Film Review: Reviewed By Alan Jones; 4 out of 5

In this impressive action thriller, faithfully adapted from the first book in Suzanne Collins's bestselling trilogy, a failed revolution in what used to be called America has led to the creation of 12 downtrodden districts that serve the wealthy Capitol. As penance for the uprising, every year two young people from each district are drafted to fight to the death in a televised combat spectacle. Although pitted against far stronger rivals, resourceful heroine Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) fans the flames of working-class unrest with her iron will to survive. Despite well-worn ideas culled from the likes of The Running Man (1987) and Battle Royale (2000), and such obvious targets as reality TV, the idle rich/revolting poor divide and social control through the media, director Gary Ross (Pleasantville) keeps the sci-fi themes vivid and relevant, the camerawork jittery and involving and the action speedy and thrilling. Bolstering Lawrence's magnetic performance are marvellous turns by smitten fellow competitor Josh Hutcherson, jaded mentor Woody Harrelson and smarmy TV host Stanley Tucci. The dystopian design is also inspired, in a surprisingly serious franchise start-up that will please fans of the books and newcomers alike.

Plot Summary

A totalitarian future America holds an annual nationally televised event in which two children from each of its regions fight to the death until only one remains. A teenage girl takes her younger sister's place in the games and must pit her wits against the deadly combat skills of her rivals. Sci-fi adventure based on Suzanne Collins' novel, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks.