Tag Archives: Jennifer Lawrence

The Hunger Games Does Phenomenally Opening Weekend

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The highly anticipated film, The Hunger Games, hit theaters this past weekend and did incredibly well financially. The blockbuster film adaptation of the novel by Suzanne Collins, made $19.5 million in midnight screenings (of which I contributed $25 dollars when I went to the showing) across North America. By the end of its first day in theaters the film had already collected $68 million.

As for the entirety of its opening weekend, the film grossed a historic $155 million. This accounts for the opening weekend as Friday through Sunday. Its financial success is the third biggest in Hollywood history, beating out Spider-Man, Pirates of the Caribbean and Twilight movies, among others.

The Hunger Games is also the biggest non-sequel opener as well as the biggest non-summer opener, the highest opening in the month of March, and Lionsgate’s highest grossing release ever.

The film also did very well internationally, where it opened at No. 1 in almost every market it played.

Worldwide the film ended up grossing $214.3 million for opening weekend.

Studio executive, David Spitz commented that,

To launch this franchise in the way we did is mind-blowing.”

Understandably, considering the film is features a female lead, the film’s audience comprised primarily of females at 61%. However, surprisingly, more than half of the audience was made up by moviegoers were over the age of 25 with a percentage of 56%.

The film was definitely a success. While fans have had mixed feelings regarding the film adaptation, it seems that it is still a hit. Its sequel, Catching Fire, has been given a release date of November 22, 2013.

Watching The Midnight Premiere For The Hunger Games – A Review

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Last night I braved the crowds (full of tweens and despondent parents), the imminent bad weather, and staying up past my self proclaimed bed time for a movie that I have been waiting to see for MONTHS. The Hunger Games finally premiered in theaters last night, and I will go ahead and say this: It was FANTASTIC!

But I am going to take this review in three parts: Pre-movie, the actual film, and the aftermath.

Pre-film:

I have never attended, or wished to attend, a midnight premiere of a film. That is, until The Hunger Games was in the picture. I LOVED the trilogy, I read it in like a three day period and have been anticipating the film since then. So I’ll admit it, I bought tickets to the midnight viewing the day they were available.

I, as a 23 year old adult, totally geeked out for this film. Thanks to our sponsored giveaway from SkinIt, I had a Hunger Games skin on my tablet. While waiting in line, I got tons of compliments for it. Many said they wished they had one like it. The SkinIt skins look seamless. I had it for a Samsung Galaxy Tab, and it fit PERFECTLY.

I also fit in, probably too well, with all the tweens and young kids there, with my District 10 backpack that was custominzed with my name and Capitol citizen number, and my Down With the Capitol t-shirt. That’s right, I wore those things… But it was great.

One of the best things about going to a midnight premiere is the camaraderie. All these people that love a story as much as you do, all experiencing something that you all know is going to be HUGE. I kind of enjoyed that. For once I wasn’t lame for being so excited because everyone else was as excited I was.

The Film:

OH MY. This film was just as good as I thought it was going to be. I had been anticipating this film so much that I was a little worried that I would be disappointed. But I was surprised how closely it actually followed the book.

Honestly, there were a few things they changed that caught my attention, but they changes didn’t detract from the film, or affect the overall story.

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss surpassed everything I could have expected from her. She is one of the best actresses I have seen in a long time. Every scene was so full of emotion. During the reaping day scenes I really felt and saw her terror when she volunteered. She knew how to act like she knew she was heading to her death. So much acting chops in one actress. I cried during the goodbye scenes before they left for the Capitol. I was so impressed the way she ran through the forest, dodging fireballs, and was able to pull herself up into trees. She embodied everything that is the character of Katniss Everdeen. I honestly do not think that any other actress would have been able to pull it off like she did.

I have mentioned before my love for Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, and it was reinforced by watching the film. He truly embodied the character I had pictured when reading the novel. He easily slipped between love sick baker boy, to warrior with the careers, to weak almost dying tribute. Hutcherson is a very talented actor who made the perfect Peeta.

The whole movie was an emotional roller-coaster that kept you enticed from beginning to end. I felt the same way about the novel when I read that, and was excited to see that that feeling translated to the big screen.

Rue’s death. Seriously. Tears. My face was a waterfall. They overlayed Katniss’s breakdown from her death with scenes of the riot beginning in District 11. It was just. Beautiful. My very manly boyfriend attended the film with me, despite not reading the books, and even he shed a tear at Rue’s death. If you don’t cry or at least tear up at that scene then you are not human!

