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Shock Over Hunger Games Director

The big "Hunger Games" news this week wasn't how much cash continued to pour in, but the director who was on his way out. Gary Ross released a statement saying he would not be back for the sequel.

"Despite recent speculation in the media, and after difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct 'Catching Fire,' " Ross said. "As a writer and a director, I simply don't have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule. I loved making 'The Hunger Games' — it was the happiest experience of my professional life.""Hunger Games" studio Lionsgate expressed remorse at Ross' departure. "We're very sorry that Gary Ross has chosen not to direct 'Catching Fire.' We were really looking forward to making the movie with him. He did an incredible job on the first film and we are grateful for his work."

Source:www.mtv.com

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Hunger Games seems poised to become the next worldwide box office smash. But is the franchise, based on a series of young adult books by Suzanne Collins too violent?

Hunger Games Photo Gallery: Meet the world's hottest cast!

The film is set in a dystopian future where a cruel government holds an annual televised battle to the death among children. The film's heroine, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) takes her sister's place in the competition against 23 kids, including fellow District 12 resident, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson).

While violence is central that story, Lawrence thinks it serves a purpose. "It's the violence and the brutality (which) is the heart of the film, because it's what gets the people angry to start an uprising and to start a revolution," she told Reuters at the European premiere of the film. "I do think the violence and brutality is justified, but I understand if everybody has a different standard for ratings."

See pictures from the film's Hollywood and London premieres

And Lawrence isn't the only member of the cast who thinks so. "It's not overly gruesome or brutal but it is part of the story in some way," says Hutcherson.

In the United States, Hunger Games received a PG-13 rating "for intense violent thematic material and disturbing images -- all involving teens," while in Britain, the film managed to obtain a "12A" rating (suitable for children 12 and over), only after cutting seven seconds of footage featuring wounds and bloodied weapons, according to Reuters.

Hunger Games will be released in theaters on March 23. Do you think it will be suitable for young children?

Hunger Games

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Hunger Games Star Picks Her Favorite Scenes

There are probably several scenes that "Hunger Games" fans can't wait to see on the big screen on March 23. While trailers and clips have given us a glimpse of what the world of the books will look like in the film, the juiciest stuff has yet to be seen.

But leading lady Jennifer Lawrence assures MTV News that the emotions and stakes are quite high when the story is translated to celluloid."Rue's death, I mean that's just a horrible scene," she said about the tragic death of the youngest tribute in the Games. When asked how she mustered up the tears for that scene, she admitted that she faked most of it. "I mean, I can definitely start crying; water comes sometimes, maybe it doesn't. I'm not against the menthol stuff and all that, 'cause it's just water. That's the thing, I don't have anything in my life that can instantly make me cry — knock on wood. So it's the standard hold your eyes open and fake your way through it."

Another big scene, according to the one-time Oscar nominee, comes courtesy of Josh Hutcherson, who plays her love interest and pal, Peeta. "Josh has this amazing scene the night before the games, and he has this really great monologue."

And then there's that cave scene and all its romantic implications that will have all the "HG" fans buzzing. Lawrence admitted Katniss was "pretty aggressive" in the cave, a trait she's not sure she shares with her character. "I don't know, first kisses are always awkward because it's like we both know it's going to happen but both of us are kind of, 'Hmm,' " she said.

However, it seems one scene was left on the cutting-room floor by director Gary Ross. She joked, "That breakdance fight between me and Josh; that didn't make it."

Source:www.mtv.com

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Walk The Red Carpet At The Hunger Games Premiere For Charity

The countdown has officially begun until The Hunger Games hits theaters on March 23, 2012. For Panem fans, the wait is almost as excruciating as waiting to see which tribute is the last standing, so to get true die hards the first look at Katniss, Peeta and the gang on the big screen, Charitybuzz.com is auctioning off tickets to the premiere in Los Angeles on March 12.

Cinna may not dress you in custom-designed gown for the big night, but you and a friend will walk the red carpet alongside Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss), Josh Hutcherson (Peeta), Elizabeth Banks (Effie), Liam Hemsworth (Gale) and the rest of the star-studded cast. As you make your way to the viewing party of the century, you’ll sit like a VIP from the Capitol during the film and afterwards, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the film’s after-party.

The auction will benefit The Johnson Center for Child Health & Development, whose mission is to advance the understanding of childhood development through clinical care, research, and education.

Bidding on this incredible package to the hottest movie premiere this season is open through February 29 here.

Source: www.looktothestars.org 

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'Hunger Games' Stars Agree: Josh Hutcherson Is The Most Like His Character

If Josh Hutcherson's portrayal of Peeta—the District 12 tribute whose affections for baked goods are surpassed only by his love for fellow Games player Katniss Everdeen—seems perfectly effortless, there's a reason. According to the stars of the March 23 release, Josh is the cast member most like the character he portrays.

