place was packed with lines out the door.

I thought it was an excellent movie and it stayed true to the book even though people who have not read the book would clearly be able to follow along. Very blurry implied violence in the film and not nearly as graphic as many other movies. It's going to rake in millions.

She said she felt she was going to throw up once the violence started.
It was not overly graphic but very emotionally intense.

but it settled down a tad.

Because knowing the story ahead of time might have taken away a bit from what was an outstanding movie experience.

If Hunger Games doesn't sweep awards in a whole variety of categories then Hollywood has lost its frickin' mind.

I'm glad to hear from someone who has not read it. I think it was easy to follow the story for those who were new to the story.

Collecting Oscars has become something of a science, and Hunger Games isn't really that sort of film (that it, it's not an earnest talking head psychodrama or a Meryl Streep vehicle...). It will get nominations in certain categories, but probably not in the marquee categories like Best Director, Best Actress in a Leading Role, or Best Picture.

Which is a shame, imo. Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen is brilliant, as is Woody Harrelson's Haymitch Abernathy. The direction is beautifully paced and the cinematography a perfect compliment. I think some folks may have expected a lot less from a movie based on a YA novel...and the film is way more than that.

Loved it...am now...READING THE BOOK!!! (But I'm only going to read the first one...I'll save 2 & 3 for after the movies...).

set up a tour and cash in?

Also, I can't wait for the coming news stories about teens creating their own "hunger games".