I had given up on watching any more parody films after Meet the Spartans. They were starting to become more about product placement and celebrity bashing instead of maintaining a story-line and making fun of the actual film. The Starving Games made me remember why I enjoyed films like Scary Movie and Not Another Teen Movie.
In this Hunger Games parody, Kantmiss Evershot (Maiara Walsh) volunteers herself to save her sister, Petunia (Kennedy Hermansen), from fighting in the 75th annual Starving Games. Kantmiss must fight for her life along with her secret admirer, Peter Malarky (Cody Christen) in order to win an old ham, a coupon for a Subway foot-long, and a partially eaten pickle. All while a jealous Dale (Brant Daughtery) watches the action on the big screen.
There are a slew of other films that are poked at in this movie including, Harry Potter, OZ the Great and Powerful, and The Avengers. Believe it or not, their appearances do not come off completely random. Therefore, it is actually funny.
Pretty Little Liars’ fans will be happy to see the supporting actors of their teen drama, play leading men, as Dale and Peter. Overall, this was a good comedic cast. Especially, Maiara Walsh who bears a striking resemblance to Jennifer Lawrence. I particularly loved the portrayal of Peter as an exaggerated coward.
The Starving Games is probably more satisfying as a rental. But if you have seen The Hunger Games, the spoof is worth the laughs.
Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content, comic violence, language and partial nudity.
The Starving Games hits theaters November 8th.
Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com
Surprisingly enough, the bigger picture behind this film isn’t about love, it is about life. Through some incredibly touching moments between Tim and his father, we are shown just how important is to take time and notice the little things in life.
Even with the cast being mostly new to the big screen, they don’t show any signs of amateur acting. Eugenio Derbez is one of the biggest actors in Mexico, if not the biggest. Having already made a few small appearances in American films like Jack and Jill and Girl in Progress, he makes a giant leap as the star, director, and co-writer of Instructions Not Included. He is a natural comedian and is hilarious in either language. From his dumb-founded facial expressions to his genuine caring father moments, you’re immediately connected to this character. Throw in newcomer, Loreto Peralta, as the adorable smart-aleck daughter and you have a dynamic duo. These two have such great chemistry and a heartwarming father/daughter relationship. Of course watching Valentin figure out how to take care of baby Maggie using whatever he has around him, including a clever backpack with holes for legs as a baby carrier strap on is priceless. Maggie’s mother Julie plays a less lovable character. Jessica Lindsey, does a fantastic job as a selfish and confused baby mama who can’t quite make up her mind on whether or not she’s capable of motherhood.
