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- 'Hunger Games' Postmortem: Five Lessons For 'Catching Fire'
In this week's Hobnobbing, we take a look at how Gary Ross' sequel can build upon the success of the first.
By Amy Wilkinson
Jennifer Lawrence in "The Hunger Games"
Photo: LionsgateTo no one's surprise, the highly anticipated "Hunger Games" opened last week to boffo box-office numbers, all but guaranteeing the second installment in Suzanne Collins' series, "Catching Fire," will set theaters ablaze come November 22, 2013.
Director Gary Ross, who will also helm the follow-up, has already begun formulating his vision for the 75th annual Hunger Games, telling MTV News, "I have some ideas about how to do 'Catching Fire' slightly differently, but I don't want to share them yet. Not because I'm being evasive, but just because they're not fully baked. But yes, I think it will look and feel slightly different from the first."
With its jungle-like setting, the next arena will be a much different beast than the forested first, so it's no wonder Ross is re-jiggering his approach. We can only speculate that some of his sequel planning will include reviewing "The Hunger Games" in great detail — what worked and what didn't. To that end, we've compiled a list of five "Hunger Games" lessons that can and should inform "Catching Fire."
DO keep the arena underwraps
This one isn't so much for Ross as it is for the Gamemakers at Lionsgate, but we have to recognize the studio's smart decision to use only pre-Games footage in their aggressive marketing campaign for the film. In fact, I'd go so far as to say my favorite parts of the movie were from the arena, largely because they were fresh and unexpected. With the Quarter Quell's intriguing new venue, Lionsgate would be wise to build anticipation by keeping the tropical death trap shrouded in mystery.DON'T skimp on the CGI
If there was a consistent complaint I heard from "Hunger Games" fans following the film's release, it was that the Girl on Fire scene — in which Katniss and Peeta introduce themselves to the Capitol, riding atop a chariot and flaunting flame-licked jumpsuits representative of their coal-mining home — was ... underwhelming. The flame effect just didn't look real enough. With a slew of new sci-fi aspects introduced in "Catching Fire," including mutated monkeys, we hope Ross can invest a bit more in the film's digital technology.DO capitalize on Stanley Tucci
Say what you will about Jennifer Lawrence's gripping, gritty performance as Katniss Everdeen, but if anyone could be categorized as the film's scene-stealer, it was most certainly Stanley Tucci, whose blue-haired, big-teethed Caesar Flickerman was nothing short of mesmerizing (and a handy exposition device to boot!). Heck, I'd pay to watch a Caesar Flickerman spin-off once all three (four?) "Hunger Games" films debut. "Caesar Flickerman: Not So Blue." Think about it, Lionsgate.DON'T downplay the dangers of the arena
Between her 23 fellow tributes, tracker jackers and muttations, Katniss had plenty to contend with in the arena. But, as my roommate so astutely pointed out to me long after I watched the film and didn't notice, we never really see Katniss hungry or thirsty. Limiting the violence for a PG-13 rating is an understandable edit, but why dull down the deadliness of the Games otherwise? In "Catching Fire," we need to see Katniss and her fellow tributes truly struggle, not simply limp along.DO make artful additions (especially if they're directed by Steven Soderbergh)
By shifting the viewpoint of the film from Katniss' first-person perspective, Ross was able to open up the world of Panem in a way we hadn't experienced before. The addition of the control room, Seneca Crane's implied death by berries and, most notably, the District 11 riot only added to the film.What do you think "Catching Fire" can learn from "The Hunger Games"? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @amymwilk with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns!
Check out everything we've got on "Hunger Games."
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Related PhotosПереслать - 'Game Of Thrones' Season Two: Change Is Coming
Greater face time for Robb Stark and Jaime Lannister means bigger departures from George R.R. Martin's source material in season two.
By Josh Wigler
Richard Madden as Robb Stark in "Game of Thrones" season two
Photo: Helen Sloan/ HBOWhile "Game of Thrones" is about as close to a perfect adaptation as it gets, there are some aspects of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros that remain in the books. Changes between George R.R. Martin's source material and the television series are, like winter, destined to come. Your mileage may vary on whether these differences are a good thing, but the differences exist, like them or not.
As was the case in season one, season two of "Thrones" features entirely new scenes to the "Song of Ice and Fire" saga, while other fan-favorite characters from "A Clash of Kings" — the novel that the show's second season is based upon — have been notably modified or, in some extreme cases, completely cut from the proceedings. Here's a quick rundown of some of the changes you can expect between the books and the show this coming season, but be warned: There are spoilers ahead. No way around them!
