VOA标准英语2012--Weighty 'Hunger Games' Hits Mark

Weighty 'Hunger Games' Hits Mark

It’s rare that people sacrifice for one another, but Katniss Everdeen adores her little sister, who she has cared for her since their father died in the coal mines. When her sister is selected for the games, Katniss volunteers to go in her place. 

Her chances of survival are slim but she's a fighter who has spent all her life hunting to feed her family.

After the grim ceremony to select the tributes, Katniss and Peeta, the boy selected from her district, are taken to the capitol to prepare for the blood sport. 

Actress Jennifer Lawrence, who portrays¹ Katniss, says the film - like the Suzanne Collins’ novels that inspired it - taps into the idea of political control through the media.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen in the future," Lawrence says, "but when you look at what’s on reality television and just how history repeats itself, it’s actually incredibly relevant.”

Whether it’s the political message, the heart-pounding scenes or the romance, the movie has already sold out in 2,000 theaters nationwide and many of those lucky enough to get tickets have traveled quite a ways to catch the premiere. Kristine Adler was one of them. 

Her mom described the ordeal² involved in getting tickets. “I headed out of Chester [Virginia] at about one in the morning and got to the Barnes and Noble [bookstore] a little bit after three, and waited there until they opened at nine and was the first one in line and got the tickets for them and they have been very excited ever since.”

The Motion Picture Association has defended its decision to give The Hunger Games a PG 13 rating, which suggests parental³ guidance for children under 13. It says the film does not linger on violence, but does caution that the movie can be tough on small children. 

One mother who brought her young children wasn't overly concerned. "I grew up with horror movies and my kids have, too. So, we love the blood and guts⁴ in our family.”

Most who attended an early screening in the Washington area were older. They expect The Hunger Games to be the next Harry⁵ Potter. 

“I think it will fill Harry Potter’s shoes," said one teenager, "because now that that’s over, I think a new teen book needs to step up." 

Jennifer Lawrence, with her nuanced performance as Katniss, proves she's up to the challenge - holding viewers spellbound for two-and-a-half hours. 

This is great weekend entertainment - for those who can snag a ticket.

1 portrays   

v.画像( portray的第三人称单数 )；描述；描绘；描画

参考例句：

• The museum collection vividly portrays the heritage of 200 years of canals. 博物馆的藏品让运河200 年的历史再现眼前。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The film portrays Gandhi as a kind of superman. 这部电影把甘地描绘成一个超人。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 ordeal   

n.苦难经历，（尤指对品格、耐力的）严峻考验

参考例句：

• She managed to keep her sanity throughout the ordeal.在那场磨难中她始终保持神志正常。
• Being lost in the wilderness for a week was an ordeal for me.在荒野里迷路一星期对我来说真是一场磨难。

3 parental   

adj.父母的；父的；母的

参考例句：

• He encourages parental involvement in the running of school.他鼓励学生家长参与学校的管理。
• Children always revolt against parental disciplines.孩子们总是反抗父母的管束。

4 guts   

v.狼吞虎咽，贪婪地吃，飞碟游戏（比赛双方每组5人，相距15码，互相掷接飞碟）；毁坏（建筑物等）的内部( gut的第三人称单数 )；取出…的内脏n.勇气( gut的名词复数 )；内脏；消化道的下段；肠

参考例句：

• I'll only cook fish if the guts have been removed. 鱼若已收拾干净，我只需烧一下即可。
• Barbara hasn't got the guts to leave her mother. 巴巴拉没有勇气离开她妈妈。 来自《简明英汉词典》

5 harry   

vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼

参考例句：

• Today,people feel more hurried and harried.今天，人们感到更加忙碌和苦恼。
• Obama harried business by Healthcare Reform plan.奥巴马用医改掠夺了商界。