Were the odds ever in director Gary Ross’ favor? In my opinion, yes.  Bringing in an impressive $155 million in ticket sales, the third best ever debut film, “The Hunger Games” was an undeniable a hit. With great acting, incredible scenery, and immaculate costuming, the movie was an all around audience satisfier.

Based on the popular book series, “The Hunger Games” is placed sometime in the future after the fall of the United States. The actual “Hunger Games” is a competition among twelve districts, all of which send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to to fight to the death until there is one lone victor. In district 12, Katniss Everdeen played by Jennifer Lawrence, volunteers to compete in place of younger sister. Her and her fellow district 12 tribute, Peeta Mellark, played by Josh Hutcherson, violently fight their way through the deathly pageant, battling many difficulties including a blossoming relationship throughout the competition. Their love is shown through the intensity of which they fight for each other to keep one another alive.

I thought the battling love story was very well portrayed by Katniss and Peeta. The two seem to have true chemistry and the games bring them closer together.

The costuming and the scenery of the movie articulated the major themes and setting of the movie, and made me feel as though I was stepping in to a whole new futuristic society.  The costuming was especially elaborate for Effie Trinkett, played by Elizabeth Banks, who sported crazy hairstyles, and bright eccentric clothing that really emphasized the timing and generation of the society.  The scenery was beautiful, and the lush forests where the Hunger Games took place were exactly where I had envisioned such a game taking place.

The movie was directed very well, with the entire cast in sync along with the special effects and music.  However, I did feel that the movie dragged on for about thirty minutes too long.  I found myself looking at my watch anticipating the end of the movie about twenty to thirty minutes before it ended. Despite the ending, I really enjoyed “The Hunger Games” overall, and even though I did not read the books prior to seeing the movie, I think the director did an excellent job of portraying the story so that it made sense to both audiences. I would definitely suggest both groups of people to go and see the movie. #