The Hunger Games — MomStart

Follow & RT @MomStart to Win 2 IMAX Tickets to See #TheHungerGames #HungerGamesIMAX

April 20, 2012 By Momstart 62 Comments

You will be able to see THE HUNGER GAMES again in IMAX for a one week limited run starting April 27th in 100+ theaters across the country! Perhaps it will even bee your first time to see it, if you’re planning on going might as well go big right?

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.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.IMAX.com.

Well you can go big by entering to win two IMAX movie tickets right here. All you have to do is tweet this message. It’s a very quick giveaway, only 72 hours.

TO ENTER:

Follow & RT @MomStart to Win 2 IMAX Tickets to See #TheHungerGames #HungerGamesIMAX http://su.pr/8Ex4Rc

Giveaway ends tomorrow 4/23/2012 at 10:00 AM PST.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: giveaway, movie, The Hunger Games

Inside The Hunger Games Movie –More From An Interview With Producer Nina Jacobson

April 6, 2012 By Momstart 20 Comments

By: Ashley

Since opening weekend 3 weeks ago, The Hunger Games has been at the top of the box office. Now it’s the beginning of Easter weekend and some early Friday results show it might stay that way! It is reported that Hunger Games is the highest grossing movie EVER for Lionsgate. That means there are plenty of diehard fans and newcomers to the story wanting to get a peek inside the movie. What better way than reading what Hunger Games producer Nina Jacobson had to say in an interview shortly before the release of the film?

One of the obvious conversations going on about The Hunger Games is over the differences between the movie and the book. As a fan of both, I have to say that I think they did an AMAZING job. In my first interview post from Nina Jacobson, I mentioned a few of the obvious differences (Madge, the stylists), but didn’t really dive into the whole perspective of the movie. The book is told solely from Katniss’s perspective. The movie has the ability to go beyond that… and it’s actually a pretty integral part of making the movie come alive to both those who have read the book and those who haven’t. Jacobson pointed out that the film must show, “why the Hunger Games are such a critical tool in the oppression (of the people).” In the movie, it’s possible to see what’s happening outside the arena. “Katniss doesn’t know why the rules change. (We’re able) to fill in some of the blanks… We get to see the response outside of the games… We see Haymitch’s influence (and) the growing tension in the Districts.” Seeing the “work” being done outside of the games was something I personally enjoyed A LOT in the movie.

When asked for her absolute favorite character or part of the book, Jacobson didn’t take too long to respond with Katniss. It may sound obvious, but her reasoning behind this really gave insight into how many layers Jacobson has peeled back from the story to have a true and complete understanding. “Katniss is a true survivor and protector of her family. She is not civic minded, but (comes) to a point where she can trust others and care for others… She reaches an ethical line she won’t cross. (Katniss) transcends self interest by way of her own ethical choices.”

With such love for the story and the characters, I had to ask Jacobson about the great choices regarding sound and location made in the film. If you’ve seen Hunger Games you’ll know exactly what I mean. There are moments where the sound effects (and lack thereof) really transport you into the action. Jacobson says that, “ Gary (Ross) had clear ideas on this from the beginning… It was important not to overscore the film. We didn’t want to tell the audience how to feel.” Definitely an interesting comment now that reports say Gary Ross won’t be back as director for film number 2, Catching Fire.

Though the director may change (I’m a little sad about that), I’m hoping that the filming location will be just as amazing in Catching Fire as in Hunger Games. Hunger Games supposedly set in Appalachia, and it was filmed deep in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. (Definitely made me proud as a Carolina Girl!) Jacobson said, “We scouted the area and couldn’t believe how perfect it fit.” They used the mountains in Asheville and some of the metropolitan areas of Charlotte. Very cool if you ask me. Makes me wonder what a good fit for Catching Fire would be…

Want To Read More About Hunger Games?

