So, after the ‘Hunger Games’ trilogy by Suzanne Collins became an international best-selling phenomenon, only one question is on everyone’s lips: ‘will the film live up to the books?’ After seeing the long awaited block buster yesterday, I can tell you the answer is undeniably a yes. ‘The Hunger Games’ (followed by ‘Catching Fire’ and ‘Mockingjay’ to complete the series) follows the story of Katniss, a sixteen-year-old girl living in a post-apocalyptic America, which is being ruled over by an evil and corrupt government. Each year, one girl and one boy is chosen from each district to take part in a televised bloodbath, in which the last survivor is the victor. In a turn of events - you guessed it - Katniss is made to compete. As complex as the story may sound, the film does a great job of making the plot easy to understand, so no pre-reading is required, although this would make the experience more enjoyable and easier to follow. Not only this, but the cast deliver exceptional performances, particularly Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen) and Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark), whose on-screen forbidden love-interest took me from laughter to tears in mere seconds.. In addition, the costume designs are stunning, perfectly reflecting the image of a wealthy and prosperous capital city, and when juxtaposed with the poverty of the other districts, makes a thought-provoking image. Similarly, the soundtrack, although melancholy and dark in places, fits the mood and echoes the macabre messages Collins originally aimed to get across in the novels. This is not to say, however, the film is without faults. Not by a long shot. I was particularly disappointed by the unrealistic fire and special effects, which at times are funnier than the parts that are actually meant to be funny. This is not a surprise, seeing as Gary Ross, the director, has has little experience with such complex and taxing special effects like fire (Sarcasm intended). I feel as though Ross may have thrown himself in the deep end here, by trying to do the near-impossible task of not ruining such an excellent book, although by some miracle he succeeds. The poor CGI is far overshadowed by the excellent cast and classic story line. I have no trouble in recommending this film to anyone who is still on the fence. My only question now is ‘How will Ross better himself with the sequel?’ We’ll have to wait and see.

I should become a critic, right?!;)