Katniss Everdeen is an inspiration to all. She’s feisty, honest, kickass and real. All of this derives from Jennifer Lawrence. From start to (especially) finish, she impresses.

However, her brilliance emphasizes the weaknesses of her male counterparts. Hemsworth and Hutcherson are fine but whereas their characters’ actions are bold, their performances are not. Simply put, the males don’t deserve her affections – leaving an unsatisfactory love triangle to remain.

Furthermore, Hoffman disappoints too with a bizarrely unengaged performance which creates a rather dull opening act.

Nevertheless, the film and franchise will always thrive thanks to their phenomenal leading lady.

Despite an excessive running-time and continual niggles throughout, Jennifer Lawrence leads from the front as the beating heart and soul of the franchise with another powerhouse performance. 

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Donald Sutherland, Stanley Tucci & Elizabeth Banks

DIRECTOR: Francis Lawrence

WRITERS: Simon Beaufoy and Michael Arndt

SYNOPSIS: Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.