The Hunger Games - August 18th - Review

[Caesar Will Rise]

Originally Posted by ghostsofjoy

I'm trying to hold off on passing judgment before seeing the film -- my first midnight premiere! -- but my only concern is the rating. I hope, despite the PG-13, they're able to maintain the darker tone the material requires. As long as the violence isn't downplayed too much, I'm sure I'll be fine.

I've read some of the early reviews. They all state that Ross delivered the violence in a manner that was brutal, but not brutal if you catch my drift. He implies heavily, but leaves the rest to your imagination to fill in. Let's be honest here. The imagination of the individual can come up with far worse than what a film could ever show. As for the date? It is more than 5 months away. That's pretty reasonable given how fast movies leave theaters these days. I couldn't believe it when Breaking Dawn 1 was announced as early as it was. Movies have a very quick turnaround.

[Booker Dewitt]

Originally Posted by Caesar Will Rise

I've read some of the early reviews. They all state that Ross delivered the violence in a manner that was brutal, but not brutal if you catch my drift. He implies heavily, but leaves the rest to your imagination to fill in. Let's be honest here. The imagination of the individual can come up with far worse than what a film could ever show. As for the date? It is more than 5 months away. That's pretty reasonable given how fast movies leave theaters these days. I couldn't believe it when Breaking Dawn 1 was announced as early as it was. Movies have a very quick turnaround.

Quick turn around is different than talk of video release a week before the theatrical release.

I've seen some similar situations with smaller independent films, but never with a big budget release.

[K i r a]

Originally Posted by Booker Dewitt

Quick turn around is different than talk of video release a week before the theatrical release.

I've seen some similar situations with smaller independent films, but never with a big budget release.

It's a date I got myself from a trusted source. I'd prefer to wait a little less, but I do plan to catch this midnight next week, so I don't mind as long as I don't miss it; much like I did with Sherlock Holmes 2 and have to suffer 6 months!

On another note, IGN.com gave this a 4.0/5, and they have a history of being harsh. Granted, they've recently been pretty generous with their reviews lately (21 Jumpstreet 4.0/5, Cabin in the Woods 4.5/5), but I'm willing to bet this will be Certified Fresh with at least a 75% on RT.com at around the 150 review mark.

[Caesar Will Rise]

Originally Posted by Booker Dewitt

Quick turn around is different than talk of video release a week before the theatrical release.

I've seen some similar situations with smaller independent films, but never with a big budget release.

True. We'll see. If the movie really hits big then that date might change. Also, didn't Disney already have the Blu release planned and announced for Alice in Wonderland before that film opened?

[Underworld54]

One reviewer had this to say: "The Hunger Games is the best American science-fiction film since The Matrix."

[Snicket]

Originally Posted by Underworld54

One reviewer had this to say: "The Hunger Games is the best American science-fiction film since The Matrix."

Say Whaaaaaa????

[Underworld54]

Originally Posted by Snicket

Say Whaaaaaa????

Yup, according to this review.
http://www.boxofficemagazine.com/rev...e-hunger-games

[spiritfox]

^^

Great review--thanks for the link.

[sxerunner]

Originally Posted by Underworld54

One reviewer had this to say: "The Hunger Games is the best American science-fiction film since The Matrix."

While very complimentary, I think Inception already beat it to the punch

[Underworld54]

Originally Posted by sxerunner

While very complimentary, I think Inception already beat it to the punch

But you haven't watched both movies. I'm sure the reviewer has. So in his opinion The Hunger Games wins out.

[ssjmichael]

I don't know why we're still using The Matrix as a yard stick anyway.

[kernel_thai]

Originally Posted by ssjmichael

I'm pretty sure it won't come out on August 18th for the simple fact that that's a Saturday

Id be really disappointed if this is correct. August, especially late August is a crappy date to release a movie or a BD of a blockbuster film. Lots of people will be on vacation. College students r on the move. A late June or early July date would be better for no other reason than u want it in stores while some of the summer blockbusters r playing in the theaters. U have to figure this BD will sell heavy to that same audience.

