did not read the book.  I could see where a non-reader would only think the movie was okay. 

I have to admit that I got all choked up with the Rue scene and was touched emotionally a few times.  Jennifer Lawrence did a great job as Katniss as did Josh Hutcherson as Peeta.  I am not sure why they changed some things in the movie, such as where Katniss got the pin, and would have stayed with the original storyline. 

As far as the action, I would have liked to have seen more.  I realize that they were going for a PG13 rating, but they could have made things more dramatic.  The whole game only seemed like it was several days in the movie, whereas in the book it was quite long, so they should have played that out more.  So, much was only touched on that should have been a bigger part, I kinda felt cheated. 

Overall, it was a good movie and worth the ticket price.  It was not anywhere near as good as the book, but that is the case with most movies.  I suggest if you have not read the book, watch the movie, then read the book and then watch the movie again.