As an example of books being made into movies, The Hunger Games movie was exceptional. Director Gary Ross took a huge leap by showing viewers how other characters from the novel, such as Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) and the tributes’ families felt during the Games. Suzanne Collins’ novel portrays only Katniss Everdeen’s (Jennifer Lawrence)’ feelings and thoughts. There was no discussion on how those who were not participating in the Games or those whose daughters or sons were sent to the games to fight to the death felt, so a little perspective on other characters in the movie was refreshing. Also, the Game makers’ lab was spectacular. It gave the viewers more knowledge on how the arena for all the bloodshed was created.

The movie’s setting, cast, and costumes took the viewers into a whole other realm where the images displayed on the screen felt real. The actors were talented, and even though some may think Jennifer Lawrence, 21, was too old to play Katniss, she did a wonderful job of bringing her character to life. The movie kept everyone wanting more. Those who didn’t read the book were surprised as the story line threw heartbreaking twists at them. Those who did read the book knew exactly what the surprises were, but knowing the plot didn’t make the movie any less entertaining. It made it more fun to see what changes the director made and how everything fell into place.

The flaws of keeping the movie PG-13 and not showing the violent world Collins created were outweighed by Lawrence’s performance. Her expressions and feelings were made very clear by the film’s many close-ups. Her openness in front of the camera resembles that of Kristen Stewart, who plays Bella in the famous vampire phenomenon, The Twilight saga. But the two characters are opposites.  Katniss is independent while Bella remains passive. If the two were ever tributes in the same arena, we all know who would win.