"Josh. Josh is Peeta," Jennifer confirmed, when posed the fan question from@RealOrNotReal. "He's charming, he's nice, he's very real and down to earth, he's not fake in any way. He just can charm anyone and anything."

And, in a mature bit of self-awareness, Josh himself copped to the uncanny likeness.

"Oh, God, this is going to sound so stupid: Me, because I have literally never read a character, book or script or anything that has a character in it I connected with more than Peeta," he said. "I feel like so much of who I am is Peeta. It drove me crazy during the audition process, because I was like, "This is so me, it hurts. If I don't get this, I'm not even good at being me, so now what am I? I have no idea what to do next."

Gosh, glad he landed that role!

Want more "Hunger Games" scoop? The cast answered all kinds of fan questions, including hiding their accents, the most difficult scene to shoot and more. Check it all out at MTV News!

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'The Hunger Games' full-length trailer to debut on Monday: What do you hope to see?

This upcoming Monday, the first full-length trailer for The Hunger Games will debut during theGood Morning Americabroadcast. May the odds be ever in your favor that you’ll get a glimpse of what you’re dying to see, because, let’s face it, there’s plenty.

Since this summer’s teaser trailer (all one second of it) leftmuch to the imagination, there’s a veritable check list of things fans can hope to see come Monday morning. Will the Hunger Games trailer follow in the footsteps of the The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo‘s first (official) intoxicating trailer and go with quick snippets? I’m envisioning Katniss running while we get fast-paced glimpses at the selection, the ceremonies, or the harrowing, pulse-pounding action of the Games themselves. Now imagine them all set to Rue’s lullaby or “The Hanging Tree”? (Insert goosebumps here.)

Or can we expect something more like Tattoo‘s second trailer, which gave viewers a more in-depth look at the characters and places? Perhaps we’ll hear some dialogue (Katniss’ interactions with Peeta or Rue in the Games would feel especially effective, as would Katniss sacrificing herself to take Prim’s spot in the Games) or see some memorable settings (the Cornucopia, the Hub, the Districts). My fingers are crossed that we’ll also be privy to some drama (see: that little romantic triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale) and some unbearably intense moments (the training sessions, the first run for the weapons, the interactions with Muttations).

With so much to look forward to in The Hunger Games, what are you most anxious to see in the trailer? Do you hope it’s all build up or do you want them to show as much action as possible? Share in the comments section below.

Source: google.com

Amelia's Book Room: Just Released: Mockingjay!

I'm afraid I don't have a regular review this week; I'm too busy reading the final Hunger Games novel!

If you're even a little into young adult books, chances are you've heard of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Today, the third and last book in the trilogy, Mockingjay, came out. I've been reading it pretty much all day since I got my copy in the mail, so hopefully next week I'll have a full-fledged review for you. So far, I'm liking it a lot!

Don't forget; we're reading Carl Hiaasen's Scat for the Dekoposh Reading Club, and will probably have a meeting to discuss it near the end of August! Happy reading!

Amelia's Book Room: The Hunger Games

Hiya, guys! Before I forget, I finally got Maximum Ride: Fang on Wednesday last week, and finished it that night! It was pretty good; I didn't enjoy it quite as much as book 5, because there was a lot of crazy stuff going on, but overall it left me anxious for more--which, sadly, I'll have to wait for for another year!

Anyway, back to this week's book. Avid readers everywhere have been falling in love with Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games series! Beginning, of course, with The Hunger Games, we get to know 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, and the world she lives in. In a post-apocalyptic world, Katniss lives in the poorest of twelve districts controlled by the overpowering Capitol. Every year, the Capitol chooses two children from each district to compete in the devastating and dreadful Hunger Games: a fight to the death for survival, and there can be only one victor.

Katniss has always fought to keep her family alive in District Twelve; the people she cares most about are her widowed mother, her best friend Gale, and her little sister Prim. So, when Prim is chosen to compete in the games, she has no choice but to put herself in her place.

This great trilogy is continued in Catching Fire, and the last book, Mockingjay, will be released August this year! Definitely a must-read, and they really live up to the hype.

Before I go, I have to mention one non-book-related thing: it took me forever to get around to writing this today, because I have found a new addiction: owl-watching! I love all birds, but one of my favorite kinds is Barn Owls, and I have found a very unique way of watching them with this live owl box feed from San Marcos, CA. Living in this owl box, set up by Carlos and Donna Royal, is Molly, a proud new mother, and her eggs; two of which have hatched. The father, McGee, stops by at night to cuddle and bring food, and we get to watch little owlets Max and Pattison grow! It really is amazing and addictive.

OK, I'm done now. Happy reading, folks! See you owl--I mean, all, later!