The Hunger Games ***

"The Hunger Games" depicts the barbaric hunt and battle to the death of young "tributes" in a dystopian future, chosen to represent their starving districts for the entertainment of the fortunate 1% in the capital and the distraction of the poor 99% back home. As one of the approximately 11 people who have not read the book, I found it a chilling alternate universe, fleshed out convincingly and well-imagined. Many of those who have read the book have complained of the lack of detail and back story, but that is the way of all movies, and at least the author, Suzanne Collins, was involved and has a screenplay credit, which is generally interpreted as a seal of approval.

The young heroine Katniss Everdeen, convincingly played by Jennifer Lawrence, who was such a standout in "Winter's Bone" in a role that has more than a few similarities, is well-prepared for the hunting game, not by training, but by her hardscrabble life. She forms an alliance of convenience with the other tribute from her district, Peetah, a softly appealing Josh Hutcherson. Woody Harrelson as the alcoholic coach, and Stanley Tucci as a purple-haired future reincarnation of Ryan Seacrest add depth and verve to the show. I found it quite interesting, but I think fans of the book will enjoy the film most.