The Hunger Games

Column: The Word on Films | Date Published: Tuesday, 10 April 12 | Author: Megan McKeough | 1 year, 1 month ago

Yes, time for another film trilogy phenomenon based on a book series. But try to ignore all the comparisons to Twilight (they have nothing in common except a love triangle and a teen audience) and Battle Royale (the violence in Hunger Games ain’t nothing compared to Battle), and consider The Hunger Games on its own merits.

It’s the future, and the former US is now separated into the flamboyant Capitol (think Lady Gaga) and 12 surrounding districts (they eat rats there). Every year a boy and a girl are picked from each district to compete as a tribute in the Hunger Games – a fight to the death with only one victor, intended to remind the districts of the importance of falling in line. Oh yeah, and it’s filmed and televised for the Capitol to revel in. Cut to: The kids of District 12 – the strong, capable but stubborn Katniss; the opinionated and dreamy Gale; and the sweet, idealistic and dedicated Peeta.

For me the casting was exceptional, and Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss) has quickly become a favourite. There was too much handheld camerawork for my liking, but overall it was effective in setting the mood (and ensuring that the violence was implied but not explicit).

Overall, The Hunger Games is entertaining and interesting, if cheesy at times. It won’t be for everyone, but at least there isn’t a character called Renesme.

	The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a difficult film to judge, because my intellectual and emotional responses to it varied significantly – but I was, I admit, sucked in by the feel-good ending. A group of British retirees (acted by an ensemble cast including Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Judi Dench, and more) decide to “outsource” their retirement to India – where the cost of living is cheaper, and they envisage a life of leisure. Although their hotel, run by Sonny (Dev Patel), turns out to be a ramshackle residence which is crumbling down around them – the hotel and India itself slowly begins to charm the group, and they each are transformed by their journey. There are, however, some awkward moments in the film – which I only just hesitate from calling racist. Maggie Smith’s character is out-and-out racist, but the way the audience is encouraged to be amused by her behaviour is uncomfortable. Are we supposed to be laughing at Maggie, or with her? Not to mention the fact that the British characters end up solving the problems of the Indian characters. It’s all very “Oh, don’t worry, savage – the white man is here! We can validate your existence by acknowledging you, and teach you how to have a meaningful conversation over the phone!” But with such a stellar cast on board you are still sucked in – and ultimately the story is uplifting.
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	Mirror Mirror: Mirror Mirror has been receiving some fairly mixed reviews – so is it a good or bad apple? Whether or not you like it will just depend on what your poison is. If you’re after a strong script and a subversive take on a fairytale, keep looking. If you’re after a purely aesthetic delight, then take a bite. The Evil Queen (Julia Roberts) ruthlessly rules her poverty-stricken kingdom, which she has stolen from the rightful heiress, Snow White (Lily Collins). Snow White, however, joins forces with a band of seven dwarves (who are sometimes giants) with plans to save the people, reclaim her kingdom, and win a kiss from the obligatory Prince (Armie Hammer). Although a fun, sassy Snow White remake seems like a good premise – and goodness knows I like adaptations where the princesses are given more to do than shriek and/or sleep – it falls flat. Julia Roberts pulls off the comedy, but never manages menacing; Lily Collins just doesn’t have the screen-presence or sass; and the dwarves are too slapstick and silly. Of course, mostly this is the fault of the script – which is altogether too bland, where it should be frivolous and fantastical. However, like most of Tarsem Singh’s films, Mirror Mirror is still outrageously aesthetically pleasing. The costumes in particular are very fun, with bright colours and bold shapes. Plus, there’s a Bollywood dance number in the final credits.
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