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Crazy Epic ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ Poster Premiere!

Man, there are times when Lionsgate’s marketing department literally blows my mind with how incredible they are. Such the case with this remarkable The Hunger Games: Catching Fire one-sheet and banner, depicting Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) standing tall and strong on a cliff. I love the classic “Mona Lisa”-esque painting look it was given, too. The poster was accompanied by the quote: “The sun persists in rising, so I make myself stand.”

The Francis Lawrence-directed sequel, in theaters November 22, “continues the story of Katniss Everdeen and the fictional, futuristic nation of Panem. Due to the events of the previous novel, a rebellion against the ruling Capitol has begun, and Katniss and fellow tribute Peeta are forced to return to the arena in a special edition of the The Hunger Games.

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, Sam Claflin all star. READ MORE

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Let the Games Begin With ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ Teaser Trailer!

Lionsgate has officially premiered the teaser trailer for Francis Lawrence’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, in theaters November 22.

While most of you gents are critical of our coverage, I stand behind the franchise as worthy of Bloody Disgusting, even if it isn’t as violent as Battle Royale. And let’s be frank, the first movie was pretty good…

As the sequel to the 2008 bestseller “The Hunger Games,” Catching Fire continues the story of Katniss Everdeen and the fictional, futuristic nation of Panem. Due to the events of the previous novel, a rebellion against the ruling Capitol has begun, and Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and fellow tribute Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) are forced to return to the arena in a special edition of the The Hunger Games.

Check out the teaser below, alongside a few new images. READ MORE

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Captured New Look At ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’

Say what you will about Lionsgate/Summit’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, but it’s basically a PG-13 version of Battle Royale. It should definitely be covered here on Bloody. It’s way more genre than Twilight ever was, and even more violent.

Yesterday we showed the Everdeen sisters, while a new image displays Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth).

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

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Elizabeth Banks Lounges Around In Latest ‘Catching Fire’ Poster

Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire will again feature the great Elizabeth Banks in her role as Effie Trinkett. I like Banks a lot, so I’m hoping she has more to do this time. Update: We’ve added a poster of Stanley Tucci as the host of the games, Caesar. Apparently they’re starting with the purple-haired characters first.

In theaters November 22 from director Francis Lawrence, “As the sequel to the 2008 bestseller “The Hunger Games,” it continues the story of Katniss Everdeen and the fictional, futuristic nation of Panem. Due to the events of the previous novel, a rebellion against the ruling Capitol has begun, and Katniss and fellow tribute Peeta are forced to return to the arena in a special edition of the The Hunger Games.

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 for the posters! READ MORE

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First Image From ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ Targets Your Face

We now have the first official image for Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, in theaters November 22, 2013 from director Francis Lawrence. Not a lot of analysis to be had here, in the images from the first film she was facing to the side, now she’s facing forward.

‘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 for a better look! READ MORE

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[2013 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] LIONSGATE/SUMMIT

If there’s one studio that has always been good to horror fans it’s the Gate. Since Saw broke loose in 2004, the mini major has been pumping out genre product in fist fulls.

Last year was no different as they released the incredible high concept slasher The Cabin in the Woods, as well as the Sam Raimi produced Possession and the Battle Royale-esque The Hunger Games.

With 2013 on the horizon, things kick off with a new Leatherface movie, although we hold our breath for films like Nurse 3D and the festival favorite You’re Next. READ MORE

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‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ Motion Poster

The first motion poster animated its way online for Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, in theaters November 22, 2013 from director Francis Lawrence.

‘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. READ MORE

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

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

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

“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

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‘Hunger Games’ Finale, ‘Mocking Jay,’ Taps Writer

Hot off winning two Emmys for writing and co-exec producing HBO’s “Game Change,” Danny Strong has been tapped to write the two-part Hunger Games sequel Mockingjay for Lionsgate, Variety first reported.

The first pic is skedded for release on November 21, 2014, while the second will open on November 20, 2015.

In the book, “Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12.

The first sequel, Catching Fire, is due out Nov. 22, 2013. Francis Lawrence is directing from a script by Simon Beaufoy.

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[Blu-ray Review] “The Walking Dead: Season 2″, ‘The Raid,’ ‘The Hunger Games,’ and ‘A Little Bit Zombie’!

