Thoughts On ‘Hunger Games’ Movie: Spoiler Alert!

Even though The Hunger Games just hit theaters today, many people have already seen one of the year’s most highly anticipated movies, thanks to a number of early screenings and midnight showings. Suzanne Collins‘ book-turned-movie has been one of the most talked about topics in the past few months and without a doubt for the better part of recent weeks.

IT’S FINALLY HERE! While many people haven’t seen it yet, for those Buzzneters who have: What are your thoughts on the movie? If you haven’t but will in the near future, please come back and share your thoughts!

*WARNING: SPOILER ALERT!

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a screening of the movie earlier this week and being a huge fan of all three Hunger Games books, I was undoubtedly stoked to see the book come to life on-screen.

Here are my thoughts regarding the movie:

If there was ever a doubt that the role of Katniss Everdeen was miscast, those feelings will be shut down! Jennifer Lawrence makes the perfect Katniss, with enough independence but very protective. Practically everyone in the movie was brilliantly cast – and despite many peoples’ doubts on the casting of Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, I thought he did a pretty decent job. I love Lenny and I liked his portrayal of Cinna – though I would have liked to see a little more connection between him and Katniss.

I’m a huge Liam Hemsworth fan (hello Miley Cyrus‘ 6’1″ Australian hunk!) but I may have crossed over and become an even bigger Josh Hutcherson fan! His adorable baby-face and stand-out performance in the film have definitely won him another fan.

Tears were definitely shed on my end throughout the movie, particularly: during the Reaping when Katniss volunteers to take sister Prim’s (Willow Shields) place as tribute for District 12; when Gale says his goodbyes to Katniss before she goes off to train for the Games; and when Katniss’ young ally Rue is fatally killed in Katniss’ arms. Bottom line: bring some tissues – or a friend’s sleeve!

The Games couldn’t have been depicted any better. I can’t stand blood or gore at all, so naturally one of the biggest concerns was how graphic the killings and the nature of the games were going to be. Being a PG-13 rating, the Games had just enough slaying and action to enhance the story but it wasn’t too graphic.

My only gripe: we have to wait over a year for the next one!

What did you think of the Hunger Games movie? Is it what you thought it would be – or was it better or worse? Would you see it again?