· Inside The Hunger Games Movie: Interview with Producer Nina Jacobson

· Hunger Games HP Folio 13 Special Edition Laptop #GIVEAWAY – Are the Odds in Your Favor?

· The Hunger Games – A Movie That IS As Good As the Book

· The Hunger Games – Is it too violent? (Movie Review and More)

· The Hunger Games – Your Own Personal Capitol Tour

Thanks to Lionsgate for arranging the interview and to Nina Jacobson for her time!

About Ashley: Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures at www.Momicles.com

Filed Under: Movie review Tagged With: Haymitch, Interview With Producer Nina Jacobson, Katniss, Lionsgate, Movie review, Nina Jacobson, The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games Movie

Inside The Hunger Games Movie: Interview with Producer Nina Jacobson

March 22, 2012 By Momstart 26 Comments

An Interview with Nina Jacobson – Producer of The Hunger Games Movie

By: Ashley

Fans of The Hunger Games have been waiting and counting down the days until the movie FINALLY makes it to the big screen. I am one of those fans. I fell in love with the books, and I am honestly thrilled with the movie. Getting to interview Nina Jacobson, producer of The Hunger Games, has definitely set this girl on fire! Do you want to know what impressed me most about Ms. Jacobson? It wasn’t that she took time out her surely IMPOSSIBLE schedule to chat with some parent bloggers (though that was VERY cool), it wasn’t that her son was in the room with her (again, just an added “real person” bonus), but she is one of the biggest fans of The Hunger Games out there!

Jacobson’s love of the books is actually what pushed her to make the movie. She read the books when there were only about 100,000 in print. After reading the books, Jacobson says she “couldn’t imagine not making it into a movie.” She knew that she was working with an extremely powerful and ethical book (how she described it), and didn’t want the movie to be done wrong. Over the course of about 3 months, Jacobson talked with Suzanne Collins (author of the book series) and after getting the green light from her, went to Lionsgate. According to Jacobson, Lionsgate wanted to do a “faithful adaptation of the book … and was fully committed from the very beginning.” This all started in 2009, and now, we have a movie!

For those true, die-hard fans of The Hunger Games, you may be worried about what differences there are between the book and the movie. We asked the producer about this. There are 2 big things missing from the movie. First of all, the mockingjay pin comes to Katniss in a very different way. Sadly, Madge is while not in the movie, but it’s a difference that makes sense. Jacobson says, “we needed to build the relationship between Katniss and her sister.” Also, some fans might be disappointed that Katniss’s stylists don’t really come to life in quite the same way. “I love the stylists,” says Jacobson, “but there just wasn’t enough time.” Time was instead spent building the amazing character of Cinna. A trade well worth the sacrifice.

Another concern from many parents is the violence in the story and how that will be portrayed on screen. I’ve even had some parents ask me if the movie will be appropriate for their kid(s). It’s a tough call to make, but when asked about her perspective on the violence in the story (both in the book and the movie). Jacobson says that since the books are recommended for readers ages 12 and up, they have been “very mindful of the fans of the books.” She also notes that when reading, “your imagination really sets the parameters “ for the violence in the books, where as the movie creates the parameters for you. That said, Jacobson was also very aware that they “needed to be true to the gravity of the situation… show how wrong” things were and not tiptoe around it. She worked hard to make sure that the movie did not dilute the level of intensity but also to not “be the capitol” and glorify the violence in any way.

Now for the question lots of fans are asking. Are there sequels planned? The answer to that is yes. The script is currently undergoing some work, but they are really hoping for a November 2013 release for the next movie in The Hunger Games story.

Keep checking MomStart for more on The Hunger Games, more from my interview with Nina Jacobson, and more about a special Hunger Games laptop giveaway!

Thanks to Lionsgate for arranging the interview and to Nina Jacobson for her time!

About Ashley: Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and writes her own blog at Momicles.