More Robb Stark
Despite his status as one of the clashing kings in Westeros, Robb Stark remains largely off the page in the second novel of Martin's series. Not so on "Game of Thrones." Richard Madden, the actor who brings Robb to life, is very much present this season, with his off-page exploits given new live-action life on HBO. It's a divisive choice; so much of Robb's impact hinges on only hearing about him and not actually seeing his legendary acts firsthand. On the other hand, you can't expect Madden to sit out virtually an entire season and remain on retainer for future years. Besides, getting the chance to see what Robb is up to while he's away from the book's narrative is part of the fun of an adaptation, right?More Jaime Lannister
Likewise, the Kingslayer is a figure largely absent from "A Clash of Kings," thanks to his captivity at the hands of the Starks. But just as Madden can't be put on ice, neither can Nikolaj Coster-Waldau; he must remain on fire! But where Robb's off-page actions are the focus of his new onscreen story, Jaime's additional screen time might actually come from a future book. Fans of the novels know that portions of Jaime's last appearance in "Clash" were already used in the "Game of Thrones" season-one finale, and there are whispers that the character will actually dabble in "Storm of Swords" territory before the show's second year draws to a close.We Want Our Reeds, We Want Our Reek
On the flip side, some of the characters heavily present in "Clash" are potentially sitting out of season two entirely. Recent rumors indicate that certain key roles — including Meera and Jojen Reed, critical to Bran's story in the books, and nasty sidekick Reek, who has a very interesting place in Theon's world — have not been cast for the upcoming season. Even if the rumors prove true, show runners D.B. Weiss and David Benioff have said previously that certain aspects of the books might get shifted around from season to season — hence bits of Jaime's book-three story moving into season two, or the Reeds moving from book two into season three. As long as there's a future for these characters, we'll take them whenever we can.What's in a Name?
Asha Greyjoy is dead. Long live Yara! Theon's older sister is not one of the aforementioned casualties of adapting book two for television, but her name is. It's been reported that the character, played by Gemma Whelan, lost her original name due to its similarity to Osha, the wildling girl played by "Harry Potter" veteran Natalia Tena. It's a minor difference in the grand scheme of things, but still the kind of change that could rub "Ice and Fire" purists the wrong way. For me, as long as Yara stays true to the essence of Asha — witty, gritty and incredibly badass — I won't sweat the change too much.Throwing Dragonstones
All right, let's close with a personal gripe/nerd-out, shall we? Here we go: "Clash" begins with a prologue from the perspective of Maester Cressen, a servant of would-be king Stannis Baratheon's at his home on Dragonstone. It's an excellent introduction to Stannis and his surrounding cast, and it also sets the stakes extremely high for Baratheon's future actions. The Cressen prologue is easily one of my favorite chapters in the entire "Ice and Fire" series, but it's not quite as prominent in the upcoming "Thrones" season premiere. Of course, some things are lost in translation by necessity, and where the introduction to Dragonstone falls a bit short for me, the show more than makes up for it with plenty of fantastic scenes in King's Landing and elsewhere. I'm just hoping that, going forward, the Dragonstone story line remains a prominent, powerful one.Tell us what you think about the potential changes in the comments section, or hit me up on Twitter @roundhoward!
Related VideosПереслать - 'Titanic' Theme Song Makes Kate Winslet 'Feel Like Throwing Up'
'Bless you, Celine, but it does rather haunt me,' the actress admits to MTV News of 'My Heart Will Go On.'
By Fallon Prinzivalli
Kate Winslet
Photo: MTV News"Like throwing up." That's how Kate Winslet feels when she hears Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On," the once-inescapable theme to "Titanic."
"No, I shouldn't say that," Winslet added, thinking through her response before coming to this conclusion: "No, actually, I do feel like throwing up."
Since its release in 1997, the film has stuck with Winslet wherever she goes. It was the movie that helped her sky-rocket to the A-list, after all, and no one is likely to forget Dion's iconic song from "Titanic," set to be re-released in 3-D on April 4.
"I wish I could say, 'Oh listen, everybody! It's the Celine Dion song!' But I don't," Winslet admitted. "I just have to sit there, you know, kind of straight-faced with a massive internal eye roll."
Winslet went on to explain that every time she walks into a bar or a restaurant with a pianist, they never miss an opportunity to start playing the notes. "It's thrilling for people to surprise me with the Celine Dion song," she laughed.
But they not only play the tune for her, they also encourage the Oscar winner to sing it herself. "I did a talk show recently in Italy and they actually had a live pianist who started gently playing the theme song. I was not even gently, rather severely, urged to go and sing it as though I had in fact sung it myself in the first place. It was like, 'No! I'm not going to do that.' They're like, 'Oh no, come on it will be funny.' No, it won't be funny. At all. And I'm not going to."
