The Movie Delivers just fine.

Rating: 8/10 (9 August 2012)

The hunger games is an adaption of the book with the same name by Suzanne Collins. The story is based on dystopia future. The movie has a typical dystopia look we have seen before in movies like Equilibrium and Aeon Flux.
The genre is action/adventure. The movie delivers in both. The killing scenes aren't explicit due to PG-13 rating. The main roles were played by Jennifer Lawrence(Katniss Everdeen), Josh Hutcherson(Peeta Mellark) and Woody Harrelson(Haymitch). Haymitch's adaptation wasn't exactly to the book strictly speaking but I dare say, I liked him in the movie. Josh too, played his part well. Jennifer was the shining star of this movie, her acting worthy of Oscar nomination.
The mood of the movie was appropriately subdued, something that will be explained in subsequent movies. The main themes like media power, limelight and becoming a symbol were aptly shown. The chemistry between the leads, in my opinion also delivered, a point which many may disagree.
The costumes were awesome, so were the effects. I loved that fiery-dress-effect. The forest burning and balls of fire were awesome too. The sound effect team really deserves some recognition. The deafening-effect when Katniss entered for interview really added to the feel so did the rushing sounds and whistles during the chaotic blood bath. The background score was awesome. The game room perspective also added a nice addition to the movie.
The epic moments were wonderfully shot. The moment when she became a symbol; a mockingjay, really got me moved. The action sequences were adrenaline kicking.
This movie met a lot of criticism among people who had read the books. They said the movie didn't do justice to the book. Well, the books are written in first person perspective view of Katniss. The movie couldn't possibly have explained what Katniss was thinking at the moment. They could've used the narrative technique and people still wouldn't have been satisfied. I think Jennifer Lawrence's demeanor was quite enough to do justice to the Katniss. The chemistry between the star-crossed-lovers may have seemed insufficient but it will develop with the subsequent movies.
In the end, I must say that there is no limit to the reader's imagination while the movie is as good as the director's imagination, to which most people will always disagree. Though there is always a room for improvement, there was no way this movie spoiled the book experience. At least, this movie won't make any reader shout in anger,"What the hell!".