Filed Under: Movie review Tagged With: interview, Movie review, Nina Jacobs, producer of the Hunger Games, The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games – A Movie That IS As Good As the Book

March 20, 2012 By Momstart 33 Comments

By: Ashley

The odds were most definitely in my favor as I was able to make it to a press screening of The Hunger Games. As a HUGE fan of the books, and a movie go-er who is often disappointed by books brought to the big screen, I was equally excited and nervous. However, when the movie ended and the credits started to roll, I knew that Lionsgate had truly made a wonderful movie.

The Hunger Games is a movie that fans of the book will love as it accurately brings the story by Suzanne Collins to the screen. Fans will see the scenes that made movies in their minds played out in a larger than life way. As a true fan of the novels, I couldn’t help but compare the two looking for differences, noting what was left out, and noticing the book to movie changes. Did I notice a few differences? Yes. Did they take away from the story, or bother me? NO! The Hunger Games movie did a phenomenal job of staying true to what is an amazing story.

As for movie go-ers that are not already fans of the book, they will leave the theatre completely attached to the characters, contemplating societal and political ideals, and begging to know what comes next in the story. Don’t worry, this movie does a fantastic job telling the complete story, so reading the book is not necessary for watching. (Though I must say, reading the books is something that should be on EVERYONE’S list…) The storyline in The Hunger Games is captivating for tweens, teens, and adults of all ages. Intense action scenes, a well done love story, amazing sound effects, and a star-studded cast are only a few of the things that make The Hunger Games a must see movie. Did you not know that this was a star-studded cast? Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz, and Donald Sutherland are just some of the names that stand out on the cast. Top all of that off with Jennifer Lawrence playing an amazing protagonist, Liam Hemsworth playing her best friend, and Josh Hutcherson as the strong male tribute… you’ve got yourself a MUST SEE MOVIE!

That’s it. This is a MUST SEE MOVIE! So, whether you’re going to wait in line Thursday at midnight, or go early Saturday morning… GO SEE IT! =)

Disclosure – Ashley was able to attend a press screening thanks to Lionsgate (or a representing PR firm) of the film in order to write this review.

About Ashley: Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and writes her own blog at Momicles.

Filed Under: Ashley, Movie review Tagged With: Ashley, Lionsgate, movie, Movie review, The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games Live Stream of the Red Carpet World Premiere #HungerGameLIVE

March 9, 2012 By Momstart 170 Comments

I loved reading The Hunger Games. I read the first book in two weeks and then book 2 and 3 in one weekend. It was a lot of reading and went really fast because it was so good I couldn’t put it down. That’s why I’m so excited for the movie The Hunger Games coming out March 23rd.

Yahoo! Movies, in conjunction with Lionsgate®, presents the official live stream of the red carpet World Premiere of the highly anticipated film "The Hunger Games,” Monday, March 12 at 5:30p.m. PT on Yahoo! Movies. Yahoo! Movies, one of the leading movies websites, will provide fans with a front row seat to all of the action as their favorite stars hit the film’s first red carpet premiere, live from Los Angeles.

WHEN: Monday, March 12 at 5:30 p.m PT

WHERE: Only on Yahoo! Movies:

will be able to watch the stars arrive, see their fashion choices and listen in on A-List interviews with a cast that includes Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth and Elizabeth Banks to name a few. Fans can start submitting their questions now via Twitter and Facebook using #HungerGameLIVE. Questions will be answered LIVE on the red carpet.

Fans also have the chance to win “The Hunger Games” merchandise, including daily prizes such as posters, books, soundtracks and more on Yahoo! Movies.

We’re also hosting a giveaway here.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Jd B.

All rules can be found under giveaway rules

Filed Under: giveaway, Movie review Tagged With: movie, Red Carpet World Premiere, The Hunger Games, Yahoo! Movies

Lionsgate From Book To Movie, The Hunger Games & One For The Money

September 14, 2011 By Momstart 12 Comments

I’ve noticed recently that Lionsgate is into turning books into movies. They transformed The Hunger Games from book to movie with the first one coming out March 23, 2012. The Hunger Games is a very popular series by Suzanne Collins and is remarkably amazing. I read the first book in one week and book two and three took me a weekend. I can’t wait until this hits theaters. Check out this Hunger Games movie trailer.