Yes, The Matrix is the yardstick.

[DRS]

Originally Posted by sxerunner

While very complimentary, I think Inception already beat it to the punch

A convoluted, empty and brain dead film like Inception has no business being compared to the matrix

Inception is nothing more than a score by Hans Zimmer with a poorly written movie played along with it. The Matrix was about something, Inception was like the brain of a valley girl. Pure nothingness.

[Kellz]

Originally Posted by ssjmichael

I want an all black Steelbook with the Mockingjay logo embossed in gold in the center. That would look pretty sick

i would buy it

[horizonline]

Originally Posted by ssjmichael

I don't know why we're still using The Matrix as a yard stick anyway.

What?

[K i r a]

Got back from the midnight release in IMAX not too long ago. Having never read the books, I enjoyed it, although I felt there were a lot of jokes from the book the audience seemed to enjoy laughing with and pointing out characters, letting me know which ones were their favorites. Woody Harrelson was great as Haymitch, the drunken tutor of survival, and I was REALLY, REALLY surprised to find out Elizabeth Banks played Effie, a very, very eccentric and flamboyant character, which judging by the people, she nailed it completely.

As the reviewer mentioned, there were annoying shaky camera scenes; understandable, trying to blur the violence to maintain a PG-13 rating, but after that initial spark, it really dragged. I didn't mind it so much because I have patience with a film, which it kept me through and through (save for about 10-15 minutes that could have been cut) because survival is more about the offense, so camping out and being smart and tactical is crucial in this type of game-- I mean, why waste energy and kill when you can camp trees and let them kill each other?

After seeing the movie, it didn't wholly convince me to rush out and buy the books, but that abrupt ending had me guessing and left me intrigued to where it will go. The romance here is much more tolerable than in Twilight, with likable characters and pretty strong performances from Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence.

Overall, I would recommend this one to most viewers, as the costume design was great, and an overall great cast.

[jmbenesh]

Originally Posted by kernel_thai

Id be really disappointed if this is correct. August, especially late August is a crappy date to release a movie or a BD of a blockbuster film. Lots of people will be on vacation. College students r on the move. A late June or early July date would be better for no other reason than u want it in stores while some of the summer blockbusters r playing in the theaters. U have to figure this BD will sell heavy to that same audience.

Yes, The Matrix is the yardstick.

Why does it matter if a BD is released in August? In theory, it may actually help the film just as its March release in theaters will: there is nothing else to see.

With very little competition right now, The Hunger Games can rule the box office for a few weekends. Then, in August, when nothing good is out in theaters, it gets a home-video release, where it enjoys lots of rentals and buys.

I don't see how an August BD release could possibly hurt this film, or any film for that matter.

[K i r a]

Originally Posted by jmbenesh

Why does it matter if a BD is released in August? In theory, it may actually help the film just as its March release in theaters will: there is nothing else to see.

With very little competition right now, The Hunger Games can rule the box office for a few weekends. Then, in August, when nothing good is out in theaters, it gets a home-video release, where it enjoys lots of rentals and buys.

I don't see how an August BD release could possibly hurt this film, or any film for that matter.

Dark Knight Rises will be having it's second week going into August, and I'm sure many of us will watch it more than once.

Still, good point, as after Dark Knight Rises, I can't even think of something coming out I'm anticipating other than Django Unchained in December, I think it is.

[Jumpman]

Originally Posted by DRS

A convoluted, empty and brain dead film like Inception has no business being compared to the matrix

Inception is nothing more than a score by Hans Zimmer with a poorly written movie played along with it. The Matrix was about something, Inception was like the brain of a valley girl. Pure nothingness.

Um, no. Inception is all about character. Nothing against the Matrix, but it's not as personal a story that Inception is.

[Moviefan2k4]

It boggles my mind, that a home video release is determined before a film even gets through with its theatrical run.