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New Image From ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ Cools Off

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on April 11, 2013 @ 9:49am
Category: Movies / Images

Lionsgate/Summit has released a new image for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, which depicts Katniss returning home. I know some of you wonder why we cover the series – it’s because of its thematic tues to Battle Royale and its’ dystopian take on the future. I know I liked the first movie.

In theaters November 22, “The sequel begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a “Victor’s Tour” of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) – a competition that could change Panem forever.”

Jennifer Lawrence, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Jena Malone, Donald Sutherland and Josh Hutcherson all star. Head inside for the image. READ MORE

New Images And Poster For ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ Blaze Up

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on January 14, 2013 @ 1:41pm
Category: Movies / Images

Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, hits theaters November 22, 2013 from director Francis Lawrence. That’s still a ways away, but the stills and now posters are beginning to emerge.

“‘Catching Fire’ begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a “Victor’s Tour” of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) – a competition that could change Panem forever.”

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, Woody Harrelson, Jena Malone, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Lynn Cohen, Patrick St. Esprit, Meta Golding, Bruno Gunn, Maria Howell and Sam Claflin all star.

Head inside to check out the stills and the poster! READ MORE

[AFM '12] Deals: Avary Directs ‘Wolfenstein,’ Lawrence Concludes ‘Hunger Games,’ And More!

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Posted by MrDisgusting on November 01, 2012 @ 4:56pm
Category: Movies / News

While it was announced literally 6 years ago that Panorama Media and producer Samuel Hadida had tapped Roger Avary (Pulp Fiction, Silent Hill) to write a feature adaptation of the cult videogame Castle Wolfenstein, it’s now reported, via Variety, that he will also direct. Talks with U.S. distributors are already underway. The action-adventure story follows a young U.S. Army Captain and a British Special Agent on a top secret mission to Castle Wolfenstein, where Hitler will be in attendance for the unveiling of a new secret weapon. After reaching the Castle, our heroes are confronted with Himmler’s SS Paranormal Division and must fight, not only for their survival, but for a mission that could alter the course of WWII.

They also write that Lionsgate has hired Francis Lawrence to direct the final two The Hunger Games films with Danny Strong writing and Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth starring. Lawrence is currently directing The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the second movie in the franchise. Lionsgate decided in July to split Mockingjay, the final book in the Suzanne Collins book trilogy, into two parts. That tome centers focus on Katniss Everdeen’s journey as she leads a rebellion against the ruling Capitol in the dystopian North America of the future as Everdeen is convinced to become “the Mockingjay” as a symbol of the rebellion. Catching Fire will open Nov. 22, 2013. Mockingjay Part 1 opens a year later on Nov. 21 and the final film will be released on Nov. 20, 2015.

More inside! READ MORE

[News Bites] Meet ‘The Second Coming’, “Dexter” Promo Stills, Behind-the-Scenes Of ‘Catching Fire’

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Posted by MrDisgusting on October 05, 2012 @ 11:20am
Category: Movies / Images

“Hatfields & McCoys” star Sam Reid (pictured) is in negotiations to play a rebellious prophet who becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation in writer-director David Barker’s The Second Coming, says Deadline. Sarah Snook (Jessabelle – also cast in The Final Hours yesterday) will play a friend of Reid’s character Joe Panther. Due to shoot in Australia in early 2013, the film is based on a novel by Andrew Masterson.

Showtime continues to skip ahead as they’ve released a handful of images from “Dexter” Episoden 7.03 “Buck the System”. “Dexter tries to bring Debra on board with his new target. While the Ukrainian mob seeks revenge for the killing of one of their own, Quinn grows close to a dancer at their strip club. LaGuerta, convinced the Bay Harbor Butcher is still out there, attempts to enlist Batista to help her re-open the case.”

Mockingjay.net has shared a bunch of behind-the-scenes snaps from the set of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, in theaters November 22, 2012. The pic below displays the construction of the justice building. READ MORE

‘Catching Fire’ Has Started Shooting

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Posted by EvanDickson on September 11, 2012 @ 9:53am
Category: Movies / News

Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire officially started shooting yesterday in Atlanta, Georgia. Francis Lawrence is directing the film and Lionsgate has set a release on November 22, 2013. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, and Woody Harrelson will return in their roles.