THE WALKING DEAD: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON

I’m a late-comer in all things concerning The Walking Dead. I own the first thirty or so issues of this post-apocalyptic zombie comic book series but for some reason or another, I didn’t get the opportunity to go through them all. I’m so behind in the game that I’ve decided to just pick up the trade paperbacks from now on. Things aren’t much different concerning AMC’s television series adaptation. I just recently caught up to the first season and really dug it. The six-episode run established the gritty, unflinching, unpredictable tone of Robert Kirkman’s comics. Like everyone else, I was supremely worried going into season two since Executive Producer, Frank Darabont (The Mist, The Shawshank Redemption) left the show. Glen Mazzara (The Shield) took over the reins and thankfully sticks to the sturdy template left behind.

It’s good to see that the tough budget cuts forced upon by AMC hasn’t hurt the show in any obvious way. The writers have worked around this obstacle by narrowing the scope considerably. The second season leads the characters to an old farmhouse and stays confined there for the entire thirteen episodes. The action-packed, breakneck pace of its predecessor has been replaced with a slower, more character-driven tempo. While this frustrated some, I actually believe this added a much darker, more tension-filled feel to the show. It stays true to what I love about The Walking Dead. The trials and tribulations of these very human, flawed characters are now further explored. Since there are a lot less action beats, doesn’t mean they lose their effect. Actually the opposite happens. Stakes feel much higher. KNB’s FX work is still first rate stuff and the performances by the ensemble is some of the best I’ve ever seen on television. READ MORE

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Meta Golding Is ‘Catching Fire’ As Previous Winner

Meta Golding (“CSI,” “Criminal Minds,” “House,” “Cold Case”) has been cast in Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire in the role of Enobaria, a former winner of the Hunger Games, reports Variety.

Filming of the sequel is expected to start next month.

Francis Lawrence is directing Catching Fire in early May 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

‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ Has Its Peacekeeper

Director Francis Lawrence has tapped “Sons of Anarchy” thesp Patrick St. Esprit (Super 8) to play Romulus Thread in Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, reports Variety.

Based on the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins, the sequel sees tributes Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark embark on a “Victor’s Tour” of Panem’s districts, where Katniss senses a rebellion simmering as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games.

Ready to enforce the Capitol’s law under any circumstance, Thread becomes the Head Peacekeeper of District 12 in “Catching Fire.”

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth return to star in the sequel alongside newcomers Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amanda Plummer, Jena Malone and Lynn Cohen.

Nina Jacobson is producing through her Color Force banner along with Jon Kilik. Lionsgate will release “Catching Fire” on November 22, 2013. READ MORE

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Amanda Plummer Cast As “Wiress” In ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’

Amanda Plummer has officially been cast in Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire as “Wiress”, according the The Hunger Games Facebook.

Per that site, “Wiress’ eccentricity earns her the nickname “Nuts” from fellow tributes. Though she doesn’t communicate traditionally, her observations and contributions prove invaluable.

Plummer joins new cast members Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jena Malone. 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 studio signed Francis Lawrence to direct Catching Fire in early May. Lionsgate is planning to shoot the movie starting in the fall for a November 22, 2013 release date.

Suzanne Collins’ “Catching Fire” story features a special edition of the Hunger Games every quarter-century in which tributes are “reaped” from the victors of past games. Slumdog Millionaire screenwriter Simon Beaufoy is crafting the “Fire” script.

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The Third And Fourth ‘Hunger Games’ Movies Have Release Dates

How long was I sleeping? When did the third “Hunger Games” book, “Mockingjay”, get split into The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2? I guess it was bound to happen. What’s better? 1 billion or 2 billion? I actually really liked what Gary Ross did with The Hunger Games but I have no idea what happens in either “Catching Fire” or this third book.

Part 1 is dated for November 21st, 2014 while Part 2 flies into its nest almost exactly one year later on November 20th, 2015. No word on if newly hired director Frances Lawrence is coming back for these or not. I suppose that all has to do with how well Catching Fire shakes out.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is still due out on November 22nd, 2013.

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‘The Hunger Games’ Home Video Release Gets A Special Features Trailer

Arriving on Blu-ray, DVD, On Demand, and Digital Download on August 18, 2012 at 12:01AM is The Hunger Games. In anticipation of the release Lionsgate has supplied us with the above special features trailer and release.

