The fake reality show playing againt the political oppression and the deadly consequences provides so much natural drama and opportunity for satire. I loved the giant faces of Ceasar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci) on the TV set as he mugged for the cameras. I especially liked the master control room full of Gamemakers pulling the strings in the background -- another great allegory.
The actual arena battle was more like hunting and being hunted -- a deadly hide and seek. It was suspenseful and not too violent.
I thought the story in the movie was better than in the book. I liked the added scenes with Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) arguing with Seneca (Wes Bentley.) I thought the politics was clear without taking up too much time.
Jennifer Lawerence was nicely restrained. In her situation, screaming and crying would have been appropriate almost continuously, but you can't have that all the time. She handled the emerging love triangle with nice ambiguity.
Top notch art direction and costumes. Realistic special effects. The music in the movie isn't much. The soundtrack album has two good songs that aren't actually in the movie. I endorse Arcade Fire's Abraham's Daughter and One Engine from the Decemberists.
Top notch art direction and costumes. Realistic special effects. The music in the movie isn't much. The soundtrack album has two good songs that aren't actually in the movie. I endorse Arcade Fire's Abraham's Daughter and One Engine from the Decemberists.