Unfortunately for the actress, it's not just the theme song that haunts her. Whenever she boards a boat, she's the butt of jokes.
"Honestly, I actually now get onto boats and say, 'No jokes, OK? No jokes. Can we just move on from that? And if you have any jokes, let's just get them out of the way right now. Thank you. Anyone? Jokes, jokes? OK, moving on.' And then they still tell jokes," Winslet said. The most common joke is asking her to head to the front of the boat with them to reenact the iconic scene between hers and Leonardo DiCaprio's characters on the rail. To that she replies, "Oh, yeah! Oh, that one! Oh, don't worry, it's my party piece. Sure, come on up, bring your granny."
But Winslet is actually an amazing sport about the jokes. She understands how deeply the film touched its audience. And now that it will be on the big screen again, it can reach a whole new generation — including her children who will see it for the very first time.
"What's negative about it? Really, nothing at all," she said of the 3-D treatment. "It's very different and much more present. It's bigger — if you can believe that — but it is and you really do feel like you're in it."
Audiences will be able to relive the tragic love story — or experience for the first time — when "Titanic" it hits theaters in 3-D on April 4.
Check out everything we've got on "Titanic."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related PhotosПереслать - 'Hunger Games' Fans Have Spoken: Jennifer Lawrence Isn't Too Curvy
'Jennifer Lawrence is the perfect Katniss Everdeen!' one MTV News commenter writes.
By Elizabeth Lancaster
Jennifer Lawrence in "The Hunger Games"
Photo: LionsgateAfter devouring the books and flooding movie theaters, "Hunger Games" fans have become fiercely loyal to the actors who embodied their favorite characters. And those die-hards are not taking kindly to suggestions that Jennifer Lawrence is too curvy to play Katniss Everdeen.
Much of the backlash stems from New York Times film critic Manohla Dargis' review of the film, in which she wrote: "A few years ago Ms. Lawrence might have looked hungry enough to play Katniss, but now, at 21, her seductive, womanly figure makes a bad fit for a dystopian fantasy about a people starved into submission."
On Wednesday, when MTV News checked in with "Hunger Games" experts for their feelings on the subject, many of you took to our comments section and our Twitter to let us know just how much you disagree with Dargis' take on the lead actress.
MTV.com reader DavidB presented this quote from Suzanne Collins' book, in which Katniss describes her own body: "I stand straight, and while I'm thin, I'm strong. The meat and plants from the woods combined with the exertion it took to get them have given me a healthier body than most of those I see around me."
Another commenter, GrantGibbs1, wrote, "Jennifer Lawrence is the perfect Katniss Everdeen! She's not even fat??? First racist comments now weight issues," the commenter added, in reference to the issues some moviegoers have had over Rue being played by a black actress.
For many fans and readers, it's not about accuracy, but respect and admiration for Jennifer Lawrence as an actress, as well as defending young women from the pressures that create body issues. On Twitter, @PromiseKidrauhl told us Lawrence "was perfectly picked to play Katniss," while @valvdg wrote, "As if young women didn't have enough weight issues."
It's not too late to make your voice heard: What do you think about the controversy over Jennifer Lawrence's body?
Check out everything we've got on "The Hunger Games."
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
Related PhotosПереслать - Titanic 'Still Sinks' In 3-D, James Cameron Confirms
'Jack still dies,' director says of the 3-D re-release which he says 'reinvents' the 1997 flick.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
James Cameron
Photo: MTV NewsWhen "Titanic" hits the big screen again on April 4, the ship will be changing course and heading directly into the audience. Director James Cameron has been one of 3-D's biggest proponents for years now and has suggested in the past that any film is open for a three-dimensional makeover. It only makes sense, then, that he put his money where his mouth is and converted his own "Titanic."
Cameron spoke with MTV UK about the process and why the real reward of the re-release is the chance to see his blockbuster on the silver screen again after 15 years.
The director insisted that the movie remains as it was back in 1997, except for the added dimension. "It ends the same way. The ship still sinks. Jack still dies. Oops, I hope I didn't spoil it," he said.
As Cameron has said before, he believes that the 3-D element of the re-release plays a supporting role. He simply wants people to see "Titanic" as it was meant to be seen: in a theater. "I think the first thing you should think of, the most important thing, is that you're going to see it in a movie theater, which is really fundamentally different for anyone who is under a certain age. It hasn't been in a theater for 15 years, so people know it from video. But they haven't taken that ride where you commit to the three hours, and you're going to go on that emotional rollercoaster, and you're going to come out of the end of the movie in a certain mental, emotional state. It's very different."
That isn't the say that the 3-D doesn't add anything. Cameron sees the conversion as a way to reinterpret the experience. "The 3-D is a kind of way of doing that, a way of reinventing the film, and the 3-D does add something to the experience that was never there before, an immediacy, even an intimacy, which is interesting."