The film will be produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force with producer Jon Kilik.

Recent Catching Fire castings include Patrick St. Esprit, Jena Malone, Lynn Cohen, Amanda Plummer and Philip Seymour Hoffman. READ MORE

Hey Guys! Do You Think ‘Battle Royale’ Should Be A Teen Show On CW!?! They’re Thinking About It!

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Posted by EvanDickson on July 26, 2012 @ 7:41pm
Category: Movies / News

Wow. If you guys were concerned about The Hunger Games (which I liked) watering down the themes of Kinji Fukasaku’s classic Battle Royale, then I’m guessing you’ll be about – I dunno – a billion times more concerned about this development. The CW is considering making a “Battle Royale” TV Series. I’m usually open minded about things, but I think I’m having a stroke right now.

This isn’t a joke, it’s a possibility that’s actually being explored. The Neil Moritz/Roy Lee-produced remake never quite got off the ground (due in part to the success of The Hunger Games), but that doesn’t mean a TV show is out of the question. Per The LA Times, “In the last few weeks, the CW has had talks with the project’s Hollywood representatives about the possibility of turning the property into an English-language show, said a person with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to speak about it publicly. The talks were preliminary, but if a deal could be reached, the network would acquire rights to Koushun Takami’s underlying novel, then unpack and expand on it for an hourlong dramatic series.”

While it’s not a done deal, we now live in a world where it’s somewhat possible you’ll hear the words, “Next, after ‘Gossip Girl’, stay tuned for ‘Battle Royale’.”

What do you guys think? Is there any way they could pull this off and make it work? I just don’t see it – but I’m super curious to hear what the actual pitch is.

Jena Malone Will Be ‘Catching Fire’

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on July 03, 2012 @ 6:02pm
Category: Movies / News

Last week there were reports that Jena Malone (pictured above; Sucker Punch, The Ruins) was in the running for the pivotal role of strong-willed tribute Johanna Mason in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and now it’s been confirmed despite some last minute reporting to the contrary.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, “Malone has the offer and is in early negotiations for the part, according to sources. The move nixes premature reports that pegged newbie actress-model Zoe Aggeliki as the front-runner to play the ax-wielding former Hunger Games winner from District 7.” The character is described in author Suzanne Collins’ bestseller as possessing “a wicked ability to murder,” winning her Hunger Games by pretending to be weak and then picking off the other tributes.

As previously reported, Francis Lawrence will be taking the directing reigns from Gary Ross on the sequel. It starts filming in late September and is due in theaters November 22nd, 2013.

‘Quarantine: The Loners’ Is Less ‘Quarantine’, More ‘Hunger Games’

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Posted by EvanDickson on March 27, 2012 @ 12:25am
Category: Movies / News

With The Hunger Games pulling in $152 Million domestic over the weekend, the third highest opening weekend of all time, this news shouldn’t come as a surprise to much of anybody. Black Forest has picked up the rights to Quarantine: The Loners, the film version of a young adult book by Lex Thomas (which, interestingly, is combo-pack pseudonym for authors Lex Hrabe and Thomas Voorhies, who will also be writing the screenplay).

Per Variety the book is, “a cross between ‘The Warriors’ and ‘Lord of the Flies’, an action-thriller concerns the outbreak of a virus that is deadly to anyone after puberty. A typical American high school becomes a battleground after the military quarantines more than a thousand teens, who subsequently form violent gangs based on previously established social cliques. Instead of battling for popularity, the students must fight for survival. Protags are two brothers whose relationship is tested when a young girl threatens to come between them.”

Black Forest founding partners Mark Morgan (Twilight Saga), Kami Garcia (Beautiful Creatures), E. Thompson and Brett Hudson will produce. READ MORE

Another Take On ‘The Hunger Games’, Write In With Your Reviews!

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on March 23, 2012 @ 5:17pm
Category: Movies / News

Another Take On The Hunger Games, Write In With Your Reviews!

Lionsgate’s Gary Ross-directed adaptation of The Hunger Games hits theaters today, and judging from it’s $19 Million midnight haul, plenty of you have seen it already!