There is only one scene that was missing from the film that I really wish had been included. When Peeta is still healing in the cave, instead of being put to sleep by the medicine by Katniss, he merely fell asleep. I loved that scene in the novel, and was a little disappointed that it played out differently in the film.

Something I liked that they changed was the way Thresh kills Clove near the end. It was incredibly brutal in the novel, but they tamed it down in the movie. I don’t think I could have handled seeing it the other way.

Every scene with the cornucopia was perfect. Just how I imagined it reading it all those times.

Aftermath:

Gary Ross is a surperb director. He was able to translate the novel almost flawlessly to the big screen. Fans of novel will not be disappointed with this adaptation. Once you get into the film, you stop thinking about the things that are different from the novel and you just fall in love with the characters from the novel all over again.

A big part of why this adaptation is so great, is truly the actors. They were so incredibly talented that they became their characters totally.

As we were leaving, I didn’t hear anyone saying anything other than praises for the film. Even those who had obviously gotten drugged their with their friends, family, and significant others, left the film as a fan.

This is one of the best book to film adaptations I have ever encountered. I don’t think any fan of the book will be disappointed with the way the film played out. It also will make new fans out of those who haven’t read the book.

So, go see it! It is totally worth it.

The Hunger Games Was Almost a Television Series?

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Can you imagine The Hunger Games television series? No, I don’t mean they are thinking of creating one (although they might I don’t know) but rather, fans almost got a television series INSTEAD of the mega blockbuster hit film hitting theaters tonight at midnight (of which I will be in attendance).

According the NYDailyNews, Producer Joe Drake supposedly revealed at the Cinema Society’s post-premiere party for the picture on Monday night, that the project was almost adapted into a series for the small screen. Apparently this was a big reason on why the 2008 novel took so long to become a major motion film.

Although there was no reason given for why the switch was made from television to film, I’m pretty sure most people are probably happy with the decision.

The film hasn’t even premiered yet and it has already begun breaking records at the box office. It seems it will be one of the biggest pictures of the year.

The Hunger Games is the movie adaptation of the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. It is followed by the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay. 

The plot for the film is as follows:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the governing body, the Capitol, of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.

You can see the official cast below:

  • Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
  • Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
  • Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
  • Willow Shields as Primrose “Prim” Everdeen
  • Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
  • Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
  • Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
  • Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen
  • Amandla Stenberg as Rue
  • Alexander Ludwig as Cato
  • Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh
  • Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove
  • Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface
  • Leven Rambin as Glimmer
  • Jack Quaid as Marvel
  • Donald Sutherland as President Snow
  • Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman
  • Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane
  • Latarsha Rose as Portia

New Exclusive Clip: Peeta’s Interview With Caesar

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I hate myself a little bit for watching this clip. Some of you may remember that this scene was on my list of scenes I was most excited to see in the film. I kind of wish I hadn’t watched it, but I couldn’t resist! The film is less than two weeks away and I am getting antsy.
This clip features favorite character Peeta professing his love for Katniss Everdeen on stage in front of all Panem (and who wouldn’t love her?)
Good did come out of seeing this clip though. Peeta, being my favorite character in the whole series, I was a little worried that he wouldn’t be portrayed the way I wanted. I knew Josh Hutcherson was casted perfectly for the film, but when it comes to book adaptations, sometime you worry.
I think he did a fantastic job delivering this scene. And once again, I am incredibly anxious to see this movie at midnight next week.
You can watch the new clip below:
The Hunger Games is the movie adaptation of the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. It is followed by the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay. 

The plot for the film is as follows:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the governing body, the Capitol, of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.

You can see the official cast below:

  • Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
  • Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
  • Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
  • Willow Shields as Primrose “Prim” Everdeen
  • Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
  • Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
  • Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
  • Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen
  • Amandla Stenberg as Rue
  • Alexander Ludwig as Cato
  • Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh
  • Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove
  • Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface
  • Leven Rambin as Glimmer
  • Jack Quaid as Marvel
  • Donald Sutherland as President Snow
  • Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman
  • Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane
  • Latarsha Rose as Portia

New Behind-The-Scenes Footage From The Hunger Games

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If you have any worries that Jennifer Lawrence would be passable as a archery expert, this video will definitely ease your mind. You can see in this behind the scenes video, Lawrence practicing her archery skills and talking about the training she did for the film.

