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Lionsgate has released its first trailer for The Hunger Games, the Gary Ross-directed adaptation of the first of a trilogy of Suzanne Collins novels. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth and will be released March 23. Coming off a bad quarter and surviving a takeover attempt by Carl Icahn, Lionsgate needs The Hunger Games to take it to the next level, the way that Twilight Saga did for Summit Entertainment. The Collins book series has been a bestselling phenomenon with a strong youth demographic, so the ingredients seem to be there.
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Trailer Looks Amazing!!!!
Looks amazing! As a big lover of the books I’ve been holding my breath waiting for this trailer. Looks like they got it MORE than just right. It looks INCREDIBLE. I can’t wait.
I love it!! I love that they don’t give the entire film away – the countdown to the games is genius!!
I totally agree – countdown was “edge of your seat” stuff!! And soooo happy they don’t give away the movie. I mean, we’ve all read the books and know what happens – but you want to totally experience the movie when you get to the theater.
Too many times nowadays, i feel like i don’t have to see the movies once i’ve seen the trailer. But with this countdown and everything leading up? it just makes you crazy to go see what they’re counting down to.
Can’t….. Wait.
I can’t agree enough. Great trailer. Lately I feel like we have been bombarded with trailers that give the whole film away.
Why would I even need to pay to see Apollo 18 after seeing the third trailer?
I feel the same way about Dream House. I read the script and thought the twist was great and then I saw the trailer in theaters and they basically give the whole movie away.
I think many of the worst offenders are the comedies. I understand you need to hook an audience but don’t put all your best jokes in the trailer! I love Judd Apatow and I think his films are filled with hilarity, but I too often know all the punch lines before even seeing the movie!
No offense to ya all but this looks like a bad teen movie. Very twilight-like at least the wy they market is gives me this feeling.
The acting in the trailer wasn’t really good. Lawrence was solid but the boy was weak; the main adults look like comic-book vilains, very over-the-top.
The trailer also make it look like they’ll focuse on giving the story of this new society, explaining the games, etc.; only after 30-40 min I guess the games begin, way to lose interest.
The sci-fi vibe is a turn-off especially with the bad CGI i saw.
This would work if it’s darker and not your typical love-story movie. At least the Harry Potter/Twilight fanboys/girls will be pleased.
I predict a critic flop but a box office hit obviously.
My heart was racing just watching the countdown in the trailer. I think I may die when I see this in the theater.
If you haven’t read these books you need to right away. I have never read a more suspenseful series of books. Once you stop you can’t put them down. If they capture half of this excitment the movies will be great!
District 13 lives!
my disappointment in the casting for Katniss, Gale and especially Peeta is forever growing. Jennifer Lawrence is underwhelming, and NOT Katniss. There is no way I can ever look at the Hemsworth doofus as anything else but MR. Miley Cyrus and Hutcherson as Peeta looks like a dwarf from Lord of the Rings. The first mistake was hiring a poor director like Gary Ross, there was a reason he didn’t work in over 10 years. Forget about outside franchise audience the “franchise” audience is pissed about the horrible Peeta and Gale casting, along with Gary Ross middle brow direction. The over the top turn off for dye hard fans was the casting of a 5’5″ Brunette for blond hair blue eyed Peeta and the ridiculous casting of Miley Cyrus boyfriend Lame Hemsworth (blond hair blue eyed) for the dark, mysterious Gale Hawthorne. They messed this up big time.
My heart breaks that such a good book series was ruined by Nina Jacobson, Gary Ross and Lionsgate. They are responsible for the epic failure in casting the main 3 cast. Very sad, it should of been nobody’s. Like Prim, she stood out and wasn’t associated with anything else, Peeta if from Journey movies, Gale is Miley Cyrus and Katniss is a tranny. At least I have the book to re-read. I hope there is a way for people that know what they are doing to remake this movie, they’re doing 2 snow whites, why not do 2 Hunger Games?
Katniss is a “tranny?” What a ridiculous thing to say. You’re entitled to your opinion but you don’t speak for all fans of the book, and it seems to me you simply lack the ability to get over the fact that these actors don’t look exactly the way they did in your head. A film is an *adaptation* not an exact replica of the books, and how could it be when everyone is bound to have something different in their heads? You’re right that fans overall were disappointed with the Gale/Peeta picks, but from what I’ve heard, the audience will be just fine once they see these guys acting. As a fan, I actually enjoyed this trailer and am more hopeful than I was prior to its release. I’m willing to hope for the best.
thought I don’t totally agree with Hunger Games Fan Club, I can see where he/she is coming from. It’s not just that the characters don’t physically look the part, but its more that the essence of each character was not maintained.
