After a failed rebellion attempt, each of the 12 districts of the world have to offer up two teenagers to fight to the death for the amusement of the masses, where only one winner can be crowned. In order to prevent her sister from being chosen, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) becomes the first volunteer in history from district 12 for the games. What awaits her and her fellow chosen one Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) is a world of blood and chaos where survival of the fittest is all that counts.
Having not read the books on which this film is based, I can not make a comparison, but if it is anything like the film then the novel is bound to be just as fantastic. It is rare that everything about a film has the power to move someone to all different kinds of emotions: sure good acting and music can do it for some films, but the feeling doesn't last. Not true with The Hunger Games: even in those moments where you knew what to expect, there was still a remarkable level of power from every aspect of the story: whether it is revolution of the higher powers, suspense during the games, or even sympathy for random members of the cast.
The music and sound use in The Hunger Games is amazing, really adding to the power of the piece and the setting of the semi post apocalyptic world filled with detail and wonder. That being said, there may be one or two minor problem with this film. As I said before, a lot of the time you can guess what is going to happen before it does (thank you trailers). The cinematography is a bit touch and go: there a lot of really good hand held and fast paced stuff, which isn't a bad thing in small doses, but here the camera NEVER stays still: its enough to leave one feeling sick. The cast themselves aren't too bad as a whole, but something just feels lacking on this point. On its own the acting quality on its own is not bad, but doesn't stand out too much even from the veteran all stars (not sure Woody Harrelson was a good choice either).
Overall though, The Hunger Games truly is a fantastic film, leaving one feeling hungry for more. I really do have to read the books now.