Luckily for Cameron, he had originally shot "Titanic" in a way that was conducive to a 3-D conversion. "Even though I wasn't shooting it as a 3-D movie 15 years ago, my particular style is to use wider lenses and to wrap the actors in the scenery," Cameron said. "Because the ship — I don't like to use the term that it was a character — but the environment was constantly informing what was happening, the elegance, the beauty of the ship, the gilt-edged luxury juxtaposed with steerage third class. All those themes are really manifested in the physicality of the ship. The style of seeing all of that when you convert it to 3-D, it just has this lucidity. You just feel like you're there."
Are you planning on seeing the 3-D re-release of "Titanic"? Leave your comment below!
Check out everything we've got on "Titanic."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Переслать - 'Anchorman 2': The Legend Of Ron Burgundy's Return
MTV News brings you a timeline of all the obstacles that once stood in the way of the now-greenlit sequel.
By Fallon Prinzivalli
Will Ferrell in "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy"
Photo: DreamWorks PicturesMovie fans were overjoyed by Will Ferrell's announcement Wednesday night that "Anchorman 2" is finally happening.
The long journey since the release of the first film left us doubting whether a sequel would ever happen. With our doubts cast aside and our excitement on the rise, we've compiled a timeline of all the obstacles the team overcame to arrive at the ultimate destination.
August 14, 2008: Paul Rudd tells us he thinks "Anchorman" director Adam McKay and actor Will Ferrell were interested in doing a sequel. "Last I heard they were starting to write ['Anchorman 2']," Rudd says. The setting? Possibly the '80s or the moon.
May 27, 2009: Ferrell tells Aussie radio DJs Jono & Dana that he'll be meeting with the "Anchorman" creators to "figure out when and how" to get a sequel in the works.
August 28, 2009: In an interview with Empire magazine, "Anchorman" producer Judd Apatow suggests that in "Anchorman 2," Ron Burgundy, Brick Tamland and Brian Fantana will return as elderly men. "Those anchormen sometimes have their jobs until they're 75 years old," Apatow says.
September 1, 2009: Director McKay says that, due to the cast and crew's busy schedules, the sequel won't be available for another two years. He adds, "But we are definitely doing it." Whew.
April 6, 2010: Steve Carell confirms to our very own Josh Horowitz that the "Anchorman" cast "want[s] to do another one," but there is no script. "I don't think they've [even] decided on a story line yet," Carell says.
April 8, 2010: On the red carpet for his movie "Date Night," Carell lies about everything. He says "Anchorman 2" has already been shot in "just two days" while the cast was drunk. When asked if it was any good he says, "It's fantastic!" Honestly, with the talent in these comedians, we wouldn't be surprised if it was.
April 27, 2010: Adam McKay reveals that, aside from the actor's schedules, another holdup in the sequel is payment. Since the cast went on to become even more famous after the first movie, "Everybody's prices went up." Graciously, the cast agreed to take a pay cut, which is almost unheard of in Hollywood.
April 29, 2010: McKay dashes all our hopes and dreams in a single tweet: "So bummed. Paramount basically passed on Anchorman 2. Even after we cut our budget down. We tried."
May 3, 2010: Hope is restored! As it turns out, Paramount is eager to film the sequel. Deadline reports, however, the "Anchorman" team is forced to regroup as they have a budget gap of $30 million to overcome.
June 6, 2010: With financial issues in the way, Paul Rudd jokes that if "Anchorman 2" doesn't happen, "We'll look to do 'Anchorman 3.' "
July 19, 2010: Yet again, it seems as if "Anchorman 2" is never going to happen. The saddest part? Neither is the proposed "Anchorman" musical. A few days later, Christina Applegate says she feels let down by the news.
May 2, 2011: All hope is officially lost when Ferrell tells Collider that the sequel "is a brick wall right now" and they're "playing around with the idea" of a "Step Brothers" sequel instead.
And suddenly...
March 28, 2012: Ferrell announces on "Conan" that "Anchorman 2" is officially happening with the original director, Adam McKay, and most of the principal castmembers, including Steve Carell and Paul Rudd. The stars have aligned. It's finally happening. Cue celebration!
Check out everything we've got on "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Переслать - Ralph Fiennes Chooses His Most Villainous Villain
From Lord Voldermort to a Nazi officer, the 'Wrath of the Titans' star chooses the baddest of his bad guys.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Ralph Fiennes
Photo: MTV NewsFew actors have been known for playing the bad guy quite like Ralph Fiennes. His career has introduced him to all different sorts of evil characters, from a Nazi officer, to the darkest wizard of our time, and most recently in "Wrath of the Titans," Hades, the lord of the Underworld.