Frankly, I think she is going to do a fantastic job. She obviously trained incredibly hard for the film and it really shows.

Just watch the video below!

The Hunger Games is the movie adaptation of the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. It is followed by the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay. 

The plot for the film is as follows:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the governing body, the Capitol, of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.

You can see the official cast below:

  • Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
  • Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
  • Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
  • Willow Shields as Primrose “Prim” Everdeen
  • Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
  • Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
  • Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
  • Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen
  • Amandla Stenberg as Rue
  • Alexander Ludwig as Cato
  • Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh
  • Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove
  • Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface
  • Leven Rambin as Glimmer
  • Jack Quaid as Marvel
  • Donald Sutherland as President Snow
  • Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman
  • Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane
  • Latarsha Rose as Portia

Watch Katniss and Cinna Meet In A New Clip From The Hunger Games

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Fans, doesn’t it feel like The Hunger Games will never get here? Well in another day of impatiently waiting, we are being treated to another BRAND NEW clip from the film. The clip comes from the great people over at Lionsgate and debuted on Yahoo! Movies earlier today.

Of course it doesn’t follow the happenings of the Arena, that is being left for movie night, but it does show the fateful first meeting between Katniss and her stylist Cinna, played by Lenny Kravitz.

I have to say, this is a great look into what the actual full film will be like. So far, I haven’t seen hardly anything that will make me think my excitement for the movie is misappropriated. This whole scene captures the over all emotion of the scene in the novel perfectly. If you had doubts about Kravitz playing the role, this clip should definitely ease your mind.

We (thankfully) have only about 2 weeks left till the premiere (where I will be eagerly awaiting my seat in the theater), but there is a chance we might get one more exclusive clip before the big day.

The Hunger Games is the movie adaptation of the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. It is followed by the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay. 

The plot for the film is as follows:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the governing body, the Capitol, of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.

You can see the official cast below:

  • Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
  • Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
  • Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
  • Willow Shields as Primrose “Prim” Everdeen
  • Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
  • Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
  • Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
  • Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen
  • Amandla Stenberg as Rue
  • Alexander Ludwig as Cato
  • Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh
  • Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove
  • Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface
  • Leven Rambin as Glimmer
  • Jack Quaid as Marvel
  • Donald Sutherland as President Snow
  • Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman
  • Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane
  • Latarsha Rose as Portia

Catching Fire Script Delivered to Suzanne Collins

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The Hunger Games hasn’t even been released yet, and the world already knows it is going to be a hit. (I’ll admit it, I bought tickets for the midnight showing… something I have never done before). So it was no surprise when a few months ago it was confirmed that the other novels in the series, Catching Fire and Mockingjay, were also going to be adapted.

It was recently confirmed that the script for the second film based on the second novel has been sent to author Suzanne Collins for review. This is a big step forward for the film to begin production even though it is scheduled to be released more than a year from now.

Screenwriter Simon Beaufoy recently said regarding the script:

 “I just finished the first draft, literally a few days ago. I’m waiting to see what everyone thinks.”

He also went on to say that Collins knows her audience very well and knows what they can and can’t cut out.

“Actually, she’s reading possibly right now the first draft. She’s involved a lot and there will be things. She just knows her audience brilliantly and she’ll say, ‘That bit you just can’t cut out because they’ll all go crazy.’ And other bits she’ll go, ‘This is fine. You can change this.’ But she really knows her readers and because she’s been in the film world, she understands about adapting, that things have to go and things have to change. She’s been fantastic to work with.”

Beaufoy revealed that he had actually worked very closely with Collins on The Hunger Games script and the same is going to be true for Catching Fire. It has also been confirmed that the three lead stars, Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson, have already signed on for four movies of  the franchise.

Beaufoy also said that similarly to The Hunger Games it will be a very close adaptation with only a few minor tweaks here and there.

“Things always do have to change otherwise there’s always something very flat about very faithful adaptations,” he said. “But on the other hand, there’s an extremely loyal fan base and readership and you just have to be careful of how many liberties you do take.

He also said,

“So fortunately Suzanne is here to help me,” he continued. “She’s reading this draft at the moment and she’ll tell me, ‘You can’t do that. You must do this.’ Because there are some things that are sacrosanct to her readers and she knows them very well and she’ll let me know.”

