November 30, 2013

Costumes in Mockingjay - What Should We Expect?

According to the recent interview with MTV News, costume illustrator Christian Cordella said that the costume for the movie adaptation of Mockingjay 1 & 2 will be much tamer than the first two movies in the franchise. Why? Read the excerpt below:


on the costumes in Mockingjay:
"It's underground, so it's not going to be too much of the flamboyant dresses," he said. The District 13 clothes are more subdued, more military in nature than the Capitol finery.



"On the first one I worked on pretty much everything from the fire dress to the Hunger Games suit," he explained. "Hopefully they matched the expectations of the viewers. That's the hope when you approach one of these kinds of movies."

You can read the full interview at MTV.

A Fan's Perspective on The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Even before The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was shown in various theaters around the globe, the movie had been predicted to do very well in the box office. The predictions came true - the movie is now considered the number 1 movie in the world. There's only one good reason why Catching Fire bombarded the box office better than its predecessor - a lot of people love it! Whether you are a fan of the book or was just invited by your friends to watch the movie, it's undeniable that The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is one of this year's most successful movie!


As a fan of the book and the overall franchise, here's my review. Since this is an adaptation and part of a franchise, it is just right to give comparisons from the original medium and to its predecessor. 

Peeta - Katniss - Gale Relationship

Katniss and Gale

Peeta and Katniss

There has been a huge improvement with the portrayal of the three main leads of the trilogy, particularly with Katniss. Jennifer Lawrence handled Katniss' complexity very well. She was pretty smooth with the action scenes too. She's unstoppable. Peeta became more manly in Catching Fire as compared to The Hunger Games. I love how they transformed Peeta physically in the second movie. Josh also grew up with Peeta in the movie. Gale has become more rebellious and Liam nailed it. 

In Catching Fire, you can feel the tense between Katniss' feelings towards Peeta and Gale. One thing I didn't like is they weren't able to include the rooftop scene before the Third Quarter Quell. In the movie, you could really see that Katniss is more genuinely interested with Gale and only goes for Peeta if the cameras are rolling. At first, there are some sort of things like that but that's not the case in the book entirely. If you read it, you can really tell that Katniss is still torn between these two guys - even if there's a camera or not. The rooftop scene is a place in the tribute apartment that doesn't have a camera, meaning the conversations and feelings shared between Katniss and Peeta in that particular area are genuine. The idea of how Katniss relates to Peeta with the bread (who gave her hope) was totally disregarded. 

Well, you can still see how Katniss cares for Peeta. However, most of the people who weren't able to read the books, guess that Katniss loves Gale more than Peeta. 


President Snow and Plutarch/President Snow and His Granddaughter

President Snow

President Snow and Plutarch


The clips between President Snow and Plutarch and President Snow and his granddaughter were not from the book. I admire how they added these scenes to be able to see the antagonists' points of view. The addition of Snow's granddaughter was brilliant since it is one of the evidences of how Katniss influences the lives of the people in the Capitol, not just in the districts. Plutarch's character was very complicated to portray but with award-winning veteran actor Philip Seymour Hoffman to bring the head gamemaker to life was a brilliant idea. 

Arena/Training Center Scenes and the Tributes

Peeta and Katniss - training center

Mags and Finnick

Brutus

Katniss, Peeta


Wiress

Gloss

The scenes in the arena and the training center are more intense and improved. I actually liked the holographs in the simulation rooms as compared to the dummies in the first movie. The older tributes like Mags and Wiress were being well played by the right actresses. Though I was a bit disappointed because Mags didn't say anything but Lynn Cohen was good enough to bring the character to life. 

The reaping with the other victors was done pretty fast as well as in introducing them. Haymitch's experiences during the Second Quarter, where he became the victor, wasn't shown in the movie. Apart from it, Bonnie and Twill didn't make it into the cut too. The exemption of these two scenes didn't affect the totality of the whole book-to-movie adaptation thing since they are not mainly the focus. If Lionsgate will create a short film about the second QQ as a featurette in the DVD/Blu-ray version of CF would be a great idea.

Johanna's elevator scene was so amazingly done! Jena Malone is Johanna Mason! I love how she handled Johanna's rebellious side as well as in portraying her character's fragile heart, which was shown in the arena following the jabberjay attack. You really have to see Katniss' reaction when Johanna ripped off her tribute parade attire!

Johanna Mason


At first, I wasn't really convinced of Sam Claflin playing Finnick Odair. We all have our own Finnick Odair in mind but I am not one of those who are totally against him for the character. I just thought that there has to be a reason why this Brit actor was the one who was chosen to play Finnick, beating out those equally good looking and talented actor as he is. Then came the poisonous fog scene - boom! Sam is totally Finnick! 