With such a long list of villainous evil-doers to his name, could there be a most evil Ralph Fiennes character?
Even the man himself couldn't say for certain when MTV News spoke with him. "If they're fantasy figures, I don't know how evil they are, but I guess somewhere between Amon Goeth [in 'Schindler's List'] and Francis Dolarhyde in 'Red Dragon' would be really evil," he said.
But after playing the worst characters some fictional worlds have to offer, Fiennes said that his latest character could signal a new trend toward mortality.
His most recent villain, Hades, turns out to be not much of one in "Wrath of the Titans." "Hades is full of resentment, and I guess he's pretty destructive initially," Fiennes said. "I like it in this film, he has a change of heart and joins forces with the brother he started off hating. So that was a bit more for me to play."
For his next role, in the upcoming James Bond film "Skyfall," no details have been officially shared about his character. But Fiennes did hint that it may be different from the villains he played in the past: "I don't think that qualifies as a villain. I think that my villain days are coming to an end, I think."
Who do you think is Ralph Fiennes' most evil character? Sound off in the comments section!
Related Videos Переслать - 'Anchorman' Sequel A Go, Will Ferrell Says
Ferrell makes official announcement in costume as newsman Ron Burgundy on Conan O'Brien.
By Gil Kaufman
Will Ferrell in "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy"
Photo: DreamWorksIt's time to get classy again, San Diego. Will Ferrell confirmed on Wednesday night that the long-awaited sequel to his 2004 comedy, "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," is a go.
Ferrell, appearing as leisure-suit wearing newsman Ron Burgundy, broke the news while making a surprise appearance on the "Conan" show that thrilled the audience. Taking the stage in a, yes, burgundy suit and wide, striped tie, Ferrell/Burgundy, ripped off a wicked flute solo, then explained to host Conan O'Brien, "I like to keep my chops up, jam with the cats here ... smoke a little tea afterwards, see if a little backstage Judy ends up on my lap."
After complimenting the host on his broadcasting skills, Burgundy shared one small criticism with O'Brien. "You look awful," he said. "You look like someone put a bright red fright wig on a skeleton and chucked it out of a helicopter."
But Burgundy wasn't just there to play the flute and insult his host, he also had an exciting bit of news. "I want to announce this to everyone here in the Americas," he said. "To my friends, in Spain, Turkey and the U.K., including England ... as of 0900 Mountain Time, Paramount Pictures and myself, Ronald Joseph Aaron Burgundy, have come to terms on a sequel for 'Anchorman.' It is official, there will be a sequel to 'Anchorman.'"
And with that, Burgundy played himself off the stage with a second wicked flute solo. Back in early 2010, "Anchorman" director and co-writer Adam McKay told MTV News that he expected much of the first movie's cast to come along for the sequel, including Steve Carell and Paul Rudd, as well as Christina Applegate, David Koechner, Chris Parnell and Fred Willard.
"We had an idea and we contacted Steve and Paul and Koechner and Christina and checked in with everyone and they were all game for it," McKay said at the time. "It's a tricky movie because everyone went and did really well after it, so everyone's prices went up and everyone's time got a little more valuable. But at the same time, graciously, Steve and Paul and everyone agreed to cut their price to come and do it, which you don't see very often in Hollywood — and cut their price substantially."
The original grossed more than $91 million worldwide. Ferrell and McKay will once again co-write for the sequel and McKay will direct again, with production slated to begin at the end of this year for a 2013 release.
Are you looking forward to a sequel to "Anchorman"? Let us know in the comments below!
Переслать - Armie Hammer's 'Mirror Mirror' Prince Is 'A Man-Child'
'Hopefully, he contains a few more dimensions than just 'Prince Charming,' ' actor tells MTV News.
By Kara Warner
Armie Hammer
Photo: MTV NewsIf you've seen the action-packed trailer for "Mirror Mirror" — one of two Snow White-themed movies coming out this year — you're aware that the visually appealing, Tarsem-directed, family-friendly film is a new spin on the classic tale.
When the flick hits theaters Friday, audiences will see a feisty, independent young princess played by Lily Collins, Oscar-winner Julia Roberts showing off a rarely seen evil side and, of course, a handsome Prince Charming played by Armie Hammer. But don't think for a minute that you'll be seeing a stereotypical prince. MTV News recently caught up with the "Social Network" star to discuss the character's atypical traits.
