1. It Has The Best Acting Ensemble Of Any Recent Blockbuster
I suppose I could have typed Jennifer Lawrence for every single entry here and not actually stepped wrong. I could spend the next few paragraphs doing the same thing, but it would only belabor something clearly evident every second she's onscreen; Jennifer Lawrence
is Katniss Everdeen, and if I'm being so honest as to anger fans of the book, she's a better Katniss than Collins initially envisioned. Lawrence brings both her vulnerability and lively spark to the role, as well as her recent experience as over-night media darling who's learning to addle the spin machine (recall early in her career when she sarcastically convinced a Rolling Stone writer to craft an interview seriously suggesting incest?) She makes Katniss undeniably, quantifiably human and fallible, but also strong and empathetic. There's great acting, but there's an added essence of being. She was good originally, but she's grown enough to know when to carry a scene or to simply support someone else while they do. Lawrence is far from alone in the enhanced acting chops department. Josh Hutcherson has also experienced a transformation in the role, and I'd argue that his work as Peeta is even more impressive because he comes a father distance with slightly less to work with. He doesn't just embody Peeta's internal humility and honor, but also plays the character as Katniss herself sees him. Liam Hemsworth isn't one of the star players, but he's good as Galen, and the likes of Donald Sutherland, Harrelson, and Stanley Tucci take established characters and make them iconic. The passion and intensity of the stars is no small thing for the franchise, and there's heat here that is honest and palpable. What better way to enhance and fan that flame, than with a second-act supporting cast that includes Jeffrey Wright and Amanda Plummer as mad scientist types, Sam Claflin as a swaggering Adonis who's more than he seems, and Jena Malone's murderous, sultry ax-wielder, Johanna Mason. Malone and Claflin are particularly strong, demonstrating energy I'd not seen from either before. At the end of the day, it's refreshing to have a big-budget saga that doesn't skimp on the delicious frosting but can still deliver substance through good old-fashioned storytelling, character development and fine acting. Hunger Games franchise, may the odds stay ever in your favor!