Finnick Odair


As a summary:

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was a faithful adaptation of the book with additional touches that brought more of the what should people know about the story. The overall intensity and complexity of the movie were handled very well by the actors and actresses. The costume and special effects were visually compelling - these two factors complimented the way the story should be told. The tagline "remember who the real enemy is" was so perfect for Catching Fire. Who do you think who the real enemy is? Watch the movie now and find out why!


November 16, 2013

New TV Spot Shows Snow's Upset with Katniss

Here's a new TV spot for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire entitled "Let it Fly."


New TV Spot for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - Spinning Cornucopia

Watch as the Cornucopia spins like hell in the new TV Spot below:



Effie Reminds Katniss to Chin Up and Get Her Attitude On in This New Catching Fire Clip

Just before heading to the banquet of President Snow, Effie (Elizabeth Banks) is reminding Katniss to chin up and attitude on before socializing with different people in the Capitol. Watch the short clip from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire below:

Director Francis Lawrence Reveals How He Got Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch and other Cast in Catching Fire

Watch the video below (from MTV) or read the transcript about how director Francis Lawrence was able to convince award winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman on board The Hunger Games: Catching Fire as head gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee. Director Francis also talked about casting Johanna, Beetee, 


"We came up with the idea for Phil pretty early on," Lawrence said. "He was the biggest role to cast and the most important role for the entire series if you think in terms of new additions. He was the first one we went after, but he was in the middle of 'Death of a Salesman' and wasn't really interested in entertaining anything until he was kind of done and wrapped with that."

"We did a fair amount of invention with him and [President] Snow [Donald Sutherland], so these are scenes that could possibly have happened in the background," Lawrence said. "They're not deviations, they're additions to the book. Because it's an antagonist-driven story, it was really important to see the scenes between Snow and Plutarch and to see the two of them kind of plotting and maneuvering."

Jena Malone Talks About Johanna's Elevator Scene with USA Today

In a recent article from USA Today, Jena Malone was able to share how she managed to strip down in a short time while filming the famous "elevator" scene with Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Woody Harrelson. 


"It was a really fast elevator," she says. "At first, we'd get to the door opening, and I'd still be halfway dressed and falling out of the elevator.

"I realized I was going to need some time. I had to choreograph, because I had these bracelets and the whole zipper down the side of the outfit and then taking off the shoes," she adds. "It was literally like a six-second striptease. I became a really good burlesque dancer."

"I finally got all of the timing bits down," Malone says. "And as I turned to go, the elevator doors opened. And there was a guy holding two cups of coffee from Starbucks trying to get onto the elevator. I just walked out. I was like, 'OK, keep going!' And he was totally unfazed. It's like me, naked in all of Joanna's glory, and then Woody Harrelson, Jen (Lawrence) and Josh (Hutcherson) and the camera operator behind me."
"It was the best moment of my life," she adds.

Read more at USA Today.

November 15, 2013

President Snow Visits Katniss in District 12's Victor Village - Convince Me

Here's a clip showing President Snow's visit to Katniss Everdeen in the Victor's Village of District 12.






Beetee Teaches Katniss How to Spot a Force Field (Catching Fire Clip)

On his visit at Good Morning America, Jeffrey Wright introduces a clip wherein his character Beetee teaches Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) on how to spot a force field. Watch it via Perez Hilton at http://perezhilton.com/2013-11-14-hunger-games-clip-beetee-katniss-show-force-field#sthash.CEiE8e4n.dpbs.

Madrid Premiere of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Some photos of the Madrid premiere of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

More photos at http://www.popsugar.com.au/Hunger-Games-Catching-Fire-Premiere-Jennifer-Lawrence-32438460?slide=1&image_nid=32438438.

VIDEO: Behind The Scenes Footage of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Brace yourselves for the official behind the scenes video of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. You can't see any arena scenes but you get to see glimpses on District 12, victory party ball of Katniss and Peeta, the reaping, training center, and a lot more. Enjoy.


November 11, 2013

Videos of ETalks' The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Special

Here are the video links of eTalk's The Hunger Games: Catching Fire special (cast interviews).















November 09, 2013

Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch in a New Catching Fire Clip

If you have read the book, you might find the following clip familiar. The scene was during Katniss and Peeta's stopover for their victory tour in District 11, where Rue and Thresh lived. Katniss was so worried after a man was shot to death in front of her because of the three-finger salut after their speeches.





See the video clip at the official Facebook page of The Hunger Games movie at https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=789088851107768.

Johanna Mason's Intimidation Featured in Capitol Couture

Johanna Mason was featured in the latest article from Capitol Couture. You can head at the Capitol Couture to transform Johanna's intimidation into her dress.