"He's not drawn on the page, which is one of the first things that makes him slightly different," Hammer joked about the character's animated inspirations. "He's a little bit more of a man-child and a little bit more of a kid trying to find his place in the world as a prince, [wondering] why is he a prince and stuff like that. Hopefully, he contains a few more dimensions than just 'Prince Charming.' "
Multi-dimensional or not, there is a certain dreamboat factor required of the actor playing him, which Hammer was happy to joke about when we asked him just how dreamy the character would be. "How dreamy is he? Dreeea-my," Hammer promised us in May 2011. "Let's just say, they're going to have to change the rating," he joked, before getting serious to talk about the reason he signed onto the project: director Tarsem Singh.
"[Tarsem] is one of the reasons I signed on to do this," Hammer revealed. "The idea of playing Prince Charming wasn't really exciting — it kind of sounds more nerdy than anything else — but then they're like, 'Tarsem's doing it,' and I'm like, 'Done. You want me to play a trash can? I'll do it to be in this movie.' " Hammer added that he's a big admirer of Tarsem's work, and joked that he'd be taking plenty of notes during filming.
Check out everything we've got on "Mirror Mirror."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related VideosПереслать - Was Jennifer Lawrence Too 'Curvy' To Play Katniss In 'Hunger Games'?
Fan groups respond to one critic's suggestion that Lawrence's 'womanly figure makes a bad fit' for Katniss.
By Elizabeth Lancaster
Jennifer Lawrence in "The Hunger Games"
Photo: LionsgateFans flooded in droves into movie theaters this weekend to see "The Hunger Games." In the wake of the highly anticipated release, much of the criticism surrounding the movie has been not about the young stars' performances, but their appearances.
Most recently there has been criticism of Jennifer Lawrence's weight, with some sighting that as Katniss, a girl who grew up in a famine-stricken district of a dystopian society, she should have been thinner.
New York Times film critic Manohla Dargis wrote, "A few years ago Ms. Lawrence might have looked hungry enough to play Katniss, but now, at 21, her seductive, womanly figure makes a bad fit for a dystopian fantasy about a people starved into submission."
The statement is receiving much backlash, considering Lawrence is now a certified movie star that countless young women look up to. Putting aside the negative body-image issues the comment suggests, one wonders whether Dargis is accurate in her assessment of the actress/character disparity? MTV News asked expert "Hunger Games" fans to weigh in. Most had the same message: They loved what Lawrence brought to her character and that the scrutiny is misguided.
"Katniss may not have been as thin or small in stature as depicted in the book, but it's not unfathomable that her hunting prowess would have allowed her to have some meat on her bones," TheHob.org's Gabby Vittoria responded. She went on to point out that "Peeta wasn't tall in the movie; Clove wasn't big and brawny; Katniss wasn't smaller than most of the Tributes. These physical changes certainly didn't take away from the story and messages in the movie. Besides, for me, Jennifer's acting and the quality of the film makes her weight a non-issue."
Many fans not only disagreed with the film critic but were affronted by these reviews of Lawrence. "I'm offended by this critique on so many levels, and honestly, I was shocked that it was ever an issue and that a professional critic would bring it up in the film's review," Sara Gundell from the Hunger Games Examiner fan site stated.
This backlash about Lawrence's weight comes in the wake of the questioning of Rue's race in the film. The pre-teen is played by Amandla Stenberg, who is African American. In recent days her casting was the subject of racially fueled criticism by a handful of moviegoers who have suffered their own backlash.
What do you think of the criticism of Jennifer Lawrence's weight? Sound off in the comments below!
Check out everything we've got on "The Hunger Games."
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
Related PhotosПереслать - 'Titanic' Looks 'Spectacular' In 3-D, James Cameron Says
Film's 3-D conversion 'takes it to a whole different level,' director tells MTV News at U.K. premiere of re-release.
By Kevin P. Sullivan, with reporting by Vicky Nwosu-Hope
James Cameron and his wife at the "Titanic 3D" premiere
Photo: Getty ImagesNearly 15 years after "Titanic" became the biggest movie ever to grace the silver screen, director James Cameron has expanded his blockbuster into the third dimension.
On April 4, "Titanic" sets sail in 3-D after a painstaking conversion that Cameron believes enhances the picture's overall effect. MTV News spoke with the director in London, on the red carpet for the U.K. premiere of the re-release, which hits theaters days before the 100th anniversary of the ship's sinking.
"It's really a dream come true to get this film back into cinema because it just has a whole different effect on people when they take three hours out of their life to just sit and have the unbroken experience and let the story take them along," Cameron said. "It can be quite a profoundly emotional experience, and you're not going to get that watching it on video. The 3-D just enhances the whole thing. It takes it to a whole different level. "
Cameron decided to begin the process in 2005, while he was prepping his next ambitious project, "Avatar."
