THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE TRAILER

Oh. My. Sweet Mother Goddess above! The Hunger Games: Catching Fire trailer is out, and needless to say I am jumping out of my chair. Any of you who know me, know that I absolutely love the Hunger Games. Prepare to see several Hunger Games updates over the next couple months.  It is a close second to my obsession with Harry Potter, and Star Wars, which have been the center of my nerdy fandom for the majority of my life. Iron Man is pretty high on my list too but, like the Hunger Games, it has been a more recent fixation. But there is certainly something special about Katniss Everdeen and her distpoic universe that just sucks me in.

I loved The Hunger Games books, despite the fact that they're not exactly the pinnacle of literary achievement. While Susan Collins's writing is a bit sloppy in my opinion, the story is strong and it's the perfect series, tailor made for the screen. While box office dollars are not the best gauge of cinematic achievement, the first Hunger Games film, directed by Gary Ross (Seabiscuit, Pleasentville), maxed out at about $700 million dollars world wide, which is quiet an achievement. $700 million that was well deserved. 

The real star was clearly Jennifer Lawrence who, more than any other person involved in the franchise, has made the Hunger Games explode. I love Jennifer Lawrence. She's my favorite. Not just because of her genuinely quirky charm, but because she is an incredible actress with a wide range of skills. She has a bravery and an integrity not seen very often in the young and super famous. She's the actress who dives right in without abandon, with no apologies, and no asterisks. I respect that. The fact that she is so legit has really done wonders for the reputation of The Hunger Games film(s).

If you question Jennifer Lawrence's talent, go watch Winter's Bone. It will blow your mind. It is a film that despite the critical acclaim was still WILDLY underrated. Jennifer Lawrence's acting is just the tip of the iceberg with the film. The written and direction by Debra Granik and cinematography by Michael McDonough, are incredible. It's a beautifully articulated piece of art. It pulls Lawrence out of the Emma Watson/Kirsten Stewart teen romance territory and places her firmly in a much higher class of actress. 

Jennifer Lawrence has done Hollywood the old fashioned way with lots of, hard work, talent, charm and a healthy dose of smart-assery. The Hunger Games role was lucky, like Emma Watson's Harry Potter or Kirsten Stewart's Twilight. But Lawrence has proven herself as a quality working actress having achieved an Oscar at the age of 22 for her starring role in Silver Linings Playbook. There are people in Hollywood who work 60 years, star in dozens, if not hundreds of films, and never come close to what Lawrence has achieved before being legally able to rent a car. Let that sink in.

But there are so many other things to appreciate about The Hunger Games besides Jennifer Lawrence. I also happen to be a huge fan of Woody Harrelson, ever since I saw White Men Can't Jump when I was just a kid. He's a damn good actor with a wide range and an interesting perspective. His role as the drunken Haymitch provides dark comedic relief. There is also the adorable Josh Hutcherson, as Peeta Melark, and Elizabeth Banks, as Effy.

There are also lots of new and surprising additions to the Hunger Games cast. The most significant is clearly the brilliant Philip Seymour Hoffman. He, like Lawrence has really upped the legitimacy of the franchise. 

When asked why an Academy Award winning actor would get involved in what has been considered a 'teen drama' Hoffman said, "I liked the people involved. It's a great group of actors. It's a great environment. And the character was something I was attracted to. It was an interesting role. He's somebody who's part of the revolution, but you don't know it. The idea that somebody would be risking themselves in such an extreme way to join something that's dangerous because he think it's the future...that's interesting stuff, you know?" 

Also joining the cast is Jena Malone who is among my favorite young actresses. My first introduction to Malone was her role in Saved, which is a classic film for anyone in their mid-20's. She also had a very interesting role in Sucker Punch (2011), where she played a concubine/warrior in the sci-fi-esque action movie. Malone usually works in the independent arena, so to see her in Catching Fire is really exciting. 

Rounding out the star studded cast is Donald Sutherland, Lenny Kravitz, Stanly Tucci and Sam Claflin. 

If you've read the books, you know that Catching Fire is when shit starts to get real. If the slaughter of children for the sake of entertainment wasn't enough, we get to see the Capital's systematic brutality towards the citizens of Panam.

While this was just the teaser trailer, I am a little dismayed that they didn't show any of the tropical area that dominates the story of Catching Fire. The images inside of the various districts are quite compelling, and the fashion is absolutely stunning. But I am hoping we get a glimpse of the arena in the next trailer. 

So, here's the teaser trailer. Bask in the glory of Jennifer Lawrence and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. 

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire will be released November 22nd 2013

Pictures off of google. 

THE HUNGER GAMES: GIRLS RULE

The Hunger Games

Directed By: Gary Ross

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, Josh Hutcherson

The Hunger Games has finally arrived in theaters, to my extreme excitement. I read the books very recently, and, like many fans before me, I got sucked into this incredibly addicting story immediately. I have shared my opinion on the books, in earlier posts, so I will not bore you with my criticisms of Suzanne Collins. However, what is clear, is that Lions Gate finally has a winning franchise on its hands. The Hunger Games has enjoyed 4+ weeks at the top of the box office to date, and has grossed over 500 million dollars.

