Why Your Children Shouldn't Watch The Hunger Games Movie

In case your haven't heard, The Hunger Games, an action-packed Running Man-esque book series written by Suzanne Collins, is coming to theaters in 2011, with plenty of action-and romance-planned for this highly anticipated film. According to Reuters, Collins is currently adapting the book to a movie format, meaning most of the book's important plot points will still be intact.

Some of the movie's themes may be too much for children to handle, however. Although Collins does a great job minimizing the violence in the book, it still may be too stimulating for some children. Here are some reasons why your children shouldn't watch The Hunger Games movie:

Violence: The Hunger Games movie will feature plenty of violence, taken directly from the book. Expect to see plenty of blood, fire, gruesome injuries and some deaths in this movie. Scenes some children can't handle: the infamous bee scene, Rue's painful death, and the ending (but that's secret).

Romance: Bet on seeing plenty of lip-to-lip action between Katniss and Peeta, who spend a great deal of time "faking" their love for each other. Peeta also strips down in one scene, which may be too much for some children to handle. If partial nudity or too much lip action makes you uncomfortable, avoid bringing your children to this movie.

Drugs and Alcohol: Aside from Haymitch, who tends to drink excessively, there are no mentions of drugs or alcohol in The Hunger Games.

Deaths: There are plenty of deaths in The Hunger Games movie, but the first death witnessed by Katniss is especially grotesque. If bubbling skin or impalement isn't your idea of kid-friendly entertainment, The Hunger Games movie probably isn't appropriate for your child.

Weapons: There aren't any guns featured in The Hunger Games, but plenty of sharp weapons are used to maim opponents. If you think your child may become influenced by the use of weapons in this movie, try watching something else.

Religion: There are no Satanic or Christian themes present, so it's not likely to offend.

Body Issues: This is a particularly good movie for reinforcing healthy body types. Katniss focuses on how strong and agile her body is, with little focus on how "pretty" or "sexy" she is. She also appears to have a healthy appetite, and finds no qualms with eating to feel full, not to get skinny.

If any of these themes offends you, your children shouldn't watch The Hunger Games movie-it's highly likely these themes will be present in the movie. This movie is perfect for older children and teenagers who are comfortable with violence and a little romance, but probably isn't a great fit for younger children.

Sources:

Jay A. Fernandez and Borys Kit, "Lionsgate picks up 'Hunger Games'" (Reuters.com)