While the book's fans number in the millions, one of its biggest cheerleaders is the film's writer-director, Gary Ross.
"The minute I closed the book, I thought I had a very clear take on how to do the material," Ross said.
Ross is the man who brings "The Hunger Games" to life on the big screen. His "clear take" on the material included casting Jennifer Lawrence in the crucial role of Katniss Everdeen.
"I met with her and she embodied so much of what Katniss is. There was a strength, a solidity, a confidence, kind of this no BS attitude to her," Ross described. He said her audition made quite the impression.
"She blew my socks off. I mean, she just knocked me over with her audition. It was the best audition I've ever seen," he said.
Lawerence stars as the young woman who volunteers to take part in the death-until-the-end games, in order to spare her younger sister. The story focuses on loyalty and strength, and Lawrence loves that the film's message is striking a chord with so many young women.
"That's something that I loved about the books and the movie, and I love that the message that it sends and that I get to be a part of it," the 21-year-old actress said.
Woody Harrelson also stars in the film, playing Haymitch Abernathy, a past winner of "The Hunger Games" and mentor for Katniss. He said he knows diehard fans will be closely watching every frame of this film.
"It's great to have such a great filmmaker doing this because you could have got someone who just made something that's a little hokey and lots of cuts, but there's such heart and such beautiful, rich texture and visuals. I think it's really well done," Harrelson said.
Liam Hemsworth, who plays Katniss' best friend and confidant Gale Hawthorne in the film, said he's dying for people to watch and love the movie.
