The Hunger Games

Well, this is a very good, but intense movie, as was the first book of the trilogy (which I now need to re-read). Jennifer Lawrence (Winter's Bone, for which she was nominated for an Oscar) plays the role of Katniss to perfection. She is moody or determined when she needs to be and it does feel like she's wrestling with what role she should play in the upcoming competition. The movie's subject is somewhat distressing and at times hard to watch (although it is superbly shot and is not too graphic).

The supporting cast is excellent including strong portrayal's by Woody Harrelson (Doc Hollywood, which I recommend), Elizabeth Banks (Definitely, Maybe which I also recommend), Stanley Tucci (a gazillion movies including Shall We Dance and The Devil Wears Prada), and Donald Sutherland (another bazillion, including Pride & Prejudice (2005), the superb Ordinary People (1981) and the original movie, M*A*S*H (1970)).

The film moves along at a good pace and it doesn't feel like 2 hours & 15 minutes have gone by. Not sure I'd see it again, certainly not immediately. But I did come out of there very glad to be alive.