It will debut on 2-disc DVD (plus digital copy), 2-disc Blu-Ray (plus digital copy), VOD and digital download with three hours of previously unavailable bonus materials in the biggest home entertainment launch in Lionsgate’s history, the Company announced today.

The 2-disc Blu-ray and 2-disc DVD arrive loaded with over three hours of extensive bonus materials including the comprehensive eight-part documentary, “The World is Watching: Making of The Hunger Games.” Other special features include a sit-down conversation with director Gary Ross as well as numerous featurettes that examine the global success of the books, the creation of the control room in the film and the filmmakers’ motivation behind creating new scenes that were not in the book plus much more. The Blu-ray Disc set contains an additional exclusive feature, “Preparing for the Games: A Director’s Process,” which looks at the progression of taking three key scenes from the book to the screen. READ MORE

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Philip Seymour Hoffman Becomes Head Gamemaker For ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’

Philip Seymour Hoffman has officially been cast in Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire as Plutarch Heavensbee, head gamemaker for The Hunger Games, says Variety.

The studio signed Francis Lawrence to direct Catching Fire in early May. Lionsgate is planning to shoot the movie starting in the fall for a November 22, 2013 release date.

Suzanne Collins’ “Catching Fire” story features a special edition of the Hunger Games every quarter-century in which tributes are “reaped” from the victors of past games. Slumdog Millionaire screenwriter Simon Beaufoy is crafting the “Fire” script.

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.

Lionsgate has not set the release dates for the final two films in the franchise, based on the concluding “Mockingjay” tome in Collins’ trilogy.

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[News Bites] ‘Transylmania’ Lawsuit, Jena Malone ‘Catching Fire’ While Wasikowska Isn’t, & ‘Among Friends’ Characters

Actress Jena Malone (pictured above; Sucker Punch, The Ruins) is in the running for the pivotal role of strong-willed tribute Johanna Mason in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, EW reports. 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. One open question about the character is whether director Francis Lawrence will keep Johanna’s introduction from the book, in which she first meets heroine Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) naked — save for her green slippers. In addition, EW also confirmed that, despite an earlier report, Mia Wasikowska has not been approached for the role of Johanna Mason, nor would be available to shoot the film.

The producers of the 2009 mega-flop Transylmania have been sued for allegedly failing to repay nearly $22M obtained in financing for the film, says Deadline. Third Eye Capital filed the suit (read it here) today in LA Superior Court alleging fraud and breach of contract. According to the suit, producers Scott and David Hillenbrand perpetrated a fraudulent scheme to obtain the financing, failed to repay the money and used much of it for personal expenses. The film was branded a vampire spoof based on the popular Twilight franchise and HBO’s “True Blood,” but had no relation to either, according to the suit. Hill & Brand Productions, Hill & Brand Entertainment, among others, are named in the complaint.

Below we’ve added several character sheets for Danielle Harris’ slasher Among Friends, which will sneak peak at the Viscera Film Festival at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood on July 7th at 3:30 PM. Starring Alyssa Lobit, Chris Backus, Jennifer Blanc Biehn, AJ Bowen, Brianne Davis, Kane Hodder, Dana Daurey, Kamala Jones, Chris Meyer and Tanya Newbould, “‘Among Friends’ is a horror comedy about a dinner party gone wrong. Set against an 80s backdrop, the good time takes a dark turn when one in the group hijacks the evening in an attempt to help the others come clean about their secret betrayals against one another–and is willing to cut through the bone in order to expose the truth.READ MORE

Francis Lawrence Catches Offer To Direct ‘Catching Fire’

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So much for David Cronenberg, Alfonso Cuaron and Bennet Miller, The Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire will be directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, Water For Elephants). Or at least it’s been offered to him (he’ll take it).

Per Variety, “Lionsgate has offered the ‘Catching Fire’ directing gig to Francis Lawrence… Lionsgate is planning to shoot the movie starting in the late summer.

Earlier reports had claimed Lawrence as the frontrunner because his schedule was open. Lionsgate wants to get the sequel into production by August for a release date of November 22nd, 2013. The script will again be adapted by both novelist Suzanne Collins and screenwriter Simon Beaufoy. The Hunger Games, which echoes Running Man and Battle Royale, has surpassed $500 million worldwide – so I understand the need for a sequel. What I don’t understand is the rush to a release date. If the director of your big hit bows out in part because of time issues, it makes more sense to me to create time for him rather than find someone who will now have even less time to prepare.

