Lionsgate has send us over the official poster for one of the most anticipated films of the fall season. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" stars Academy-Award winning actress, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Phillip Seymour Hoffman all star in the film. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" hits theaters on 11/22.

You can start purchasing advance tickets starting tomorrow on Fandango (http://www.fandango.com/thehungergames:catchingfire_155962/movieoverview) and MovieTickets.com (http://www.movietickets.com/movie/mid/120906)! You can purchase tickets for showtimes starting at 8PM on Thursday, November 21st, as well as for a special double feature screening of the blockbuster franchise! Start your night off by watching THE HUNGER GAMES immediately followed by THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE!!

Plot Synopsis:

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 50 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.

Lionsgate will release THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE on November 22, 2013

Lionsgate recently send over new Quarter Quell Character Posters for the upcoming release of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire". Academy-Award winning actress, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Phillip Seymour Hoffman all star in the film. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" hits theaters on 11/22.

Plot Synopsis:

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 50 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.

Lionsgate will release THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE on November 22, 2013.

 

Lionsgate has send us over the first official poster for one of the most anticipated films of the year, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire". Academy-Award winning actress, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Phillip Seymour Hoffman stars in the film. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" hits theaters on November 22nd.

Plot Synopsis:

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 50 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.

Lionsgate will release THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE on November 22, 2013.

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire": Teaser Trailer

Here's a first look at one of the most anticipated films of 2013. Lionsgate recently debut the teaser trailer to "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' during the MTV Movie Awards this past Sunday. Returning for the next chapter in this popular series are Academy-Award winning actress, Jennifer Lawrence, alongside Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" hits theaters on November 22nd.

For more information on this film, you can visit and "Like" the film's official Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/thehungergamesmovie

Plot Synopsis:

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 50 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire": Teaser Trailer

Lionsgate today released teaser posters for upcoming sequel to the upcoming second "Hunger Games" film "Catching Film. The teaser posters feature the series two main stars, Academy Award Winning Actress Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) and Josh Hutcherson. The film also co-stars Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jean Malone and Liam Hemsworth and the film is directed by Francis Lawrence. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" hits theaters on November 22, 2013

Plot Synopsis:

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 50 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.

Lionsgate recently released the first images to one of the most anticipated films of 2013, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire". This installment of "The Hunger Games" is directed by Francis Lawrence and starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth and Sam Claflin. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" hits theaters on November 22.

Plot Synopsis:

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 50 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.

Lionsgate will release THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE on November 22, 2013.

I always wonder about people who have been diagnosed with a psychological problem like bipolar disorder; some of them have such a zest and passion for life that I begin to wonder if it’s even fair to say that they are sick. Everyone else seems to get so beaten up and run down by life to where it robs the smiles off of our faces, and yet people like Pat Solitano, Bradley Cooper’s character in “Silver Linings Playbook,” seems so inspired by everything around him. Despite Pat’s problem, I came out of this movie desperately wanting to feel the way he does.

Of course, Pat’s boundless zest for life has come at a huge price for him. “Silver Linings Playbook,” the latest film from writer/director David O. Russell, starts off with Pat being released from a mental institution after being locked in there for eight months. It turns out that Pat, a former school teacher, went off the deep end one day when he came home and found his wife Nikki in the shower with another man. Pat did not take this well to put it mildly and he went ballistic on the guy in a way no one will ever forget.

Now that Pat’s been released, he is forced to move back in with his parents (played by Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver) as he has lost his home and his job, and his wife has since moved away and filed a restraining order against him. However, he is determined to move his life forward in a positive direction and win Nikki back, but he is still troubled by the discovery he made all those months ago. It also doesn’t help that a certain Stevie Wonder song, the same one which was played at Pat’s and Nikki’s wedding, was playing on the stereo when Pat found his wife at home but not alone. That song acts as a terrible trigger for him, and you feel his excruciating pain whenever it starts playing.

Cooper is best known for his work in “The Hangover” movies, but this role really shows the kind of actor he is truly capable of being. Cooper makes you sympathize with Pat’s sincere intentions to be a better person even when he flies off the handle for the most unexpected reasons. Just watch him go ballistic after he finishes reading Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms.” From start to finish, Cooper is a dynamo in the role and you relish in the joy he gets from playing this character.

