The Hunger Games (2012): Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hatcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz

The Hunger Games is a riveting tale of sixteen-year-old Katniss, played by Jennifer Lawrence, and Petta, Josh Hutcherson, who live in District 12, a dismal, grey and poor environment where daily existence is a struggle for the community. Liam Hemsworth, Gale, is Katness's best friend. Food is a constant worry in the 12th District of the country, Panem, a post apocalyptic world. A world now without war, a world supposedly at peace and a world where there is a visible undercurrent of mankind's seven deadly sins casting an evil spell.  In contrast to the Districts, the Capitol is a thriving metropolis that holds the power over the twelve outlying districts and nation. President Snow, Donald Sutherland, plays a calm and diabolical leader who enjoys the power, beauty and luxury goods reaped off of the backs of the Districts.  The women and men living in the Capitol are brightly hued in garish apparel, self absorbed and arrogant while partaking in the fruits of luxury.

Snow, oversees an annual lottery where two youths, 12-18 years of age, are chosen from each district to participate in a "reality" televised show, The Hunger Games, in which only one will survive.  The Capitol residents eagerly anticipate the games, a diversion from their pompous and self righteous world, whereas the people of the Districts watch in fear of death and with the excitement of a possible win. Elizabeth Banks, is terrific as Effie, wearing an outlandish vibrant pink outfit, pink hair and with painted bow lips similar to the Red Queen in Tim Burton's, Alice and Wonderland.  Stanley Tucci, Caesar, is a clone of Ryan Seacrest from American Idol. Woody Harrelson, Haymitch, plays a drunk and bored coach to the District 12 contestants - Katness & Peeta.  Lenny Kravitz, Cinna, a stylist and friend.

The film is violent, thought provoking, Lostlike and Twilightesq between Katness, Peeta and Gale.  The games are eerily reminiscent of a Roman gladiator arena where the audiences applauded and cheered on multiple deaths and victory.  The back stories of the contestants for the The Hunger Games is no different than reality TV shows in 2012 where drama and soap opera antics have audiences clinging to ever word and scene. Finally, the drastic lifestyles between the poverty stricken Districts and the materialistic Capitol of Panem could signal a revolt in the future.  The next two films in the The Hunger Games, trilogy series by Suzanne Collins, will surely answer the question.  Captivating film from beginning to end.

"Hope tis the only thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effective.  A lot of hope is dangerous."  "Hope" President Snow