March 27th, 2012 | Published in Movie Reviews, Scene
After months of anticipation and build-up, the highly anticipated movie “The Hunger Games” finally hit theaters last weekend.
The odds were ever in your favor if you were able to get a good seat as fans flocked to the midnight showing of the exciting premiere.
Business sophomore Morgan McVay felt the energy throughout the theater as she waited for the doors to open.
“At first everyone seemed kind of chill, quietly talking about what they hoped would be in the movie, but as soon as they opened the doors for seating, you could see the true excitement of everyone,” McVay said.
Based on the book series by Suzanne Collins, “The Hunger Games” takes readers into the future where a desolate North America, now named Panem, has been split up into districts led by the controlling Capitol.
After a rebellious uprising, the districts are forced to offer up one boy and girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system controlled by the capitol. The “tributes” must fight to the finish against one another on live television until one remains in the annual Hunger Games.
The movie focuses on heroine Katniss Everdeen, played by actress Jennifer Lawrence, who offers herself up in place of her younger sister.
Forced to rely on her sharp instincts and hunting skills, Katniss becomes the ultimate threat to the other tributes. However, when fellow district 12 tribute, Peeta Mellark, played by Josh Hutcherson, confesses his longtime affection for her, she must choose between life and love.
The movie adaptation of the book completely lives up to the hype. From the beginning to the end, it is nearly impossible to take your eyes off the screen. The actors are the perfect fit for the roles, embodying everything one would imagine in the books. The combination of action, violence and suspense is the perfect mixture for making the book into reality.
Nursing junior Carolyn Frost gave nothing but rave reviews for the film.
“I’ve read the books before hand and because they were so good the movie had a lot to live up to, and I think it did,” Frost said. ” The movie followed the book almost flawlessly, which was really cool. It captured everything you felt reading the books and made it all feel real.”
The movie also depicts views from outside the arena, allowing moviegoers who have not read the books to understand what is happening throughout the movie.
Those who are fans of the books might be slightly disappointed by a few missing key moments and a couple of plot alterations. However, there is not much straying from the original story line.
“I thought the movie was wonderfully done,” Arts & Sciences junior Beth Kampschnieder said. “They did a great job of staying true to the book while adapting it to the movie screen. I especially enjoyed that they expanded beyond what was just happening within the arena to show the other aspect of the game.”
Not surprisingly, “The Hunger Games” shattered records with an opening of $155 million in box offices over the weekend, the third best opening of all time.
According to yahoomovies.com, production company Lionsgate will make three more films out of the series by splitting the final book into two films.
If you haven’t made your way to theaters to see the film, don’t hesitate much longer. “The Hunger Games” is a cinematic experience you will not want to miss.
A compiling of creativity and captivating copy. 