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@the_owlseyes
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What would you do if you were obliged to be part of a Battle Royale for the sake of your people? Would you kill or try to win it in another way? This could be a realistic situation. What makes your life more valuable than other? Your intelligence, your skills, your experience,...or life goes beyond that. Would you feel remorse after killing someone or it will be just another death necessary to reach freedom?
Maybe the issue isn't about killing or being killed. It's about freeing ourselves from the people who want us to kill each other for the sake of their entertainment and delight. Would you rebel against the people who are oppressing you?
Or is it too hard because you have to put some effort in it and risk everything?
Do it.
PLOT
"Katniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games: a televised competition in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to fight to the death" or "Battle Royale with teens".
SCRIPT
There isn't a great plot here and the characters are front and center here. Only Katniss could be considered a likeable character and I think that it's intended to be like that. The issue is that she's too pure for this movie. I don't like how she gets into the Games and the fact that she's the "first volunteer in a long time" like she's special and she's a chosen one. Her arch isn't compelling but I like the fact that she is the spark which starts the rebellion. Peeta isn't much different, because he shifts from a shy simpleton to a sanctimonious clever man. It's a bit unbelievable. The other characters and villains aren't interesting because they're superficially represented. It feels like an aimless movie in the end, because there isn't a progression.
I like the social commentary about reality shows, image, oppression, utilitarism, survival and death. They aren't explored in depth but only hinted at. Sometimes it isn't subtle and I consider it bad executed.
Overall is a mediocre script with potential. It doesn't deliver more than that. A bit underwhelming.
Script: 6/10
ACTING
It isn't bad and it isn't extremely good. I like Jennifer Lawrence's performance, I think that her acting makes the movie a little better. I also like Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci and Elizabeth Banks, who crafts interesting characters, even though they aren't analyzed in depth. Donald Sutherland is interesting too, because he delivers a charming, threatning and fascinating performance. I don't understand why Lenny Kravitz is here, because his acting is a bit out of place. Josh Hutcherson, who plays the role of Peeta, isn't exceptional.
Acting: 6/10
PHOTOGRAPHY
Some good shots here and there but there isn't anything particularly remarkable. I like when the camera focus on the nature but the city isn't interesting, like other settings. Light isn't used in an interesting way and colours don't have meaning, even though the hosts are characterized by them. Overall is just mediocre.
Photography: 6/10
EDITING
There's a lack of originality here and I don't like it. This is why this movie seems to drag a lot, especially in the first and last act. Sometimes there's slow motion but it's used in a boring way and seems like the movie doesn't know other shooting techniques. It's sufficient but it doesn't go beyond it.
Editing: 6/10
SPECIAL EFFECTS
Considering the fact that this is a 2012 movie, the cgi isn't good. The director tries his best to conceal it by using it in dark scenes. Unfortunately they have a relevant role here and hurt the experience a bit. The production could have used its money on more practical effects and, maybe, cutting out most of the cgi.
Special Effects: 5/10
SOUNDTRACK
It's acceptable but I don't find it remarkable. Sometimes it's appreciable but it doesn't try to do something interesting.
Soundtrack: 6/10
COSTUMES
Nothing interesting about them. Sometimes there're interesting clothes, like the opening's suits. The technical suit are pretty simple and there's no differentiation between members of different districts. Peeta's camouflage is good but it isn't enough. Hosts and rulers have interesting clothes but these aren't unforgettable and don't have any role in the plot.
Costumes: 6/10
CONCLUSION
Script: 6/10
Acting: 6/10
Photography: 6/10
Editing: 6/10
Special Effects: 5/10
Soundtrack: 6/10
Costumes: 6/10
AVERAGE: 5,85
A movie with good ideas but a poor execution. Nonetheless is a good teen drama with good themes and a good production, even though the cgi is bad. Watch it to find out why this series has been so influential in the past.
Director: Gary Ross
Screenplay: Suzanne Collins, Gary Ross
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland
Soundtrack: James Newton Howard
Cinematography: Tom Stern
Running Time: 142 minutes
Budget: $78 million
By @the_owlseyes
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