It’s not like this thing isn’t going to be a hit – it is. I’m not necessarily against Lawrence, I’m against the rush. Lionsgate has a potential Harry Potter on their hands, a franchise of mega blockbuster films that could actually be known for being good, but they’re treating it like another Twilight. At least one HP film shifted release dates because it wasn’t ready. And another switched away from being in 3D because it didn’t look good. It’s too bad that choices from that mindset are comparatively bold.

The sequel, “features a special edition of the Hunger Games every quarter-century in which tributes are “reaped” from the victors of past games. Among the key new characters is Finnick, a combatant in the second book who leads a revolt against the Capitol, and the head Gamemaker in the second book who turns out to be working stealthily for the uprising.

‘Hunger Games’ Sequel: Could Cronenberg Be ‘Catching Fire’?

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Ok, let’s just say that for the sake of argument, you were annoyed that we covered Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games. Would have bothered you if, let’s say, David Cronenberg directed it?

The LA Times is reporting that now that Lionsgate and Hunger Games director Gary Ross have parted ways, the studio has been quickly cobbling together a list of directors who would fit their criteria.

The master list is seven or eight names long, all men, and all have some significant credits to their name. Lionsgate is basically hoping to re-create the Harry Potter moment when Warner Bros. brought Alfonso Cuaron to direct the third film in the series. In fact, Cuaron is in the mix for Catching Fire, along with David Cronenberg (The Fly, The Brood, Videodrome) and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (Babel), among others.

The studio wants to get the sequel, Catching Fire, into production by August, and the task will require someone who can wrangle a large ensemble of actors, juggle the demands of a swift schedule and collaborate on a script with Suzanne Collins and writer Simon Beaufoy.

Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games, which echoes Running Man and Battle Royale, is nearing $500 million worldwide.

‘The Hunger Games’ Sequel ‘Catching Fire’ Needs A New Director

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I really liked The Hunger Games and am hoping that it could be the next big film franchise. If we need these behemoth cash cows they should at least be halfway decent, right? So it’s sort of concerning to hear that Games director Gary Ross has dropped out of directing the sequel, Catching Fire.

Per Indiewire, “Gary Ross has officially exited the franchise and will not direct the sequel, formally giving Lionsgate and Summit his notice earlier this week, that he will not be coming back. Though recent trade reports have spun the story as being an issue mostly about money, that’s pretty much a small part of the motivation. Ross has never been a filmmaker that repeats himself (going from satire in “Pleasantville” to horse racing drama in “Seabiscuit” and action in “The Hunger Games”) and we’re told the burning desire simply isn’t there to spend another couple of years with Katniss in the Capitol (evidently, he also liked the first book best).

*Update – Deadline is now reporting that the director may not be off the project after all. They’re “hearing from multiple sources close to Catching Fire that director Gary Ross has not formally withdrawn from The Hunger Games sequel.” I suspect we’ll see all of this shake out next week. Either he’ll be on, or there will be a mad race for a new helmer.

I haven’t read the books, so I wasn’t aware of any perceived drop off in quality in the second two installments. But apparently a lot of people feel that way. What concerns me is that the original has now made so much money that the studio may go with a cheaper, less seasoned helmer in an effort to get Fire into theaters as quickly (and with as little turbulence) as possible.

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

 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

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The Hunger Games

The Scholastic book, the first of a trilogy, has a “Battle Royale” meets “Running Man” feel to it, tackling contemporary culture by telling the story of an America where the subjugated districts must pay tribute in the form of a boy and a girl who are forced to participate in a televised battle to the death.

Alternate: The pic is 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.

[BD Review] ‘The Hunger Games’ Is Pretty D*mn Good!

 [BD Review] The Hunger Games Is Pretty D*mn Good!

Lionsgate’s Gary Ross-directed adaptation of The Hunger Games hits theaters on March 23rd and the film is poised to be a massive hit. However, unlike many out of the box hits based on popular source material – this movie is actually pretty good! I’m actually kind of excited that there’s going to be a movie that makes hundreds of millions of dollars that actually has some respect for its audience.

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).

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.

You can read the full review here. READ MORE