Lionsgate's "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" posted the top opening of the year among new films in the United States, blasting past "Transformers: Age of Extinction," and grossing US$123 million from 4,151 locations.

Incidentally, the film trailed the first two instalments of the Hunger Games franchise by a big margin. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" a year ago grossed US$158 million, while the first film in March 2012 grossed a little over US$a52.5 million.

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With "Mockingjay's" success, the Hunger Games became the first franchise in Holywood history to have the first three instalments open at US$120 million or higher.

"Mockingjay" performed well overseas, grossing US$152 million, 4 percent ahead of "Catching Fire." That put the new film's worldwide total at US$275 million, one of the best showings of the year.  In a number of key markets, including Germany and Australia, the film posted a No. 1 opening for the year.

"Mockingjay - Part 1" is the result of a decision by Lionsgate to split Suzanne Collins' final book into two films. Reports say director Francis Lawrence shot the movies back-to-back at a cost of US$250 million. Part 2 is scheduled to open in November of 2015.

Audiences gave Part 1 an A- CinemaScore, compared to an A for both the previous instalments.  In terms of demographics, females made up 60 percent of the audience, with 52 percent of ticket buyers under the age of 25.

David Spitz of Lionsgate attributes much of the film's success to correct timing of the playdate.

"We selected this playdate because we knew we would benefit from the lucrative holiday season ahead of us. Last year, we experienced great playability all the way through Christmas, and we think it will be the same here," Spitz said.

Jennifer Lawrence starts opposite Josh Hutcherson in the film that also includes Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Stanely Tucci, Jena Malone, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Julianne Moore and Natalie Dormer are introduced in the film.

TagsJennifer Lawrence, The Hunger Games, Mockingjay