One of the most anticipated films of 2012, "The Hunger Games", is hitting theatres across the globe this week.<br/> <br />In New York fans flocked to sold out shows at its midnight release in Times Square.<br/> <br />The movie, based on the best selling novel by US author Suzanne Collins, depicts a dystopian future where young teenagers are sent into a televised battle of life and death in which only one survives.<br/> <br />Film bosses have high hopes for the film and want to see it repeat the success of other teen movies, including the "Harry Potter" and "Twilight" franchises.<br/> <br />And according to those theatregoers who sat through the 142-minutes of Hunger Games action, most say it does indeed live up to the hype.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Jay Nevins, New York resident, saying (English):<br/> <br />"I was waiting to see it, like. I mean, word-for-word they didn't leave anything out. It was absolutely amazing. Must see. Go see it."<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Evan Coleman, New York resident, saying (English):<br/> <br />"The book was better. It's just the way it is. As a movie, it was excellent. As a depiction of the book, left a lot to be desired, like accuracy for one."<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Jenni Lawton, New York resident, saying (English):<br/> <br />"Twilight doesn't even hold a candle to this film or this writer Suzanne Collins, like, not even a moment. No. This is far beyond 'Twilight' could ever even pretend to imagine."<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Nadeen Shaalan, 14-year-old fan, saying (English):<br/> <br />"I mean obviously there's a lot of things as a book reader, like, you know, you want certain things in the movie that weren't there but all-in-all, it was just amazing. I'm like...(laughs)."<br/> <br />In the US and UK "The Hunger Games" officially opens this Friday (March 23).<br/> <br />Forecasts predict it could take around 125 million USD at its opening weekend in the US alone.<br/> <br />Kathi Urban, Reuters