Cooper is also well matched with Jennifer Lawrence who follows up her performance in the box office behemoth “The Hunger Games” with a fiery turn as Tiffany. Now a widow after her husband passed away, Tiffany speaks her mind bluntly and without apology and it is clear that she is still coping with a devastating loss. Lawrence blew us away with her breakthrough performance in “Winter’s Bone,” and her talent as an actress has never been in doubt since. She more than rises to the challenge in “Silver Linings Playbook” in creating a character who on the surface is not exactly pleasant, and yet she still lets us see the wounded humanity which Tiffany’s tough exterior cannot hide.

The film also features a number of terrific supporting performances as well. Robert De Niro gives one of his best performances in a long time as Pat’s father who is as hopeful for his son’s recovery as he is for the Philadelphia Eagles winning every single football game they play. Jacki Weaver, best known for her Oscar nominated performance in “Animal Kingdom,” also lends some strong support as Pat’s mom. There are also some inspired turns from John Ortiz as Ronnie, Anupam Kher as Dr. Patel, and even Julia Stiles shows up as Tiffany’s sister Veronica.

But one supporting performance which really stands out in “Silver Linings Playbook” is Chris Tucker’s as Danny, Pat’s friend who leaves the mental institution only to find that he’s not really allowed to just yet. Not only is this is the first movie Tucker’s done in a long time without “Rush Hour” in the title, but he also dials down on his manic comic energy to give a surprisingly naturalistic performance. Tucker is a lot of fun to watch here, and fits in perfectly with the rest of the cast without ever upstaging anybody. He is wonderful to watch here.

“Silver Linings Playbook” is based on the book of the same name by Matthew Quick, and it is the perfect fit for a writer/director like David O. Russell. His films, whether it’s “Flirting with Disaster,” “The Fighter” or even “Three Kings,” deal with complicated characters who are trying to salvage what is left of their souls so that they can move on to better things. This one is no different as Pat and Tiffany need each other to get past the traumas that have come to define their lives in the present. Russell presents their story in a way that never feels the least bit formulaic, and he never ever takes the easy way out with these characters.

What I’ve come to love about Russell’s movies is that they feel alive in a way most don’t. With “Silver Linings Playbook” you are watching lives unfold in front of you, and it is directed to where you experience what’s happening instead of just watching it. Regardless of the problems these characters face here, there is something strangely positive and fulfilling in seeing them overcome what is holding them back. It is also exhilarating to watch characters that are so filled with passion and a love for life, and this film is full of them. This is really one of the most entertaining and enjoyable movies I have seen so far in 2012.

* * * * out of * * * *

With all the hype and anticipation surrounding the box office smash, "The Avengers", we've actually forgot that a director has been announced for "The Hunger Games" sequel "Catching Fire". Lionsgate recently announced director Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, Constantine) will taking over for Gary Ross, when shooting for "Catching Fire" starts. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth will reprise their roles as Katniss, Peeta and Gale, with Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, and Woody Harrelson also returning to their respective roles.  "Catching Fire" will be hitting theaters on November 22, 2013.

Press Release:

LIONSGATE® (NYSE: LGF), a leading global entertainment company, announced today that Francis Lawrence has officially signed on to direct CATCHING FIRE, the sequel to THE HUNGER GAMES, based on the second in a series of books by Suzanne Collins that has 36 million copies in circulation in the US alone.  The announcement was made by Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group Co-Chairmen Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman. 

Lawrence, who is represented by CAA and 3 Arts Entertainment, has experience directing films that make him uniquely suited to handle the blend of character driven drama and high stakes action of CATCHING FIRE; among them are I AM LEGEND, CONSTANTINE, and WATER FOR ELEPHANTS.

"Lionsgate, the cast, and filmmakers are all thrilled to have Francis Lawrence come on board as director of Catching Fire.  Suzanne's brilliant book is the intense story of the birth of the rebellion and Katniss' emotionally charged journey as she takes on the mantle of the Mockingjay, and we all think Francis is the perfect director to bring the story to life,” said Erik Feig, Lionsgate’s President Of Production. 

“From the very beginning of this brilliant trilogy's journey from page to screen, our first priority has been to stay true to the heart and soul of Suzanne Collins' powerful stories. From my first conversation with Francis, I knew he would make a great partner for both me and Suzanne.   His passion for Catching Fire and inspired ideas for a faithful adaptation make him the perfect director for this movie.  I know this will be a wonderful collaboration and I cannot wait to get started,” echoed producer Nina Jacobson.

