Stars: Stanley Tucci, Jennifer Lawrence, Lennie Kravitz
Studio: Lions Gate
The “game” in the The Hunger Games is diabolical. Set in the future, where apparently, the leaders of Panem have lost all sense of morality, a male and female are selected by the Capitol from each of the 12 districts of the country to fight to the death in a televised match. When a young girl’s name is drawn in the lottery, her older sister steps up to take her place. Kudos to the filmmakers for casting the excellent Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, a female warrior who is not merely eye candy for the guys. On the contrary, Lawrence’s portrayal may bring another warrior to mind: Rambo, Sylvester Stallone’s epic ’80s hero. Stanley Tucci and Lennie Kravitz also turn in compelling performances, but the film belongs to Lawrence. –michele fling