From my 8/10 review, “Ultimately ‘The Hunger Games’ is almost a minor miracle. What could have been a quick and easy cash-in on an existing property is instead a carefully considered, thrilling and touching piece of populist entertainment. It’s sort of an exciting prospect that, for the first time in a long time, we’re going to have a pop culture “moment” centered around a film that actually made the effort to tell its story well (even though it’s a shame that this is now the exception to the rule).”

We also have another review for the film – through the lens of someone who has read the books – from BD’s Jonathan Barkan. While he didn’t dislike the film, his take is certainly less enthusiastic than my own. “As a book-to-film adaptation, this rightfully deserves a 9/10. But in terms of my enjoyment of the film, I find that I can’t be so generous.”

In theaters today from director Gary Ross, the film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Dayo Okeniyi, Amandla Stenberg, Chris Mark, Jacqueline Emerson, Wes Bentley, Lenny Kravitz, Toby Jones, and Stanley Tucci.

Write in with your review now! And hit the jump for Barkan’s take! READ MORE

Simon Beaufoy Gives Updates On Danny Boyle’s Potential ‘Sharp Teeth’ And ‘Hunger Games’ Sequel ‘Catching Fire’

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on March 09, 2012 @ 5:37pm
Category: Movies / News

SharpTeeth30912 Simon Beaufoy Gives Updates On Danny Boyles Potential Sharp Teeth And Hunger Games Sequel Catching Fire

Simon Beaufoy, along with Alex Garland, has become one of Danny Boyle’s go-to screenwriters with projects like 127 Hours and Slumdog Millionaire. He’s also writing Boyle’s upcoming (should Boyle approve the adaptation) almost werewolf movie Sharp Teeth. Sharp Teeth will be an adaptation of the novel-length poem by Toby Barlow.

Speaking to io9 he revealed that they might use real dogs (presumably enhanced), “It’s gangland LA. Except the gangs happen to also shapeshift into dogs. It’s all about pack dynamics… We have to make life much more difficult for ourselves and use real dogs. That would be the best, because that would be truly terrifying. I think animation would allow too much distance from it.”

He’s also working on the Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire and I wholeheartedly agree with his philosophy on adaptations, “ one has to be very loyal to a fan base that is rigorous beyond anything I’ve ever come across. And yet, you still have to do the kind of brutal process of turning it into a film. Just transposing the book wholesale onto the screen, isn’t doing nobody any favors I don’t think. I always think faithful adapatations are a real mistake. That’s not reinventing what’s wonderful about the book onto the screen. That’s just a slightly scared way going, “We’ll keep it the same and it will be fine!” And it actually won’t because it’s the brother or the sister of a book, it’s not its twin, it’s different.” READ MORE

Relativity Media Shuffles Release Dates For ‘The Raven’ And ‘The House At The End Of The Street’

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Posted by EvanDickson on January 24, 2012 @ 7:06am
Category: Movies / News

Relativity Media Shuffles Release Dates For The Raven And The House At The End Of The Street

Just a quick note that a few films from Relativity Media slated to come out this spring have gotten shuffled around a bit. James McTeigue’s The Raven starring John Cusack, Luke Evans and Brendan Gleeson has been moved from March 9th to April 27th 2012.

Secondly, House at the End of the Street, starring Oscar-nominee Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone, The Hunger Games), Oscar-nominee Elisabeth Shue (Leaving Las Vegas) and Max Theriot (My Soul to Take) will move from April 20th (previously February 3rd) to September 26th 2012 .

Directed by Mark Tonderai (Hush) and written by David Loucka (Dream House), House centers on a teen girl (Lawrence) who moves with her mom to a new town and learns that their home is next door to a house where a double murder took place. Complications ensue when the teen befriends the massacre’s sole surviving son (Thieriot). Shue costars as Lawrence’s mom. READ MORE

New ‘Hunger Games’ One Sheet Way Less Ambitious Than The First…

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Posted by EvanDickson on January 20, 2012 @ 4:51pm
Category: Movies / Images

HungerGamesLand12012 New Hunger Games One Sheet Way Less Ambitious Than The First...

A new one sheet for The Hunger Games has hit the web and it zeroes in on the character of Katniss. This being opposed to the former poster’s emphasis on the spectacle of the games which, were I in this film’s target audience, would be the main point of appeal for me.

