Beyond my Expectations

Rating: 10/10 (23 March 2012)

While I originally loved all of the cast picks and expected this movie to be incredible..it was even better. Jennifer Lawrence was amazing. She became Katniss right before your eyes. You could see her emotions, the fear in her eyes, the determination to survive. I don't think there is any other actress that could have come close to bringing Katniss to life. Josh Hutcherson was another incredible pick for Peeta. He was able to make you feel the fear and dread Peeta felt at the reaping and show you the love he had for Katniss. As for all the other actors, they were all perfect. Elizabeth Banks couldn't have been a better Effie and don't get me started on Woody Harrelson for Haymitch! I wasn't sure if he would be a good Haymitch but he proved me wrong! And as for Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, perfection. I could go on and on about how great all the actors were because they really were the best.
As for the actual plot, the movie followed the book very well. There were a few changes that were made, but it was understandable since it had to have been difficult to put much of what happened in the novel into a two and a half hour movie.
In conclusion, Gary Ross did an incredible job directing this film. Everything..the cinematography, the costumes, the set, the effects, and the actors were just perfect. I had been waiting for this movie for three years and it did not disappoint.