The Starving Games

A parody of The Hunger Games released in 2013.

In 2013, Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer wrote and directed the independent parody film The Starving Games, a spoof of The Hunger Games. Its cast includes Maiara Walsh, Cody Christian, Brant Daugherty, Lauren Bowles, and Diedrich Bader. This was Friedberg and Seltzer's first independently distributed film, released by Ketchup Entertainment in theaters and on video on demand simultaneously. It received negative reviews.

Quick Facts

Director

Jason Friedberg; Aaron Seltzer

Producer

Peter Safran
Jason Friedberg
Aaron Seltzer

Starring

Maiara Walsh
Cody Christian
Brant Daugherty
Lauren Bowles
Diedrich Bader

Music

Timothy Michael Wynn

Cinematography

Shawn Maurer

Editing

Peck Prior

Studio

The Safran Company

Distributor

Ketchup Entertainment

Facts from the source article.

Plot

Kantmiss Evershot accidentally shoots an arrow at The Wizard of Oz while practicing archery with her boyfriend Dale. In District 12, children injure themselves to avoid selection for the Games. Kantmiss gives her sister Petunia a golden pin with a chicken, which causes Petunia to crash into a house. At the Gathering for the 75th Annual Starving Games, President Snowballs explains the district separation and lists absurd prizes. Petunia is drawn as a contestant but manipulates Kantmiss into volunteering. The town idiot, Peter Malarkey, volunteers instead of Dale. In the Capitol, Kantmiss wears a dress that catches fire during her interview. Peter reveals a crush on fellow contestant Marco.

Reception

Critics savaged The Starving Games. On Rotten Tomatoes, nine reviews gave it a 0% approval rating and an average score of 1.60 out of 10. Variety's Joe Leydon called it a "stillborn spoof" and "desperately unfunny." Dread Central's Scott Foy gave it 1.5 out of 5 stars, saying words could not express his dismay. Indiewire's Gabe Torio said it was exactly as terrible as one would expect. IGN's Max Nicholson deemed it a horrible piece of cinema no one should ever watch. CraveOnline's Fred Topel rated it 1.5 out of 10, calling it worse than the usual bad spoof.