The atmosphere was that of excitement and anticipation, as many die-hard fans awaited the midnight release of The Hunger Games, which was released on March 23rd, in theatres world-wide. Hundreds of fans lined up hours in advance, completely armed with the official logo t-shirts, and of course, brushing up on the book before they went into the theater to compare. The phenomenon that surrounded the movie was created by the novel it was based on, written by author Suzanne Collins. Only the first in the three-book series, The Hunger Games as a book series created much hype itself, making it only natural for the film to be a huge success. Both the fans of the book, and those unfamiliar with its preceding material, were eager to watch the film.

The film revolves around a hunger and power crisis, produced by a post-apocalyptic state in the nation of Panem. The nation is divided up into a wealthy capitol, and twelve separate districts, descending in order of how needed the material each district produces, is. Each year, the capitol holds an event called the Hunger Games, in which one male and one female are selected in a lottery picking system, and are obligated to participate as “tributes” in a fight to the death competition, until one victor remains. When Katniss Everdeen (played by new actress Jennifer Lawrence) finds her younger sister Primrose is chosen, she quickly volunteers herself instead. Alongside her, is Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), who is reluctant to be by her side in the Games.

The suspense is heightened when Katniss and Peeta are thrown into the training world before the Hunger Games take place, where Peeta is very apparently certain that he will not be surviving the Games. This creates conflict with Katniss, as well as their very professional and top-notch coaches, Cinna (played by musician Lenny Kravitz), Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks), and Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson) as they all turn their heads to Katniss to make a name for the 12th District, and hope to actually come out on top in the Games. As Katniss proceeds to show off her archery skills and Peeta continues to feel less and less worthy, thus spinning into anger, the Games begin. Katniss and Peeta find themselves up against some significantly skilled tributes from the first few districts, and begin to struggle, as some of their strengths begin to get used against them. The conflict rises when Peeta betrays Katniss, and decides to team up with the skilled tributes from the first and second districts.

The journey that Katniss faces for the rest of the movie is one of heartbreak, deception, skill, smarts, and compassion. The action ensuing within the remainder of the film keeps the viewer at the edge of their seat, and induces a mixture of emotions for Peeta, as he struggles with himself throughout the film. Lawrence does a great job as the heroic “girl on fire”, showing a promising career ahead, Hemsworth creates a believable brood with Peeta, and veteran actors such as Stanley Tucci (who plays an eccentric TV personality) and Woody Harrelson inject their small but important roles with passion, making the film just that much better. With the film producing $534,961,282 to date, and the sequel Catching Fire scheduled to be released in November of 2013, the success of this film is undeniable, as is the success that will continue. Catch the Hunger Games while it’s still in theaters!