"I was pretty convinced at that time that 3-D was really going to transform the cinema experience. I wanted cinema owners, the exhibitors, to embrace the conversion to digital projection, so that there'd be a place to show 3-D movies," Cameron said. "I was thinking of 'Avatar,' but I was also saying, 'Look, we can do films like "Titanic." We can take "Jaws," "Star Wars," whatever your favorite movies are, we can convert them to 3-D and give them a whole new life.' So we started doing test to see what a conversion of 'Titanic' would look like. We did a minute and a half of it, and it looked spectacular. "
The 3-D re-release offered Cameron the opportunity to reflect on what made "Titanic" a worldwide sensation. Cameron said he feels that it didn't have everything to do with the movie's young star Leonardo DiCaprio.
"Women could relate to it, not just because of the Leo-mania thing, but because a lot of young women struggle with the sense of identity in societal expectation. The character of Rose was really written very much about those ideas," Cameron said. "I think it was a simplification after the fact that [DiCaprio] is why women were so attracted to the movie."
Check out everything we've got on "Titanic."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related PhotosПереслать - Kate Winslet Says Her Acting 'Could've Been Better' In 'Titanic'
'I think I look nicer now,' actress adds to MTV News at London premiere of film's 3-D version.
By Fallon Prinzivalli
Kate Winslet at the "Titanic 3D" premiere
Photo: Getty ImagesKate Winslet has had a rough journey with "Titanic" premieres in the past. She missed the 1997 world premiere at Mann's Chinese Theatre when her ex-boyfriend, Stephen Tredre, tragically died of cancer. During the U.K. premiere, she was in the hospital suffering from dysentery she contracted in Morocco while filming "Hideous Kinky."
But as "Titanic" sets sail again 15 years later in 3-D, Winslet finally made a long overdue red-carpet appearance at the London premiere on Tuesday. MTV News caught up with the Academy Award-winning actress to find out how it feels to see the movie again in a new dimension. "It feels amazing," Winslet said. "I mean, it is a very strange experience because it's a long time since I've seen the film in its entirety."
In 1997, the retelling of the ship's disaster dominated the box office, raking in more than $600 million. The film stands strong as the second-highest-grossing box-office hit in the United States. But Winslet isn't worried about moviegoers and fans passing up the opportunity to see it in theaters again. While she says it looks different, she also believes it's much bigger, in a way. "It looks very different. I mean, it's still as wonderful and as epic as it always was. But it does feel bigger, you know, bigger somehow even than it did then, so it's very exciting," she said.
Having seen Rose again on the big screen, Winslet is critical of herself in the role, suggesting that there are things she would change if she could play the part all over again. "My American accent could've been much better. My acting could've been a lot better," she said. Her Oscar nomination for the role says otherwise.
And as far as seeing herself in 3-D, she's happier with the way she looks now. "I think I look nicer now," she said. "I prefer myself as a 36-year-old. It's really weird 'cause when you're 21 you think, 'Oh God, when I'm 36, oh God, that's nearly 40 and I'll look really old and wrinkly by then.' And actually I quite like the way I look. I feel OK about myself these days."
Audiences will be able to relive the story as the 3-D version of "Titanic" hits theaters on April 4.
Check out everything we've got on "Titanic."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related PhotosПереслать - 'Game Of Thrones' Season Two: Where Is Everybody?
Jon Snow goes beyond the Wall, Daenerys Targaryen continues her trek eastward, and the Starks are still all over the place.
By Josh Wigler
Kit Harrington in season two of "Game of Thrones"
Photo: Oliver Upton/ HBOWesteros is a big, bad place filled with big, bad people. It's hard enough to survive out there in the expansive Seven Kingdoms, and it can be just as difficult to know exactly where everybody is. Even though "Game of Thrones" ended its first season in a rather decisive manner, it's not easy keeping track of who's in King's Landing, who's up north and who's somewhere in between.
Can't remember where Jon Snow is currently journeying? Wondering where the various Starks have gone to? We've got you covered. Keep on reading for our handy guide to where all the major "Thrones" players are hanging out when season two begins.
