I haven’t read any of the novels in Suzanne Collins’ series, but when something becomes a popular culture phenomenon the way the newly released movie has, I need to see what it’s all about.

So I went to my local multiplex tonight and had a look.

First of all, I loved being transported into the world that Collins and the filmmakers created – a time and place in the future that seemed like a sinister version of Oz. Great costumes and makeup.

Jennifer Lawrence, who was so wonderful in “Winter’s Bone,” plays a young woman with similar backbone and strength. She basically carries the movie, although I adored Stanley Tucci as the over-the-top host of the “games.”

Was I captivated? No. I found myself glancing at my watch every time Lawrence’s character ran through the woods (which she does a lot). And there wasn’t really any suspense, given that we know she’ll be back for the sequels. Still, there were affecting moments between her and the younger sister, as well as with the girl who plays her ally in the woods.

What I didn’t get was any sense of star-crossed lovers – the concept that makes the “Twilight” series so popular. There was so little chemistry between Lawrence and the guy who plays her fellow contestant that it was hard to root for him at all.

I did love the soundtrack, if that counts. And some of the action scenes were really well done.

I guess I’m not the demographic for this movie, although the theater was full of geezers like me.