The Hunger Games

[NorthStar]

'Hunger Games' battles to $155M opening weekend.....

http://xfinity.comcast.net/articles/...=FCST_hero_sfo

That is totally insane! I mean huge money maker.

[Steve Williams]

Director Gary Ross says no to `Catching Fire'

LOS ANGELES — Gary Ross says he won't direct "Catching Fire," the second installment in Lionsgate's blockbuster "The Hunger Games" franchise.

In a statement Tuesday, Ross says "after difficult but sincere consideration," he decided not to direct the film. He blames limited time to write and prep the film because of the fixed, tight production schedule.

Ross says making "The Hunger Games" was the happiest experience of his professional life. He also denies reports that negotiations with Lionsgate had been problematic.

Lionsgate officials say in response that they're "very sorry" Ross has chosen not to direct "Catching Fire" but they look forward to working with him on future projects.

"Catching Fire" is the second installment in the franchise based on Suzanne Collins' book series. It's scheduled for release in November 2013.

[jadis]

My teen daughter was so giddy after watching this with her friends, and bought the 3 books right after. She finished reading the 3 books in a few days and I tried reading The Hunger Games without seeing the movie. Honestly, I was sleepwalking through the first hundred pages and by page 140 I gave up. The narration was very mild despite mention of killing and hand battles. I just wasn't used to this style. Finally saw the movie the other day, it was good, but nothing great to me. And watching young teens killing each other and getting hacked isn't really my cup of tea.

[Dimfer]

older daughter gifted her 17 yr old sister with the 3 books last Christmas - which she read in 3 days. She described the story writing as "plain and easy to read, much like Harry Potter". I guess the books and the movie are targeted to the younger crowd, and like Harry Potter and the Twilight franchise - huge moneymaker. We watched the movie together - and while they seemed to enjoy it - they said Woody Harrelson's character was toned down a bit in the movie. I enjoyed it, but found it to be underwhelming as well. They killed the characters too easily, almost like doing Katnis a favor all the time. If I will write it or direct it, i would make the conflict a little deeper and make the main character debate within herself a little bit if she should kill an ally or not, based on the theme of the game.

[jadis]

older daughter gifted her 17 yr old sister with the 3 books last Christmas - which she read in 3 days. She described the story writing as "plain and easy to read, much like Harry Potter". I guess the books and the movie are targeted to the younger crowd, and like Harry Potter and the Twilight franchise - huge moneymaker. We watched the movie together - and while they seemed to enjoy it - they said Woody Harrelson's character was toned down a bit in the movie. I enjoyed it, but found it to be underwhelming as well. They killed the characters too easily, almost like doing Katnis a favor all the time. If I will write it or direct it, i would make the conflict a little deeper and make the main character debate within herself a little bit if she should kill an ally or not, based on the theme of the game.

i agree with your assessment, ding. they killed the characters too easily. but as you said, the books and the movie were meant for the younger generation and probably complexities would have to be avoided for the kids to easily ride on with the story line. my favorite part was when katniss dropped the genetically altered wasps on the bunch of killers down the tree. a moment of excitement while she was sawing the branch. my teen daughter can't believe how i could not reading the first parts of the book and my reasons for it. she just absolutely loved everything in the movie and in the 3 books. kudos to the writer for getting hold of this generation. i admit that it's not an easy thing to do, as only a few have really done it well.