The Hunger Games Movie

Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Producer: Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik

Director: Gary Ross

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Donald Sutherland.

Rating: PG-13

Copyright Date: 2012

Genre: Dystopian

Interest Age: 14-18

Plot Summary: In the dystopian world of Panem, two children from each of the country's twelve districts are offered up to fight to the death in the annual hunger games. When Katniss Everdeen's sister is chosen, she volunteers to take her place. Katniss and Peeta Mellark (the male tribute) pair together in the arena to become the victors.

Critical Evaluation: The movie stayed very true to the original book, following the plot line fairly closely and accurately. The soundtrack to this movie worked brilliantly with the plot to build tensions and emotions. During the reaping it is worth noting that it is very reminiscent of Nazi Germany. The children all seem to be wearing old, vintage clothing and silently waiting for their names to be chosen. Jennifer Lawrence did an outstanding job of playing Katniss and depicting the actress's confusion regarding how she feels about Peeta and Gale, her long time friend. 

Reader's Annotation: Rebellion, Oppression, Survival

Booktalking Ideas: Katniss Everdeen lives in Panem where two children from each of the twelve districts are forced to participate in the annual hunger games where they have to kill one another in order to survive. 
Challenge issues: It is definitely a disturbing premise and there are violent scenes. However, the movie did an excellent job of not showcasing the violence or making it too gory. 

Why did you include this movie: I included this movie for the same reason I would have included the book. It's an incredibly thought provoking and fast paced story about love and the will to survive. 
Quote: “Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor.”