The Hunger Games (2012)

Okay. I didn't read the book. I didn't read up about the production of the movie in the magazines etc.

This was a very conscious decision on my part.

I didn't know what to expect and boy was I pleasantly surprise...

Story adaption, pass with flying color

Production value pass with flying color

Casting pass.

The story reminds my of ancient Rome. 90% or the population lives in poverty and to appease the masses, the power that be created gladiatorial games (hunger games)!!

On some level it also reminds my of Oscar Welles 1984...

I don't want to say too much except for, go watch it. You won't regret it.

My Two Sen

To those who read the book wta in the next one will Peeta finally men up and kill some people or will he still be coward camouflage as tree still?

if i remember correctly, he was kinda sick in the game hence the alliances have to take care of him.
idk read it long time ago, kinda forgot the story.

After hearing mixed reviews, I held off from watchign this for a long time until last night. And i have to say i was quite pleasantly surprised by it. I kept thinking about BR at the start but after awhile i was totally absorbed by the story. I really like the character Katniss, and i didn't realize the actress was also the lead in winter bone, she was amazing in it - and the male lead was great as a love conflict. But i just wish my active imagination wasn't so intruding during the show. I kept thinking Peter was  playing Katniss to gain her trust before doing something dodgy. As it turns out, the story is as predictable as it gets but that's not necessarily a bad thing if done properly.

There were few things i didn;t really like - the shakecam imo was over-done to a point where i felt a little uncomfortable. But there were times it was used to great effect like during violence scenes. The film felt a bit draggy at times but i suppose its meant to be faithful to the book ?

Rip off or not, i thought it held its own. It had good characters and the performances were also quite good.

If Ross didn't sign up for the sequel i say give the reign to Matt Reeves. I think this kind of film is tailor made for someone of his caliber.

Yea.. I fell in love with the movie when I went to watch it for myself.
Make me go buy the book and read.
But there is always a big difference between book and movie.
Honestly, the book is much better. However, we need to credit the movie.
If not for the movie, I will not have buy the book 
So... who's going to be the next director of Catching Fire??

Hunger Games: Catching Fire Adds Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair



Francis Lawrence’s “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” has found its dashing Finnick Odair — British actor Sam Claflin, last seen as the gratuitous hunk of man meat in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and as Snow White’s would-be beau in “Snow White and the Huntsman”.

Odair is a regular in “Catching Fire” and the third book, “Mockingjay” (since split up into two films). A former Hunger Games winner from District 4, he’s incredibly handsome and gets all the girls swooning, including lead Katniss Everdeen. But as the story progresses, Finnick’s story becomes quite tragic, including his love for fellow Hunger Games winner Annie Cresta, who will no doubt be cast herself very soon. Depending on how much the script gives his character, he could become a pivotal character in the next three films, or just another handsome background face.

“Catching Fire” picks up where the first “Hunger Games” left off, with winners Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) forced back into the Arena for the Quarter Quell, the every-25-years game where previous surviving winners are pitted against one another. Even when you win, you can’t win in Panem. Sucks, doesn’t it?

The sequel will also star Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Willow Shields, Stanley Tucci, and Paula Malcomson.

Lawrence is directing the film, taking over for Gary Ross.

“Catching Fire” catches fire November 22, 2013.

I got to read the book first.    Been procrastinating for so long. Might catch the movie next week. Currently holds an impressive 93% on RT (55 fresh, 4 rotten), didn't expect that.