One of the key features of Katniss was that her eyes always looked/seemed like they were on fire, and that there was a depth in her eyes. Whenever I see JLawrence her eyes look completely dead and far off. I don’t really mind Gale’s casting, since he doesn’t seem to have a big part in this film, but I have incredible dislike for the other male lead. Josh Hutcherson looks so much younger than JLawrence, and does that carry off the aura of Peeta. I don’t feel the strength and composure that Peeta is supposed to have.
Also I can already feel the lack of chemistry between Katniss and Peeta just from watching the trailer. In the books the chemistry was already brewing from the start.
If this was an adaptation, I am confused on what they adapted. They merely took the outer shell of the book, like the names and the set up of Panem, and totally dismissed what each character represented. As a fan of the books, especially the first one, I am really dissapointed.
However it is just the trailer. Hopefully the film is better.
Dude, the movie hasn’t even come out yet. Calm the f down.
“The first mistake was hiring a poor director like Gary Ross, there was a reason he didn’t work in over 10 years.”
Small point of fact: “Seabiscuit” was 8 years ago, and Ross received a best director Academy Award nomination. If that’s your definition of “poor”…
BTW – The movie and the books aren’t about you. The author signed off on the director and the cast. They were good enough for her. But what does the creator of all of it know? If it bothers you so much, just don’t go.
Sorry Flick,
Ross wasn’t nominated for Best Director. The film yes. Fernando Meirelles got his nomination.
You’re right, Dave. I was thinking about the movie’s nomination.
You people have no clue what you are talking about. Be glad that Gary Ross considered these lead actors. I can get upset about Liam getting cast but Jennifer and Josh are TERRIFIC talented actors. Jennifer was nominated for an Oscar for her wonderful performance in Winter’s Bone and Josh did wonderful on the critically acclaimed movie The Kids Are Alright. “Essence” is capture in performance not in looks. But you apperently wouldn’t know about that yet you are talking. Do some research before please.
The real issue is that Lionsgate purchased the property, instituting a shoe string budget for what should be an epic tale. They hired crafts people who were willing to work for pennies on the dollar thanks to Nina Jacobsen (of Mary Kate and Ashley direct-to-video fame). And you can tell – the production design looks like it was done by High Schoolers (no offense kids). The film is a disgrace but for many reasons that aren’t being named here. Liked the books but the film will reflect the budget and spirit with which it was made.
Wow. Wife’s a mega-fan of the books. Never paid attention to her assertion to read the books, but I instantly regretted that after watching this.
Sean, you can read them all in a week. It’s the literary version of Crack. The trailer for me was good but not great. I still have concerns about the casting and the direction but hope it’s going to be a home run when it’s all put together.
Wow. I am not a hater, but this is OBNOXIOUS. If this comment board isn’t a clear cut case of studio planting then I don’t know what is.
The trailer looked good. Not great. Not bad. Good.
Judging by the comments here, this trailer is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
“OH MY GOD! Watching this trailer was a more rewarding experience than giving birth!! Wow! Best movie in the history of cinema! I’m going to sell my house so I can by a thousand tickets just to support this epic piece of art! This trailer is the cure to cancer!!”
People, please…
Oh, I know, Indrid! Totally. Too bad you’re one of dozens of posters saying the exact same thing. Kinda sad how you roam around the DH message boards, still felching the meta after all this time…
??? The production design looks awful, like they went halfway with some concept. The scene where they do the raffle is awkward, strange acting, strange props, strange camera work. But the biggest problem seems to be the lead actress, she seems really stiff and wooden. No presence or charisma to carry a picture like this.
Hilarious, Vic. Did someone you represent NOT get the part? poor you
what?? I’m not an actor or involved in the business. I just think the trailer is underwhelming and the cast is terrible. There is no chemistry between the actors and just seems haphazard. The female protagonist looks like she is just trying to be dramatic but it feels wooden and lacks charisma. The male interest, the big blonde, looks like a nice guy but he has no edge or depth. The kid from the Journey movies is just out of place.
And what the hell is Lenny Kravitz doing in there?!! Hahaha
Have not read the books but the production design really looks half done and feels like a B movie. Honestly, the raffle scene with the fish bowl and the scattered crowd of nervous kids/actors is shot and staged in an amateurish way. There is no tension or drama.
I like some of the director’s films like Pleasantville but he is out of his comfort zone with a movie like this. Everything just feels like pieces put together and not cohesive at all, from the cinematography to the set designs to the casting and the acting. Just very B movieish. I was hoping it would be better.
Read the books – you’ll reconsider.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW looks JUST amazing come on just take my money now and until then i will be on life support in order to survive until then…..my life will finally be complete…..