In theaters March 23 from director Gary Ross, the film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Dayo Okeniyi, Amandla Stenberg, Chris Mark, Jacqueline Emerson, Wes Bentley, Lenny Kravitz, Toby Jones, and Stanley Tucci.

“Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil 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. Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.”

Hit the jump to check out the full poster! READ MORE

New ‘Hunger Games’ Still Shows Katniss Getting Ready For Battle

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Posted by EvanDickson on January 20, 2012 @ 3:23am
Category: Movies / Images

HungerLandscape11912 New Hunger Games Still Shows Katniss Getting Ready For Battle

Lionsgate keeps on dolling out stills for Gary Ross’ upcoming The Hunger Games.

The newest still finds Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) getting gussied up for battle. If I ever go into battle I’d want Lenny Kravitz to do the gussying. Entertainment Weekly scored the pic.

Hit the jump to check out the full pic! READ MORE

Take Aim At Some New ‘The Hunger Games’ Stills

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Posted by MrDisgusting on January 04, 2012 @ 3:48pm
Category: Movies / Images

1hungergames010312 Take Aim At Some New The Hunger Games Stills

By clicking the above image you’ll find an updated hi-res gallery for Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games, their thriller originally described as Running Man meets Battle Royale, while mixing in heavy tones from Shirley Jackson’s 1948 short “The Lottery”. The adaptation was teased in our 2012 horror movie preview.

‘The Hunger Games’ Goes To ‘Twilight’ Territory With Arcade Fire And, Um… Taylor Swift!

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on December 26, 2011 @ 8:36pm
Category: Movies / News

The Hunger Games Goes To Twilight Territory With Arcade Fire And, Um... Taylor Swift!

Lionsgate is taking a page out of Summit’s playbook when it comes to the soundtrack for The Hunger Games.

Around the time of New Moon it became pretty apparent that they synergistic opportunities of a youth-driven film with a huge built in audience were too great for most musicians (and labels) to pass up. Kids who almost never buy CD’s or full album downloads will still shell out 12 bucks for something if it reminds them of their favorite franchise. Whether or not they’re breathlessly waiting for the film and are trying to eke out a fraction of that experience ahead of time, or simply because the CD has their favorite characters on the cover – units will be sold. Are you a parent that doesn’t know what to get your kid? Boom. You know they like Twilight right? Buy the soundtrack.

Well Lionsgate (along with Universal Records) is hoping that the Suzanne Collins fan base has as much disposable income as Stephanie Meyer’s. As if it wasn’t apparent already, everyone’s hoping The Hunger Games is the next sure fire youth franchise, despite having sold only a fraction of the aforementioned heavy hitter’s books.

Per Variety, “Taylor Swift, Win Butler, T Bone Burnett, the Civil Wars, the Decemberists and Regine Chassagne of Arcade Fire have contributed songs to the companion album for Lionsgate’s upcoming franchise tentpole “The Hunger Games.” Lionsgate and Universal Republic Records made the announcement Saturday. The album’s produced by Burnett and will be released next year in advance of the film’s opening.

Butler and Chassagne have written a song with Burnett entitled “Horn Of Plenty,” and the Decemberists have contributed an original song, “One Engine.””

Since Butler and Chassagne are the nucleus of Arcade Fire I’m curious to hear their collaboration with Burnett. Also – those guys have donated millions of dollars to Haiti for earthquake relief, so before you cry “sell-out” consider where their money often goes.

Get Up Close and Personal With Effie Trinket in ‘The Hunger Games’

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Posted by MrDisgusting on December 22, 2011 @ 3:23pm
Category: Movies / News

I’m still clinging on to hope that Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games will tonally be similar to Battle Royale and The Running Man, as originally promised. The trailer looked like it could go in the direction, but it also carried a ridiculous dystopian feel.

