The Hunger Games: Grade, Review, Discuss, Sequel news **SPOILERS**

[Hunter X]

But, I'd argue that things being viewable without being absurd wins out over "fashion in the future could be odd."

They're supposed to look ridiculous and absurd, especially from Katniss's point of view. The book takes it much further, with everyone having grotesque cosmetic surgeries, not just bizarre make-up, tattoos and wigs. If anything, the movie toned down the way the book presented the people in the capital.

When you're looking at characters and can't take them seriously while they wear ridiculous outfits, have devil beards and look like Lady Gaga rejects it's hard to fully take them "seriously" as credible villains/characters.

I'm not sure who you mean here. The general population of the capital aren't the villains...not directly. Katniss views them with disdain, disbelief, even amusement, but definitely not seriously. If you had the same reaction, then you're in Katniss's headspace, which is where the filmmakers want you.

The actual villains, Seneca and the President, are both very toned down. So is Cinna, who you're supposed to take seriously as Katniss's ally. The only character who looks like a capital freak is Effie, and like the others, you're not supposed to take her seriously at all.

 

[trekkiebaggio]

I liked the aesthetic, it reminded me of the excess that some kings had but on a wider scale. It makes sense to me that if they're rich they'll indulge in ridiculous luxuries.

 

[Gryffindorian]

The Hunger Games made another $8.05 million on Wednesday. That one's no record, as far as I can tell, but it did push the film past The Lorax to officially become the highest-grossing picture of 2012 so far. Its domestic total now stands at $181.76 million.

I'd say it could be a close race between THG and WoT this weekend.

Clash of the Titans opened on nearly the same date in '10 to $61m. If the same audience + some shows up +inflation then it's likley to hit $70m with help from 3-D prices also.

Hm, I think not. Sure, a lot of people saw Clash of the Titans, but not a lot of people actually liked it. And I wouldn't count on too much help from the 3D prices, considering Clash pretty much set the standard for poor quality post-production 3D conversion.

I'd expect Wrath of the Titans to pull in around $35 million this weekend, and THG about twice that.

By golly, you're right!

http://boxofficemojo.com/

 

[Trekker4747]

I bought the Hunger Games "trilogy" of books on my Kindle last night and have read up to the fourth chapter of the first book so-far. Interesting read and actually helps understand some of the motivations of Katniss (or whatever it is, why do stories like this have to come up with such bizarre names?) and more of the "atmosphere" of the oppressive, dystopian, world it's set in. I think the movie could have done things a lot differently in setting up the "feel" of this world. I also think the movie might have benefited some from inner-monologue from the main character.

Something my buddy and I were discussing the other night when we came out of the movie was how "strong" of a female character this is. In fact I'd dare say she's one of the strongest female characters in fiction (or at least main-stream or youth fiction) in a long time. Here we have a lead female character who is strong, confident, doesn't need anyone's help and has her own identity that's clear and definable (I'm looking at you, Bella!) and when portrayed on the screen she was able to be a strong female character without being sexualized like what happens with many other "strong" female characters in fiction.

Ms. Lawrence obviously has very nice features and the movie does once or twice play to them but in delicate or subtle ways without shoving it in your face that "Look! Sexy girl!"

The only things that come to mind are her "bath" scene (which was subtle with quick edits), maybe the "beautifying" scene(s) with waxing her legs and then the form-fitting workout outfit when she was trying to lure sponsors with her bow and arrow skills. But those are all very, very, subtle and even dubious cases of using sexuality to "sell" her character. Moreover, the movie doesn't try and to oversell the "sexiness" of it's male leads either. (Again, I'm looking at you Twilight) They're obviously intelligent, caring and good looking young men and they're able to be that without ripping their shirt off.

I'll say that I am a "fan" of this youth-fiction series. Never got into Harry Potter (not much into the magic stuff) and Twilight only watch it to make fun of it and to hate it, but this? This is actually good and has some depth in it.

 

[Starbreaker]

A+

I enjoyed the acting, the costumes, the subdued music, the cinematography, the editing, and just about everything there is to enjoy in a movie. I have never read the book and I wasn't expecting much going into the movie, but I was blown away. Gary Ross is going to have a lot of big projects to choose from after he's done with this series.

