Huge Crowds Expected at Midnight "Hunger Games"

You'd think with all the hype surrounding the opening of "Hunger Games" this weekend, the Bellevue Cinema in Upper Montclair would be sold out of tickets. But surprisingly, that's not the case.

Even this afternoon, employees there assured Patch that—although they expect a huge crowd to turn out for the midnight showing tonight —there are still plenty of tickets available.

"We expect loads of people to be here but we still have tickets for sale," an employee said.

Well, for those of you who have been living in a cave and wondering what all the fuss is about, the "Hunger Games" film is based on the bestselling book by American author Suzanne Collins. The movie stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl who resides in District 12 of Panem, a new totalitarian state created after a widespread rebellion destroyed the America we all know and love.

Every year, one boy and one girl from each of the 12 districts are chosen via a lottery to be among the 24 contestants to enter an arena for a battle to the death: The Hunger Games.

What's worse is that they fight for their very survival as a national audience watches it all on TV.

Sound intriguing? To countless fans, there's nothing better.

"This was much much better than the 'Twilight' series in that the heroine is much stronger and tougher in 'Hunger Games' than in 'Twilight'," said Montclair teenager Claire Lindell. "She's someone who can take care of herself."

To read just one of many glowing reviews of the movie, check out this one from the "New York Daily News," which gave the film five stars.

To find out showtimes for the IMAX version of "Hunger Games" at AMC Clifton Commons go here. For showtimes at the Bellevue Cinema go here. 

What did you think of the "Hunger Games" and will you go see the movie? Let us know in the comments section below.