[Warning, this may contain spoilers]

As I sat in AMC Southdale on Friday after school, I could hardly contain my excitement. So many questions were going around in my head. Does the movie stick to the book? Are the character’s similar to the book? Is it true that this really deserves 3.5 out of 4 stars?

Afterwards, I was extremely pleased with how well done the movie was. While some characters, like Madge and Gale’s mom, were left out, the movie dealt well with their absences. The writers did an amazing job playing with the audiences emotions in instances such as Prim’s reaction to Katniss’s volunteering as tribute and Rue’s death, along with following the main points of the story correctly.

Although this movie was, in actuality, about a teenage version of Gladiator fighting, the director did a good job of not making it unbearably violent. I do have to admit that I nearly leapt out of my chair when the mutts jumped out and during the trackerjacker attack.

Putting the violence of the film aside, the casting in this movie was perfect. Jennifer Lawrence did an amazing job as Katniss, and every other actor knew exactly how to play their character. I think that the one character that could have used a little more substance was Peeta. Hopefully in the next movie, they’ll give Josh Hutcherson a little more to work with.

Overall, I agree that this movie deserves 3.5 out of 4 stars. From great acting to a great screenplay, this film definitely did the book justice.

Now, as you wait anxiously for the film adaptation of Catching Fire, may the odds be ever in your favor.