King's Landing
Who's there, other than Ned Stark's head? Oh, relax, I kid, I kid. (But seriously, it's there, on a spike.) Clearly, this is Joffrey Baratheon's home turf, and lots of the regular fixtures are still around: Varys, Littlefinger, Grand Maester Pycelle, the Hound, Cersei and more. There are a few notable newcomers, too: Tyrion Lannister, for one, strolling into town to serve as Hand of the King in his father's absence. Along for the ride are Tyrion's lover Shae, his trusty but not-at-all trustworthy sellsword Bronn, and a few of those vicious tribesmen he met while traveling near the Eyrie. Oh, and let's not forget poor Sansa Stark: She's still in King's Landing, too, and none too pleased about it.On the Road
The other Stark daughter, Arya, is running for her life and headed north on the Kingsroad, posing as a boy alongside a ragtag group of bastards, street rats and prisoners who have been recruited for the Night's Watch. Leading the party is Yoren, the sworn brother who traveled south to King's Landing to shore up some new recruits. Also in the mix is Gendry, one of Robert Baratheon's many bastards, and Jaqen H'ghar, a twisty-tongued convict who is much more than meets the eye.Stark Camp
King in the North Robb Stark and his bannermen have set up camp in the Riverlands, shockingly close to where Arya is currently traveling — though the odds of them running into each other are about the same as finding a needle in a haystack, pun intended. Along with Robb are some of his most loyal advisers: his mother Catelyn, the massive Greatjon Umber and the squirrelly Theon Greyjoy. Also part of the head count: Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer, who was taken prisoner by Robb late last season. Jaime doesn't have much in the way of company, though he will get to know Robb's direwolf Greywind a bit better before the season premiere's end.In the North
There must always be a Stark in Winterfell. To that end, Bran is the lucky lord filling in while Robb's away at war. The broken boy relies on simple-minded Hodor for transport and the wildling girl Osha for her storytelling. There are also the other Winterfell regulars, like Maester Luwin and Old Nan. Oh, and Rickon. Almost forgot about that one...Way, Way North
Even further north than Winterfell — heck, even further north than the Wall itself — are Jon Snow and the men of the Night's Watch, ranging onward into the great icy unknown. Their purpose: to find out who or what is responsible for making dead men walk again. Jon is joined by sworn brothers Gren, Pyp and the cowardly Samwell Tarly. Lord Commander Jeor Mormont is with the crew as well, lending gravitas to their unbearably cold expedition.Across The Narrow Sea
Looking beyond Westeros, exiled princess Daenerys Targaryen continues her trek through the mysterious land of Essos with her starving, dwindling khalasar. Her most loyal servent, Jorah Mormont, is still with Dany, as are only her most loyal servants, handmaidens and blood-riders. It isn't all bad news, of course: Dany has three dragons to keep her company now. That's three more dragons than anyone else in the world has!Dragonstone
Speaking of dragons, a brand-new location emerges in season two: Dragonstone, former seat of House Targaryen, current home to Stannis Baratheon. We've introduced you to Stannis already, but to quickly recap, he is late king Robert's younger brother, and therefore believes himself to be the rightful ruler of Westeros. With him are faithful advisers Davos Seaworth and Maester Cressen, as well as a mysterious new ally, Melisandre, the red priestess of Asshai. A dangerous, deadly group of individuals, as you'll soon see.Have you kept track of where all the 'Thrones' characters currently are? Let us know in the comments, or hit me up on Twitter @roundhoward!
Related PhotosПереслать - Sam Worthington Laughs Off 'Titans' Hair Controversy
'I got more criticism about my hair than Jennifer Aniston did when she started 'Friends,' ' the 'Wrath of the Titans' star quips to MTV News.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Sam Worthington in "Wrath of the Titans"
Photo: Warner Bros.When previews began to play for "Wrath of the Titans," the follow-up to 2010's "Clash of the Titans," the element of the trailer that got the biggest reaction wasn't the mythological beasts or the battling gods, but the longer locks on star Sam Worthington's head.
Gone was Perseus' anachronistic buzz cut from the original — a nitpicking problem for some who saw "Clash" — and in its stead was Worthington's naturally curly hair.
"I got more criticism about my hair than Jennifer Aniston did when she started 'Friends,' " Worthington quipped to MTV News.
With so much of the attention leading into the film's premiere focused squarely on Worthington's head, the actor told MTV News he isn't too worried about those people's opinions. "My brain goes, 'If that's the only thing you're going to be focusing on, maybe you should get out more,' " Worthington said.
Liam Neeson, Worthington's co-star, offered some kind words about the change in hairdo.
"His hair was good," Neeson said.
"The hair was good," Worthington agreed.
Within the fictional realm of "Wrath of the Titans," the change in hairstyle makes sense for its own reasons. "The story jumps 10 years," Neeson said. The sequel picks up a decade after the end of "Clash of the Titans." Perseus is now a father and recent widower, and it isn't long before his deadbeat dad Zeus comes a-callin', asking for help once more.
Still, Worthington continued to make light of the hairy discussion, suggesting that if the franchise were to continue, his hair options have no bounds. "It took Perseus 10 years. If we did another one, I'd just go longer. I'll just keep going," he said. "By the time you get to 'Wrath of the Titans 10,' I'll look like Cousin Itt."
"And each hair is a demigod," Neeson added. "Think about that."
Check out everything we've got on "Wrath of the Titans."
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