SHEEEEEEEESH Lionsgate we ALL know your movies have tanked this year and you desperately need a hit but this is just overkill….post after post repeats almost the same lines is just so obvious…. back off with all these plant reviews…..you’re gonna kill it before it ever gets out the gate…
Are these books any good? Are they for kids/teens or adults too? For someone who hates the Twilight Sage more than anything else in the world, would you recommend this series? And I only ask because for some reason every article about this film contains something about Twilight too which is why I’ve been avoiding this film
The books, especially I think the first two, are great. For teen, young adult, adult readers. Enjoy! (And the books at least are no way like Twilight…)
Oh ok good to know! Thanks
The books are meh. The author uses the cliffhanger device to keep people reading, which is why they seem ‘like crack’ to some people. The first one was good, structure-wise, but the writing is very…YA, if I can say so. Or rather amaturish. But it’s an easy read and it’s way better than Twilight.
Wow! I’m so glad they’re making an English version of Battle Royale!
Oh, wait, this isn’t a remake of Battle Royale, it’s just a piece of crud ripoff…
thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I saw Battle Royale YEARS before she wrote these books
LOOKS AMAZING!!!!!!
Looks amazing!
OMG I can’t handle finally seeing all the characters brought to life. They are beyond perfection!
KATNISS EVERDEEN!!!!!
For once they don’t give away the whole damn movie.
Agreed, they got it right – the trailer is awesome
This looks seriously epic!
I think we just heard the collective orgasmic sigh of every teenage girl across Panem. Good job, Lionsgate.
5…4…3…2…1…Best. Trailer. Ever. March 23rd can’t come soon enough. Well done Lionsgate!
Didn’t Peter Watkins already make this film back in the 1971?
Peter Watkins is so controversial that he hasn’t made a movie in a country twice since the mid-60s. Of course, he is not gonna get credit for Punishment Park.
But to be fair this movie or its source material doesn’t even give credit to Battle Royale which is even closer thematically and narratively than Punishment Park.
I almost cried at the scene where she takes Prim’s place!
That’s kinda sad
Couldnt be a more boring trailer made. Not encouraging and knowing the hack Gary Ross is involved not hopeful for its outcome.
bettheduck
I don’t understand people like you. Why would you say that? There is NO question that this is an incredible trailer. I mean c’mon. You’re just being bitter or mean or whatever it is. Grow up and give credit where it’s due.
It’s always the immature ones who make comments like “grow up”. Advice sara: re-read your post and pretend you’re objective.
Big, Dave, Pleasantville, Seabiscuit… and now that AMAZING thing i just saw? i can name plenty of hacks… Gary Ross ain’t one of em. Brilliant work!
I agree. He was not the right director for a project like this. It looks hokey and rustic when it should be edgy with verve. Also, there are a lot of plants here. Reactions off other sites seem more honest and on point. The production design is off, the shaky camera work seems at a poor attempt to amp up the lack of drama from the shoddy direction and bland acting.
Wikipedia says, “In the book, the Hunger Games are an annual televised event where the Capitol chooses one boy and one girl aged 12 to 18 from each of 12 districts for a massive televised battle in which only one person can survive”
Children fighting to stay alive. This is the stupidest idea for “entertainment” I’ve ever seen. I hope this movie bombs. Sick people. How low can we go? What’s next, kids eating each other?
Funnily enough, reading two sentences isn’t really enough to get the full context of trilogy of novels. It’s actually a condemnation of what it depicts. Sometimes you gotta look a little deeper than face value.
You clearly haven’t read the books or you would know that nothing about this series glamorizes the death of children. Your comment makes about as much sense as stating that a movie about the holocaust glamorizes genocide.
The entire book series is about a brutal dictatorship the victimizes its society, including the children. The courage of a young girl’s rebellion inspires a nation to stand up and fight.
Given the real life events of the previous week, I think EVERYONE needs to be reminded (even if it’s through a fictional story) that you speak out against wrong-doing, even if it’s going to cost you something. THAT’S what this story is about.
Way to dig deep on your research.
Well, if you’ve ever seen Battle Royale you’d know that the idea can actually make for a great and profound film. My only complaint with this one is that they seem to be more influenced by the look of Running Man.
I guess you think Lord of the Flies was a dumb book.
If it’s Paris and Kim Kardashian, sign me up.
This trailer is amazing – I can not wait for the movie!
AWESOME TRAILER, cant wait for the movie!!!!
Just take my 15$ now. Wow can’t wait!
Totally cool. Kept it real, Prim is exactly liked i pictured her. Go Katniss!!!
Perfection! Thank you for getting this right.
Looks good. Not enough Peeta. I like Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth as Peeta and Gail but still don’t see Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss. I like Jennifer but she is not Katniss from the books.
Absolutely correct, Shy. They really miscast Katniss. She needs to project a coldness that hides her vulnerability. Jennifer Lawrence just seems too detached and not likable enough. Hailee Steinfeld would have been a much, much better choice.
AWESOME, TOTALLY TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!!
My calendar is marked for March 23rd! This looks like it is going to be awesome!
Wow, just WOW!!!!
It’s truly a spectacular trailer. I’m definitely impressed.
Jennifer Lawrence is soooo Katniss. You nailed this. Can’t wait til March.