Said Francis, "It is truly an honor and a privilege to bring Catching Fire, the second chapter of Suzanne’s beloved trilogy, to the big screen. I fell in love with the characters, the themes and the world she created and this chapter opens all of these elements up in such a thrilling, emotional and surprising way. I can’t wait to dive right into it and bring this chapter to life along with the truly superb cast and filmmakers involved."

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth will reprise their roles as Katniss, Peeta and Gale, with Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, and Woody Harrelson also returning to their respective roles.  The film will be produced by Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Production is slated to begin this Fall, and the film will be released on November 22, 2013.

THE HUNGER GAMES has broken many box office records since it opened on March 23, 2012.  It achieved the highest grossing opening weekend ever for any non-sequel film and the third biggest opening weekend in box office history.  It has already grossed $373 million at the North American box office, ranking in the top 20 films of all time, and it recently crossed the $600 million mark in worldwide box office.

Lionsgate has send us information that "The Hunger Games" will be returning to select IMAX Screens for one week only starting on April 27th. The film has grossed over 533 Million at the box office globally with 13.2 Million coming from IMAX theaters from its original one week run.

Press Release:

IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX; TSX:IMX) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) today announced that due to overwhelming demand, The Hunger Games will return to more than 100 IMAX® digital theatres across North America on April 27. The film will play for a one-week special return engagement through May 3.

The Hunger Games has grossed over $533 million globally since its launch on March 23, including $13.2 million generated from IMAX theatres in its original one week run.

“It’s wonderful that so many fans have expressed interest in seeing The Hunger Games in the immersive IMAX format, and many of these are repeat viewers,” said Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group Co-Chair Rob Friedman, adding “ We're delighted that IMAX has been able to accommodate them through this special one week re-engagement.”

“The Hunger Games has become a cultural phenomenon and we are thrilled to provide moviegoers with another opportunity to see this year’s most successful film in IMAX,” said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment.

The IMAX release of The Hunger Games has been digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

Lionsgate has send us over the final poster and third trailer for their upcoming release "The Hunger Games" is one of most anticipated films of the winter. The film features an all star cast that includes Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz with Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland. "The Hunger Games hits theaters on March 23rd.

Plot Synopsis:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which Tributes? must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

THE HUNGER GAMES is directed by Gary Ross, and produced by Nina Jacobsons Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Suzanne Collins best-selling novel, the first in a trilogy published by Scholastic that has over 16 million copies in print in the United States alone, has developed a massive global following.

Lionsgate will release THE HUNGER GAMES on March 23, 2012.

"The Hunger Games" Official Trailer #3

"The Hunger Games" maybe four months away, but Liongate has send us the new poster for the film. This is sure to be one of the big films of the winter season. The film boasts an excellent cast that includes Jennifer Lawrence, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Stanley Tucci,and Toby Jones. "The Hunger Games will be hitting theaters on March 23rd.

Plot Synopsis:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which Tributes? must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

THE HUNGER GAMES is directed by Gary Ross, and produced by Nina Jacobsons Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Suzanne Collins best-selling novel, the first in a trilogy published by Scholastic that has over 16 million copies in print in the United States alone, has developed a massive global following.



"The Hunger Games": Official Trailer

Lionsgate this morning on "Good Morning America" released the official trailer for their upcoming film "The Hunger Games". The film is based on the best selling novel from Suzanne Collins. There's a second film based on this popular series called "Catching Fire", which is already in the works with a targeted 2013 release date. "The Hunger Games" starring Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Amandla Stenberg, Alexander Ludwig, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth hits theaters on March 23, 2012.

For more information on "The Hunger Games", you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.thehungergamesmovie.com/.

Press Release:

The full trailer for the highly anticipated upcoming film THE HUNGER GAMES, which will be released by Lionsgate on March 23, 2012, debuted today. Following its national broadcast premiere on ABC’s Good Morning America in which the trailer was introduced by Josh Hutcherson, it was made available worldwide on iTunes Movie Trailers (www.itunes.com/trailers). The trailer can be viewed here.

In an attempt to preserve the anticipation and mystery that fans are relishing, the trailer only shows footage from the first half of the film, chronicling events leading up to but not including the Games themselves. After giving fans their first look at all of the book’s beloved characters brought to life, giving viewers who haven’t read the book vital information about the world of Panem, the trailer ends with an electrifying cliffhanger right as Katniss enters the arena.

"The Hunger Game": Official Trailer