And they’re turning Janet Evonovich’s books into a movie, One For The Money. I love these books, they’re the kind of books that once you start reading them you just can’t put them down. I’ve read at least seven of them, and then stopped for some reason. I’m going to have to pick them back up and start over in anticipation of the movie. I remember six or seven years ago when I started reading them, there was talk about a possible movie even then. It’s nice to see it finally come to fruition. It’s hard to find too many ACTUAL movie details on-line, I just googled it, but I do have a movie synopsis for you here.

Katherine Heigl brings Stephanie Plum – the popular heroine of Janet Evanovich’s worldwide best-selling sixteen-book mystery series – to vibrant life in Lionsgate and Lakeshore Entertainment’s ONE FOR THE MONEY.

A proud, born-and-bred Jersey girl, Stephanie Plum’s got plenty of attitude, even if she’s been out of work for the last six months and just lost her car to a debt collector. Desperate for some fast cash, Stephanie turns to her last resort: convincing her sleazy cousin to give her a job at his bail bonding company…as a recovery agent. True, she doesn’t even own a pair of handcuffs and her weapon of choice is pepper spray, but that doesn’t stop Stephanie from taking on Vinny’s biggest bail-jumper: former vice cop and murder suspect Joe Morelli – yup, the same sexy, irresistible Joe Morelli who seduced and dumped her back in high school.

Nabbing Morelli would be satisfying payback – and a hefty payday – but as Stephanie learns the ins and outs of becoming a recovery agent from Ranger, a hunky colleague who’s the best in the business, she also realizes the case against Morelli isn’t airtight. Add to the mix her meddling family, a potentially homicidal boxer, witnesses who keep dying and the problem of all those flying sparks when she finds Morelli himself…well, suddenly Stephanie’s new job isn’t nearly as easy as she thought.

Starring Katherine Heigl, ONE FOR THE MONEY is a fresh, funny action-comedy directed by Julie Anne Robinson and also starring Jason O’Mara, Daniel Sunjata, John Leguiziamo, Debbie Reynolds and Debra Monk. Lionsgate and Lakeshore Entertainment present a Lakeshore Entertainment Lionsgate Wendy Finerman production in association with Sidney Kimmel Entertainment Abishag Productions. Directed by Julie Anne Robinson. Screenplay by Stacy Sherman & Karen Ray and Liz Brixius. Based on the novel by Janet Evanovich.

I’ve also read rumors on-line about Lionsgate bringing What To Expect When Your Expecting to life in the theaters possibly in 2012. It’s being kept tightly under wraps right now.

Filed Under: Movie review Tagged With: book to movie, Lionsgate, movie announcement, One For the Money, The Hunger Games, What to expect when your expecting movie

The Hunger Games Giveaway

July 10, 2010 By Momstart 78 Comments

Encouraging reading is very important to me. We read to our kids every night now and it puts a big smile on the entire family. We all sit down together upstairs read two books, one for each kid and then settle them down for bed with a good story.

My husband and I both read as we go to bed too. The Hunger Games was recommended to me and I’m going to try them out. I could use a break from re-reading Twilight over and over again. Yes, just slap a big NERD across my forehead please!!

The Hunger Games is Now available in paperback!

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capital surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capital is harsh and cruel and keeps the other districts in line by forcing them to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight-to-the death on live TV. One boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and sixteen are selected by lottery to play. The winner brings riches and favor to his or her district. But that is nothing compared to what the Capital wins: one more year of fearful compliance with its rules. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her impoverished district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to death before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. Bestselling writer Suzanne Collins delivers equal parts suspense and philosophy, adventure and romance, in this stunning novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present.