Video of the Facebook Live Chat of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Cast

For those who missed the Facebook Live and Tumblr chat of our favorite Catching Fire cast, see the videos below:

Facebook Live Chat with Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth and director Francis Lawrence - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10100818016909353



Global Fan Day photos (Instagram, Tumblr, Yahoo, and Google Plus) - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.790145041002149.1073741838.159746560708670&type=1

November 07, 2013

Full Video Yahoo Global Fan Day Chat with Jennifer Lawrence and Francis Lawrence

Visit http://catchingupdates.tumblr.com/post/66268333290/full-yahoo-global-fan-day-fireside-chat for the full video of the Yahoo Global Fan Day Chat with Jennifer Lawrence and Francis Lawrence of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

For the Google hangout with international fans, visit this post to view the video.


November 06, 2013

Willow Shields Talks About Prim in Catching Fire

We are Movie Geeks (WAMG) has talked to Willow Shields and the actress was able to gush about Catching Fire as well as the maturity of her character Prim in the movie.


WAMG: What was it like making the second Hunger Games film?
WS: It’s exciting. I’m not as nervous as I was when I was making the first film. I know the cast already and everyone’s welcoming and knows each other, which is convenient. My character is getting a bit bigger so I’m a bit nervous about that.
WAMG: Does your character have a more prominent role?
WS: There’s going to be four films, so Prim’s role is going to get bigger and bigger.
WAMG: How much bigger is the role in the second film than the first?
WS: Just a little bigger now, but by the third film, it will have developed quite a bit more.
WAMG: Have you started filming parts three and four yet?
WS: Not yet. I’m not sure when we’re starting those. It’s in pre-production now. We’ve been doing some costume fittings and stuff.
WAMG: Was the second film also filmed in North Carolina like the first?
WS: No, it was filmed in Atlanta and Hawaii.
WAMG: Why was that?
WS: The second story’s games take place in a tropical arena so they went to Hawaii.
WAMG: Are you good friends with Jennifer Lawrence? Are you guys like sisters in real life?
WS: Yeah! We hung out at the premiere and recently and Comic-Con

WAMG: And you have a new director with part 2. What’s the difference between the directorial style of Francis Lawrence and Gary Ross, who directed the first one?
WS: There isn’t really much of a difference. The fans loved the first movie and Francis did a terrific job on the second. I loved working with Gary Ross but Francis was great too. He was really welcoming to the whole cast and I’m sure the fans will love the second movie as well.
WAMG: Have you ever met Suzanne Collins (the author of the Hunger Games novels), and if so, what did she have to say to you about the character of Prim?
WS: I’ve met her two or three times and she’s super-sweet. She told me the first I met her that I was the perfect Prim and that she couldn’t imagine anyone else in the role. She has such a love for writing and it’s fun just to talk to her about her writing and she was super-excited that I was cast.
WAMG: I haven’t read the books. Do you think she’ll ever write a fourth or fifth book, or has the story pretty much ended?
WS: No, the story is over. She’s not going to write another one.
WAMG: Are there some big stars that are in the second movie that were not in the first movie?
WS: Yeah, Phillip Seymour Hoffman is new to the series. A few others.
WAMG: Did a lot of girls audition for the role of Prim?
WS: I don’t know. The director told me that he was really excited that I had the role and that he had auditioned quite a few actresses for it and that I was definitely the perfect one, but I never heard how many girls actually tried out for the part.

WAMG: Do you have some other movie roles coming up that you have committed to?
WS: I have one that I’m committed to right now, but I’m not sure when they are going to start filming.
WAMG: There’s a lot of violence towards teenagers in the Hunger Games films. Was that something you or your parents were concerned about?
WS: No, that wasn’t an issue. When you read the books, at least for me, it’s not so much about the violence at all. I mean there’s that idea there, but there’s so many other aspects to the story, like how Catniss is fighting for her family, how there’s Pita and Gayle and all these different things so you’re not thinking about the violence so much.
WAMG: Have you seen the new movie?
WS: I have seen it and I’m getting ready to go to the London and L.A. premieres. I knew it was going to be incredible, but it’s just a great movie.
WAMG: Better than the first one?
WS: No, there are different aspects to each movie that make them different. They’re both equally incredible.
WAMG: Are you getting recognized a lot? Any weird encounters with fans?
WS: I’m getting recognized but not a ton. I haven’t had any weird encounters though sometimes little girls will recognize me and cry.
WAMG: You’re on the cover of the new Seventeen Magazine. What was that like?
WS: It was fun! I got to go to New York for the first time which was amazing. It turned out great and I’m excited!
WAMG: Good luck with HUNGER GAMES CATCHING FIRE and enjoy the rest of your visit to St. Louis
WS: Thank you!







Video: Google Hangout Global Chat with The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Cast and Fans

Here's the video of the recent Google hangout session of the director/cast and international fans (very lucky fans) The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. 