Hunger Games Cast

It has taken me some time to gather my thoughts about this film. I watched it a few more times and did a bit of research on the actors, crew and production. I wanted to make sure that my review was not completely tainted by my fandom. I wanted to see if I could approach this review from a place of understanding, rather than a place of emotion.

Firstly, I am going to say, I am not going to compare this film to the Japanese blood-bath, Battle Royale, or the botched abortion that is Twilight. Just about every review I've read has mentioned one or both of these films as a way to delegitimize The Hunger Games. I reject the premise that just because a story has roots in an older idea, that it is somehow not as good.

No idea is original. The absolute hubris involved in claiming 100% originality, especially when it comes to literature, and its offspring, theater and narrative film, is mind-boggling. So repress the urge to brush something aside just because its 'been done before,' especially if you consider yourself a student of film and art.

The Hunger Games is a pretty simple concept. In a future American distopia, 12 districts are ruled by the brutal Capital. In payment for the rebellion of their forefathers, every year, each district must give up two young people between the ages of 12 to 17 to fight to the death. The entire event is broadcast on TV and is mandatory viewing for all citizens.

Not everyone is going to like this film, and it suffers from a great many flaws. But overall, I think it's enjoyable, for those of us who read the book and are fans. I don't know if the film plays as well for audience members who are not familiar with the story. I thought the book was rather predictable, and I felt the movie followed suit. The predictability is not a bad thing, and I think that is part of this story's appeal. You know Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is chosen as tribute, and you know she is going to win, but nevertheless you want to take that journey with her.

The film is quite refreshing for those of us who love these types of films. It is a rarity for big blockbusters to have a female heroine who is strong, independent, and capable of doing more than pining over boys, talking about shoes, and suffering though high school. I think this film proves that there is a place for women and girls in this genera and that they can generate just as much buzz and box office returns as their male counterparts.

Unfortunately, this film is far from perfect and I am sure my criticisms will be shared by many. I think the number one biggest, (but understandable) mistake was the PG-13 rating. I understand that the rating was set in stone from the beginning in order to ensure teen fans would be able to see it. But it did a great disservice to the film. Part of the appeal of this story is the violence and they cut the film off at the knees, and made it watered down and soft.

The film also suffers from a lot of jarring camera movement. I personally love this style and use it quite often in my own films. But I understand that for some accustomed to a more traditional shooting style, the handheld becomes too distracting. On one hand, the shaky cam emphasizes the driving nature of the film, but on the other hand, it is relentless and there is not enough variety.

Overall though, the cinematography was one of the high points of this film, which is not surprising coming from veteran Tom Stern. The lighting was great, and the general look and feel was just right. I was afraid the film would take effects too far, especially the scenes in the Capital, and it would become cartoonish. But I think Ross and Stern showed a lot of restraint by approaching it from the reality point of view instead of the sci-fi point of view.

Our heroine, Katniss, played by Jennifer Lawrence is perfect. Lawrence is poised to be a huge star, and it's not just her girl next door appeal. She's the young starlet for a generation sick and tired of air heads, and fame whores. As Katniss, she's one of those girls who lives in the shadows, not because she isn't beautiful, not because she isn't smart, but because she has more on her mind than young love and pretty dresses. Katniss is a hunter, a caregiver, a breadwinner, a fighter, and not about to take shit from anyone. I think there is a part of all girls that wish they could be more like Katniss, which is why this franchise is going to be so massive.

The film has a decent supporting cast. It stars one of my all time favorites, Mr. Woody Harrelson as the perpetually drunk tribute mentor Haymitch, and Elizabeth Banks, as the uptight, clown faced Effie. The two play quite well off of each other and I think its safe to say that this is one of Banks's best roles to date. Too long has she suffered in B-movies and crappy TV shows. Too long I say! I am happy to see Banks in this film and she did quite well.

The film also stars Josh Hutcherson as the all too adorable and romantic Peeta Mellark and Miley Cyrus's boyfriend, as Gale, Katniss's ruggedly handsome hunting buddy, who does little more than look good. Hutcherson, is the perfect Peeta, gentle, slight, and great at looking like he's in pain. I am excited to see how the 'love triangle' plays out in the next films. It is not the most interesting part of the book, but Huterson and Lawrence have great on screen chemistry and I want to see more.

So if you want to see this movie, see it in theaters, if you don't have any interest in this franchise then go ahead and skip it. You wont be missing anything mind blowing. However, there are 2 more movies coming out over the next few years, and the word is, Gary Ross is out, and they will be bringing on a new director. So, don't put this to bed quite yet. The Hunger Games still has some surprises to come.

B- : Great cast, entertaining, but far too soft.