Case in point: Elizabeth Banks’ character, District 12 escort Effie Trinket. I previously joked about her clown make-up, now you’ll get a up close and personal look thanks to MTV’s faux cosmetic ad asking “what will you be wearing to the opening ceremonies”? Ask Joel Schumacher…

Directed by Gary Ross, and starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Dayo Okeniyi, Amandla Stenberg, Chris Mark, Jacqueline Emerson, Wes Bentley, Lenny Kravitz, Toby Jones, and Stanley Tucci, Lionsgate will begin the games on March 23. READ MORE

Enter the Arena On Official ‘Hunger Games’ One-Sheet

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Posted by MrDisgusting on December 16, 2011 @ 12:40am
Category: Movies / News

Enter the Arena On Official Hunger Games One Sheet

Lionsgate just completed a super awesome promotion where they gave a Twitter follower the chance to be the first person ever to see the official one-sheet for The Hunger Games. Below you’ll see the poster shared by @johnshoward and given to AICN to first display.

Originally described as Running Man meets Battle Royale, the movie also mixes in heavy tones from Shirley Jackson’s 1948 short “The Lottery”.

Oscar Winner to Pen ‘Hunger Games’ Sequel, ‘Catching Fire’

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Posted by MrDisgusting on November 17, 2011 @ 2:53am
Category: Movies / News

Oscar Winner to Pen Hunger Games Sequel, Catching Fire

While Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games doesn’t arrive in theaters until March 23, the studio is playing it smart and planning ahead.

The mini-major is getting serious about the second installment as they’re already courting Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours scribe Simon Beaufoy to write Catching Fire, the second installment of the three book series that tracks the life and death adventures of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence).

Deadline adds that Gary Ross, who directed The Hunger Games, is coming back for the sequel. It’s unclear if this is exciting news as we’ve yet to see the first film. Based on the newly released trailer, I’m mixed.

There is no start date on the sequel, but it is high priority. READ MORE

First ‘Hunger Games’ Teaser!

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Posted by EvanDickson on August 29, 2011 @ 4:06am
Category: Movies / News

Apparently there were TWO one-second teases for The Hunger Games at the VMA’s tonight before they showed the actual teaser. That’s a lot of teasing but I suppose it’s appropriate for the attention span of the demographic.

Directed by Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Seabiscuit), this first look at the adaptation of the novels by Suzanne Collins is surprisingly lush given the post apocalyptic subject matter. Then again, the pictures that debuted earlier this summer were anachronistically polished as well – maybe having not read the books I’m missing out on the subplots about moisturizer and hot oil.

I know Lenny Kravitz is in the films so perhaps he can fill in those gaps for us. The Hunger Games opens March 23, 2012.

Hit the jump to check out the video.

hunger games a l 1 (1) First Hunger Games Teaser!

Movies
Posted by David Harley on April 20, 2011 @ 8:33pm
Category: Movies / News

Over the past month and a half, things have really been heating up on Lionsgate’s adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series, which is set to hit the big screen on March 23, 2012. With news of Elizabeth Banks’ possible involvement surfacing earlier this week, today the studio announced that newcomer Willow Shields has been cast as Primrose Everdeen, Katniss’ (Jennifer Lawrence) younger sister. I haven’t read any of the books (yet), but word is that this is a fairly important character – at least in the first entry. Rumor is that the film will begin principal photography late next month in North Carolina.

Set in post-apocalyptic America, Hunger Games introduces 16-year-old heroine Katniss Everdeen, who must participate in a fight-to-the-death annual event called the Hunger Games. The battles are televised, and pit youths from each of the Capitol’s 12 Districts against each other.
READ MORE

Oscar Nominated Actress Playing ‘Hunger Games’

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Posted by MrDisgusting on March 12, 2011 @ 3:38am
Category: Movies / News

Jennifer Lawrence (X-Men: First Class) is close to getting an offer to star as Katniss in Lionsgate’s Hunger Games, Lionsgate’s bet on the next Twilight-sized young-adult franchise that channels a bit of Battle Royale.

Gary Ross is set to direct from a script by Billy Ray and Suzannes Collins. Lionsgate hopes to have it in theaters by March 23, 2012.

It’s another gritty role for the actress, who was just nominated for a best-actress Oscar for her turn as a strong-willed teen in the grim indie thriller Winter’s Bone.

Hunger Games, based on the novel by Collins, is set in a dystopian future where a young woman joins a survival contest to save her community. Tome is the first in a trilogy that’s garnered comparisons to the Twilight series.
READ MORE