I've been in love with The Hunger Games since middle school. I was that kid who read all the books, had a bow and arrow, and had an Instagram account where I posted about all things Hunger Games, etc. I literally went out of my way to buy myself and my roommate Hunger Games necklaces for the new movie. Even though I did not read the book this movie is based on, with all things that being said, I consider myself to be a hardcore fan. With a heartfelt connection to the franchise, I was eager to dive into the latest installment, and without further ado, let the movie review begin:
Warning: Spoilers Ahead
My feelings about the movie are quite mixed. As a devoted Hunger Games fan, the anticipation leading up to watching this film was noticeable. It had been a while since I felt such excitement about a cinematic experience. However, my reservations about the movie largely revolved around the storyline. I know there are constraints when adapting a movie from a book, making it necessary to adhere to the source material. Despite this, I found the movie to be visually stunning and thoroughly enjoyable. The action sequences, particularly the initial cornucopia battle, were excellent.
The first two acts of the movie resonated with me, and I appreciated the overall quality of the film. Nevertheless, my expectation for a more in-depth exploration of the 10th Hunger Games itself was not entirely met. I am an admirer of Hunter Schafer and had hoped to see a more substantial portrayal of Tigris's character in the movie. Tigris's backstory intrigued me, and I wished for a deeper exploration of how she became the character we see in the film.
Similarly, I had anticipated a more comprehensive depiction of Coriolanus Snow's rise to power after Lucy Gray, but it became evident that the movie primarily focused on their relationship and its effect on him. The cliffhanger ending left me both frustrated and intrigued, echoing Casca Highbottom's quote that "mysteries have a way of driving people mad."
Tom Blythe's portrayal of Snow was nothing short of incredible, and I was especially pleased with Rachel Zegler's performance. Having followed her since her YouTube days singing musical theater songs, seeing her as Lucy Gray was a delight. Lucy Gray herself was a captivating, mysterious, and enigmatic character, adding depth to the storyline and the franchise. The comedic touch brought by Lucky Flickerman added a layer of humor to the film, balancing the gravity of the movie's narrative. Additionally, Sejanus Plinth's character stood out to me as lovable and honorable, contributing to the richness of the overall story. Overall, I appreciated how the movie depicted the evolution of the games and the origins of familiar elements within the Hunger Games universe.
In conclusion, do I think I'm back in my Hunger Games era? Yes, but not as much as I thought I would be. Am I considering writing my own fanfiction? Absolutely.
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