 

[Mooch]

It looks like Ross is out for Catching Fire.

Personally, I am not disappointed, as long as they find someone decent (and not say, Uwe Boll) to direct the sequel.

 

[scnj]

I hope they get a director who can frame an action sequence effectively.

 

[Daneel]

I'm curious to see if Ross' departure affects any of the castmembers' decision to return. From what I've heard, only Lawrence, Hutcherson, and Hemsworth were contracted for all three films.

Anyway, I finally got around to seeing this -- good film, bordering on great, but didn't quite get there. I found no fault with the casting; the direction was generally solid, but I think it could've been better. I'm hoping that the change in directors for the next film results in a Prisoner of Azkaban type of scenario, where a new director helped keep things fresh and actually improve upon what came before.

 

[DigificWriter]

I wouldn't put much stock in that report until/unless Lionsgate confirms it. I'm personally skeptical that Ross would bow out for any reason other than the breakdown of monetary negotiations because as recently as a week or so ago, he was commenting on his ideas for what he wanted to do with the sequel.

 

[Agent Richard07]

From what I've heard, only Lawrence, Hutcherson, and Hemsworth were contracted for all three films.

Woody Harrelson said he signed on for 4 movies.

Source

 

[Trubinator]

Donald Sutherland will probably also stick around for the other three movies. As for the rest of the cast, none are well known enough to pass on a blockbuster with a paycheck.

 

[Captain Craig]

From what I've heard, only Lawrence, Hutcherson, and Hemsworth were contracted for all three films.

Woody Harrelson said he signed on for 4 movies.

Source

Really?
As one who has only read the first book it makes me wonder what relevance he'd have beyond a trainer for the tributes.

I have an idea but I'm curious that Haymitch is active enough for two more stories. I'll get around to reading the next two before then.

 

[Trekker4747]

Spoiler: The Second Book

Haymitch is pulled into the game in the second book.

 

[Captain Craig]

^^^
Not entirely what I thought but partially anyway.

The way Katniss and Peeta put together in the cave(in the book) what Haymitch must've been like was a bit revealing.

 

[Miss Chicken]

My son (who is 29) and two of his friends went and saw it today. They all enjoyed it and my son has borrowed my Kindle to read the books.

 

[Daneel]

From what I've heard, only Lawrence, Hutcherson, and Hemsworth were contracted for all three films.

Woody Harrelson said he signed on for 4 movies.

Source

Well, that's good to know. Haymitch was one of my favourite characters in the movie.

I'm actually a little surprised Harrelson agreed to do four films. Shortly after Zombieland came out (and proved successful), there was talk of doing a sequel. From what I recall, though, Harrelson expressed reluctance to that idea, saying that he's never thought of himself as the kind of actor to do sequels to his movies.

 

[nvek86]

Donald Sutherland will probably also stick around for the other three movies.

I think it's a safe bet that he will return. I can't find it now, but I remember an interview with Sutherland where it was stated that he was a big fan of the books.

 

[Harvey]

My thoughts here.

In summary, the film has three major flaws:

(1) The world and the premise are wildly implausible.
(2) The desire for a PG-13 rating neuters the violence and deprives the movie of teeth.
(3) The characters are constantly giving voice to exposition that they should know, and are only stating for the benefit of the audience.

Technical proficiency and a good cast can't save this one.

C-

 

[Trekker4747]

The world and the premise are wildly implausible.

Given the history of our own world I doubt this. In The Hunger Games universe this even all comes down after major war(s) in our time that pretty much changed the entire social and thinking structure of the continent.

 

[Daneel]

More box office news: The Hunger Games made an estimated $33.5 million over the Easter weekend. That means it passed the $300 million domestic mark faster than any other non-summer or non-holiday season film.

I'll be very curious to see if it has a shot at surpassing last year's top-grossing picture, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (which made about $380 million last summer). It's pretty much guaranteed to surpass 2011's runner-up, Transformers: Dark of the Moon (which grossed around $352 million). All very impressive for a March release.