For its credit, there is not an ounce of preachy, except what is found in the novel--which is, against an all-powerful, central government specifically and all governments who deal loosely with lives, in general, as well as the human race which seems bent toward violence.
The movie was well shot, emotionally gripping, but due to time limitations they were not able to cover all the themes that made the books so readable and engaging. That is however a weakness of the format (in my estimation), not the writers and makers of the film. Perhaps some of those themes will be touched on in the second two movies.
Highlights
Donald Sutherland as Snow
Opening scenes in District 12 look like they were shot in WV 60 years ago. Very good Appalachian (by which I mean desolate and poverty-stricken) feel from those scenes.
The guy with the long hair who plays the announcer does a really good job. Almost TOO good.
More to come if I think of anything else. I would recommend reading the books before seeing the movie.