By Weston Kelly and Blake Kim
“The Hunger Games” (2012):
The first in a series of many, “The Hunger Games” introduces us to the dystopian world of Panem with its captivating plot. Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, realistically portrays a resilient heroine, doing what she needs to survive. The brutal Hunger Games–an annual fight to the death–consists of taking two tributes (competitors) from each district (there are 12) and throwing them into a fight for survival. The stunning cinematography enhances the stark contrast between the shining Capitol and dilapidated districts. The characters all play incredibly well-written roles, greatly contributing to this enthralling storyline. The pilot film sets a strong foundation for the franchise by combining action, drama, and social commentary into a bombshell of entertainment.
“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (2013):
“Catching Fire” builds upon the first installment, diving deeper into the political turmoil of Panem. The main crew uses Katniss as a symbol of the revolution against The Capitol and its incessant oppression. The film introduces new memorable characters who help the freedom fighters oppose The Capitol. This year’s Hunger Games, however, are far more extravagant than the last, and have higher stakes. Every 25 centuries, the games have a special twist that demoralizes those from the districts, while keeping those in the capitol on the edge of their seats. The film successfully maintains the intensity of its predecessor while expanding the narrative and world-building. We learn more about the infamous Rose and how the protagonists plan to defeat his authoritarian leadership. The visual effects and set design contribute to the immersive experience, making it a standout sequel.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Parts 1 and 2” (2014-2015):
The final installments deliver a satisfying conclusion to the saga without leaving the audience hanging. “Mockingjay – Part 1” takes place away from the arena, focusing on the propaganda war and the emergence of Katniss as the leader of the revolt. The film explores the psychological toll of war and the moral gray areas of rebellion. Katniss faces traumatic flashbacks and questions her decisions throughout the movie. The slower pacing in the beginning of the film sets the stage for the climactic conclusion. While lacking the action of the previous films, it excels in character development and political intrigue. Part 2 provides intense action sequences with emotional moments as Katniss and her allies embark on the perilous journey to the Capitol on a mission to overthrow the current regime. Jennifer Lawrence gives a poignant performance, capturing the toll of war on Katniss. The resolution of character arcs satisfies many but may leave others on a low note. This movie sticks with the darker themes of the source material with many surprising and heart-wrenching deaths. The concluding chapter successfully ties up loose ends, providing closure to the epic story of rebellion and resilience.
“The Hunger Game: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” (2023)
The latest installment in the series does not actually take place post-revolution, but follows 18-year-old Snow, telling his story of a mentor to a dictator. This movie was much better than I expected, surpassing the second and third in my opinion. The story presents Snow as a likable and empathetic character, but he evolves with the plot. By the end of the film, he has transformed into the emotionless ruler Katniss detests. The writers did an astounding job of staying true to the book’s story and connecting the plotlines. Not only that, the visuals in this movie were stunning. The darker visuals greatly contributed to the overall darker theme in this movie, while also providing some peaceful and serene moments to keep you invested in the characters. Watching Snow’s transformation from man to monster was depressing to watch, yet it also explained his future actions against those in the districts. This movie was much better than I expected, and I would say it deserves higher ratings than it received.