First, I want to say that no matter what any of the critics say, Jennifer Lawrence and the cast were perfect for their roles. Not once did it even cross my mind that ANY of them were too "plump" for the Hunger Games.
This movie closely followed the first book and I was very happy with the special effects that brought the Girl on Fire to life. If you've read the books, then you know the backdrop for the movie and how the characters came to be the way they are and why they have to participate in the Hunger Games whether it be as a Tribute or a resident of Panem.
Whether you've read the books or not, this is an exciting movie, set in a dystopian future where teenagers must put their names in a "lottery" to become a tribute to fight to the death in what is called "The Hunger Games". It brings back thoughts of Logan's Run and Running Man but it is a fantastic film. You should go see this movie! And if you haven't read the books, you SHOULD! They're even better than the movie.