Catching Fire follows Katniss as she and Peeta leave the Capitol and head home following the events of The Hunger Games. Once home, however, she and Peeta must act the part of a loving couple in an attempt to quell growing anxiety and rebellion among the citizens on Panem. Instead things grow worse and she has to figure out where she stands as the girl on fire and deal with the new twist thrown into the 75th Hunger Games Quarter Quell.

Lionsgate has announced that Catching Fire is set to hit theaters on Nov. 22, 2013.

Suzanne Collins Praises Hunger Games Film

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I would be lying if I didn’t say that despite my excitement for the movie adaptation of The Hunger Games, I was a little worried about it missing the mark of the novel. So it was a relieve to hear that author, Suzanne Collins, has praised the finished project.

Collins recently wrote on the official Hunger Games Facebook page that she was “really happy” with the finished movie. She also had great things to say about Gary Ross for remaining faithful to the novel but she commented that he added a “rich and powerful vision” to the society she created.

“And, my God, the actors,” Collins added. She singled out the “extraordinary” Jennifer Lawrence, who stars as the young heroine, Katniss.

It is really great to hear that Collins enjoyed the adaptation. To many times we have remakes that anger not only the fans but also the writers. It is even worse that there is so much hype around this particular film that there is a lot of pressure to make it awesome. With the endorsement of the author it seems that this will at least do the novel justice. And I can say I will be right there on opening night to find out.

The Hunger Games is the movie adaptation of the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. It is followed by the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay. 

The plot for the film is as follows:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the governing body, the Capitol, of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.

You can see the official cast below:

  • Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
  • Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
  • Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
  • Willow Shields as Primrose “Prim” Everdeen
  • Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
  • Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
  • Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
  • Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen
  • Amandla Stenberg as Rue
  • Alexander Ludwig as Cato
  • Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh
  • Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove
  • Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface
  • Leven Rambin as Glimmer
  • Jack Quaid as Marvel
  • Donald Sutherland as President Snow
  • Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman
  • Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane
  • Latarsha Rose as Portia

Watch A Sneak Peek Clip of Katniss and The Gamemakers

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Lionsgate is picking up speed with their viral marketing campaign which includes a YouTube account called, “CapitolTV” which has been featuring the trailers and tv spots for the film over the last month. Today, they uploaded a small 0.39 second clip of one of the best scenes from the book. The clip featured Katniss going before the gamemakers only to be infuriated by their inattention and disrespect. To gain their attention, she takes the bow and arrow and shoots the apple out of the pigs mouth.

Unfortunately, the clip stops there, but seeing that keeps my hope alive that this adaptation is going to be awesome. You can see the new clip below:

The Hunger Games is the movie adaptation of the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. It is followed by the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay. 

The plot for the film is as follows:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the governing body, the Capitol, of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.

You can see the official cast below:

  • Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
  • Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
  • Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
  • Willow Shields as Primrose “Prim” Everdeen
  • Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
  • Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
  • Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
  • Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen
  • Amandla Stenberg as Rue
  • Alexander Ludwig as Cato
  • Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh
  • Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove
  • Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface
  • Leven Rambin as Glimmer
  • Jack Quaid as Marvel
  • Donald Sutherland as President Snow
  • Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman
  • Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane
  • Latarsha Rose as Portia

New Hunger Games Promo And Photo Stills Released

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New Hunger Games content was released today that was met with excitement all around. A new trailer was released that featured the song Safe & Sound. Also released today were new stills from the movie featuring President Snow, Haymitch, Seneca Crane and Katniss.

Even though the movie is pretty close to being released, the media marketing for the film is not ending just yet. Also today, the MPAA has officially released its rating for the film ass PG-13 for “intense violent thematic material and disturbing images – all involving teens.”

The Hunger Games takes place every year in the ruins of what was once North America. The governing body, the Capitol, of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.

The film is the big screen adaptation of the novel written by Suzanne Collins and was directed by Gary Ross. It stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark, and Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne. It also includes Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, and Lenny Kravitz as supporting characters.

(Personally, I don’t think I could be more excited about this film!)

We have seen tons of new trailers recently, but this one is slightly different. One new scene they actually featured in this trailer was a bigger glimpse into the first meeting between Katniss and Peeta, even if just for a moment. You can watch the new promo video below:

You also get a better look at some of the films supporting characters such as President Snow (Donald Sutherland), former Hunger Games champion Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson), and deadly District 2 “tributes” Cato (Alexander Ludwig) and Clove (Isabelle Furhman). You can see the new images below:

Photos courtesy of Lionsgate and Entertainment Weekly.