“The Hunger Games” victorious at the box office

“The Hunger Games” phenomenon hit theaters this weekend, raking in $155 million in domestic theaters. If you have followed the hype surrounding the film however, its success should come as no surprise. The novel of the same name, by Suzanne Collins, was a best-seller, and has developed a culture of devoted fans who pre-ordered tickets a month in advance, selling out dozens of midnight shows across the country.

Directed and co-written by Gary Ross, the film’s adaptation stars the beautiful and talented Jennifer Lawrence, Josh

Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. These young actors have developed strong acting resumes, and their films have garnered the attention of fans and critics alike.

love for Katniss a secret ever since they were kids; that is, until the Games.

There is no need to be a fan of the books in order to enjoy the movie. “The Hunger Games” is emotional, suspenseful, and

Jennifer Lawrence is true to the role of Katniss, hardly ever smiling but always asserting her strength. The role is physically demanding, and Lawrence takes every hit with grace, never backing down from the challenge.

“The Hunger Games” is set in a future era where the Capitol controls the 12 Districts of Panem.

immensely exciting. Through stunning visual effects Josh Hutcherson brings unbelievable

Every year the Capitol chooses a boy and a girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district, for a total of

24 tributes, and throws them into a battle to the death—24 go in, but only one comes out alive.

At the heart of the story is District 12’s Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence), who volunteers for the place of her sister.

and art direction the audience is transported to the majestic Capitol

of Panem. Carefully

choreographed battle scenes keep the guys

likability to his character Peeta—reminding the audience that they are watching innocent children, despite the barbarity of the Games. Though Gale (Hemsworth) is rarely seen during the film, he delivers his role well, and we can expect to see more of him throughout the trilogy.

interested, while the Enthusiasts can relax in knowing that the

The District’s male contribution is Peeta Mellark (Hutcherson), who has kept his love for Katniss a secret ever since they were kids; that is, until the Games.

There is no need to be a fan of the books in order to enjoy the movie. “The Hunger Games” is emotional, suspenseful, and immensely exciting.

Through stunning visual effects and art direction the audience is transported to the majestic Capitol of Panem. Carefully choreographed battle scenes keep the guys interested, while the romance between Katniss and Peeta keeps female viewers swooning.

Thanks to casting director Debra Zane, “The Hunger Games” ensemble serves justice to its printer precursor. Fans of the novel have been vocal about how well each actor brings these literary characters to live.

Jennifer Lawrence is true to the role of Katniss, hardly ever smiling but always asserting her strength. The role is physically demanding, and Lawrence takes every hit with grace, never backing down from the challenge.

Josh Hutcherson brings unbelievable likability to hi character Peeta – reminding the audience that they are watching innocent children, despite the barbarity of the Games. Though Gale (Hemsworth) is rarely seen during the film, he delivers his role well, and we can expect to see more of him throughout the trilogy.

Enthusiasts can relax knowing the script follows the book as closely as possible. Writers Gary Ross, Suzanne Collins, and Billy Ray keep the book’s essential details intact on the screen.

“The Hunger Games” makes for a great movie experience and seeing as the hype isn’t going to die down anytime soon, it’s better to hop on the bandwagon now before you’re three movies too late.