Hunger Games

Finally saw The Hunger Games this week.

Some background...

• No, I have not read the book
• Yes, I am aware of the similarities to Battle Royale (which I have seen)
• Yes, I was the oldest person in the cinema

If this had not been based on a best-selling book, would it have been as successful?
I'm not sure.

The plot was fairly simple, thankfully (I have difficulty keeping up with complicated plotlines as my attention span tends to be on the short side - I have given up trying to watch John Grisham adaptations, for instance)

I have no clue who the production designer was - but if you're reading this, what were you thinking, mate? The drab surroundings of District 12 (where the movie starts) are quickly replaced by the city backdrop and crowds of grossly-coutured grotesques gawking at the spectacle of the Games. The whole look smacked of The Wizard of Oz (only with full-sized Munchkins)

As an adult who is into fantasy and sci-fi and horror and anything cult, I should have loved this movie. After all, I could easily sit through the seven Harry Potters one after the other. But this one was lacking something.

Yes, it was lacking visual flare. Certainly, it was lacking a bit of blood (Battle Royale is far more satisfying in this area)

But maybe I just didn't buy into the whole world in which it is set.

The realisation of an alternative world is always difficult, but when I compare this one with the aforementioned Harry Potter universe or that of Avatar, it simply does not stand up as believable.

If I ever get through all the free books on my Kindle, I may download The Hunger Games and see if it delivers the "wow" factor that the movie version failed to do.