What they've talked about:
  • favorite scene in Catching Fire (cast)
  • visual approach to Catching Fire as compared to The Hunger Games (director Francis)
  • things Jen couldn't live without
  •  intense scene shot in CF (Liam)
  • most emotional scene to shoot (cast)
  • skills to show off to the gamemakers and their scores (cast)
  • strangest fan encounter (Josh)
  • other inspiration in filming Catching Fire (director Francis)
  • what timezone they will choose in the Catching Fire arena - blood rain, fog, lightning (cast)
  • faithfullness of Catching Fire movie to the book
  • favorite set to film in Catching Fire (cast)
  • what would they ask if they met their character to life
  • who's better kisser Josh or Liam (Jen)
  • what inspires them to read Catching Fire
  • what it felts like to shoot the monkey scene
  • being nervous in shooting scenes (Josh)
  • Haymitch on protecting Peeta and Katniss (Jen/director Francis)
  • being punked on Catching Fire set (cast)
  • who's voice is going to be used if they are trapped in the jabberjay scene (cast)
  • getting along with the new cast
  • physical training for Catching Fire
  • and a lot more





Mobile Game for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Entitled Panem Run to be Released on November 22nd

Reliance Games and Lionsgate have teamed up for the mobile game Panem Run in coordinate with the release of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, to be released on November 22, 2013. Here's an excerpt from the report via Polygon.

Panem Run takes the frantic action of the Hunger Games series — contestants called Tributes battling in perilous arena to last man standing, all in order to win food and money for their poverty-stricken home regions — and meshes it into an endless runner. The game will include social features, such as a competitive mode that will allow Panem Run players to challenge their friends' high scores.

"With its epic story of struggling for survival, The Hunger Games franchise lets us recreate the competitive world of Panem in a social mobile game," said CEO of Reliance Games Manish Agarwal in a statement to Polygon. "In partnering with Lionsgate, we'll build a community of Hunger Games fans, teaming up to face unique challenges together as they run through the Districts of Panem."

Jena Malone's Training in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire as Johanna Mason

In the latest article from shape.com, Jena Malone's trainer, Patrick Murphy, was able to share the actress' training for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. 

Jena Malone as Johanna Mason

SHAPE: Malone has said she trained with you five days a week for two months before she even started filming. What was your plan of action to get Jena Hunger Games ready?

PM: Truth be told, I had a great canvas to start with. Our game plan was to incorporate strength and power moves into balance and agility training, with four to five workouts a week. We targeted different muscle groups on different days with varied split routines each week, determined by how Jena was feeling. We might have focused on pushing movements one day and pulling movements the next, always doing core work too. On days we weren't doing resistance training, Jena would do high-intenstiy sprint intervals so we never hit a plateau.

SHAPE: And how did you see her body transform?

PM: Jena went from thin to lean and mean, and by the end of two months, seriously hard and ripped. She had a history of training hard—her body changed very quickly.

SHAPE: In The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Johanna Mason is known for being talented with an ax, how did you incorporate that into her workout?

PM: Her character would be in "do or die" situations so her movements had to be super focused with high intensity. Exercising with resistance bands, cables, weighted bars, and dumbbells prepared her to strike with any weapon; her wrist and handgrip became super strong. After many reps and much practice she made difficult movements look easy!

SHAPE: To sustain all her effort in the gym, what type of nutritional plan did you recommend?

PM: The great news for me was learning that Jena already eats super healthy. I did some fine-tuning by asking her to eat all organic and avoid processed foods; it helped her maintain amazing energy and achieve that lean, ripped body.

SHAPE: What's the best way for women to start integrating Malone’s training strategies into their routine?

PM: First and foremost, you need a strong mindset and the willingness to change—only then will you reach your fitness goals. Commit to becoming super fit and make it a top priority. Also, I recommend that everyone work with a fitness professional, even if it’s periodically to make sure you’re on the proper path for reaching your full potential.


New Catching Fire Clip Features Katniss Convincing Gale to Run Away from District 12

In Tonight's Show with Jay Leno, a new clip of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is featured. The clip shows how Katniss convinces Gale to runaway from District 12. Before the clip is revealed, find out how Liam Hemsworth talked about his experiences working with Jennifer Lawrence in the movie.



German TV Spot of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Showcases Gale and Katniss After the Whipping

In the German TV spot of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the scene wherein Katniss comforted Gale after the whipping was featured. This is one of the points in the movie where Katniss became more confused and tangled in the love triangle with Peeta and Gale. Also, you can get to see the new headgamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman) in the control room.     





New Catching Fire TV Spot - We Remain Showcases Finnick's Sugarcube and Johanna!

In the latest TV spot via Subway, you will be able to glimpse Finnick's famous sugar cube scene. You can also Johanna as well as Mags! Check it out below:



New Stills of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

I don't own any of these images.

Katniss and Peeta in the training center

Peeta and Katniss victory tour

victory tour

victory tour

morphling girl with Peeta in the training center