Hunger Games leaves me hungry for a sequel

“I volunteer as tribute!” With these words, main character Katniss Everdeen put herself in danger by volunteering to take her sister’s place at the 74th annual Hunger Games. From there she is thrust into the fray along with district-mate, Peeta Mellark. I almost wrote this film off as another teen love story, but when I found out what the story was really about I was eager to watch it. Being a history buff, I can easily compare the society in the Hunger Games to Nazi Germany or the Roman Empire. I really love movies where an underdog attempts to defeat dictatorships and oppression. It may sound cliche but the top notch special effects seen in this film like the swish of a blade and the crackling of fire reflect a close attention to detail.

The film has some well known stars like Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland who plays President Coriolanus Snow,the calm yet demented dictator of Panem. But there are lesser known faces as well. Newcomers like Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson (Katniss and Peeta Mellark respectively), have only become household names recently, but their acting is excellent. I felt their fear, anxiety and happiness. This is in contrast to those playing the upper-class characters, who are purposely trying to be as fake as possible. This really helped me understand how the society of Panem worked. The working class is what holds the rich people up and the their deaths are entertaining to them. This film reminded me a lot of movies like A Clockwork Orange and Running Man, in those movies the population is so desensitized to violence that sociopathic behaviors are commonplace. The special effects coupled  with the great acting, made me feel like I was experiencing a Hunger Game first hand. Not only would I watch it again, but I will also read the books!  Hunger Games leaves me hungry for its sequel Catching Fire. This film really is a must see, so go rent or buy it, you will love it as much as I did!