Though it’s been speculated for the last few weeks, Lionsgate has officially announced that Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend) will indeed direct The Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire.

In a statement released by the director and studio that was posted on The Hunger Games‘ official Facebook, he said:

“Hello fellow Hunger Games fans! I just want you all to know how unbelievably excited and honored I am to be a part of Catching Fire. At the end of the day, all of the work that I put in to my movies is for you — the fans. Make sure to post and let me know what you’re most excited to see in this adaptation as we aim to make something truly faithful and spectacular!”

He also added:

“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.”

'hunger games' stills

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This would’t be the first time Francis adapted a book into film, as he was behind the camera for last year’s Water For Elephants, which starred Twilight hunk Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon. In addition to that, he directed a number of popular music videos for artists such as Britney Spears, Jay-Z and Jennifer Lopez. Check out some of the best here!

What do you think about this decision? Is Francis the right man for the job? Sound off in the comments!

According to The Hollywood Reporter, music video director turned big screen helmer Francis Lawrence will be the one to direct The Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire. Though nothing is official, their sources say an offer was extended some time on Thursday, April 19. A little less than three weeks ago, it was announced that fan favorite Ross would not be returning to direct the sequel to the blockbuster smash, (which will hit theaters in November 2013), due to scheduling conflicts. Although Moneyball director Bennett Miller was also in the running, it appears as though Francis has been named the victor, so to speak.

While Francis, 42, has directed some box office hits such as Will Smith‘s I Am Legend and Robert Pattinson‘s Water For Elephants, he’s probably best known for his work on the small screen.

Francis has directed music videos for megastars such as Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce (to name a few). In the early 2000s, during the heyday of MTV’s Total Request Live and Making the Video, Francis was (and still is) easily one of the most sought after music video directors. While Ross will be sorely missed by fans of The Hunger Games, we have a feeling Francis will be able to add a certain flair to Catching Fire, which focuses much more on Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta’s (Josh Hutcherson) victory tour and the dreaded Quarter Quell.

jennifer lawrence shows off her katniss skills!

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To celebrate Francis’ (possible) new gig, we thought we’d look back at some of his best music videos through the years. Take a walk down memory lane below!

“Waiting For Tonight” – Jennifer Lopez (1999)

jlo's craziest fashion through the years!

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“Independant Woman Part I” – Destiny’s Child (2000)

flashback! beyonce's wildest ensembles

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“The Call” – Backstreet Boys (2001)

“Jenny From Block” – Jennifer Lopez (2002)

“Cry Me a River” – Justin Timberlake (2002)

“Circus” – Britney Spears (2008)

brit through the years!

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“Bad Romance” – Lady Gaga (2009)

“Run the World (Girls)” – Beyonce (2011)

What do you think about Francis going behind the director’s chair for Catching Fire? Will he do it justice? Sound off in the comments!

Seeing as she’s an archery pro in the wildly popular movie, the program thought they’d test JLaw’s actual skills with a bow and arrow that she aimed at a watermelon. As we all know by now, Jen plays a teenager in The Hunger Games who choses to fight for her life on TV after volunteering to step in for her younger sister.

Though the shots of Jennifer holding a bow and arrow are sure to get HG fans excited for the sequel, Catching Fire, Jennifer’s figure-hugging fashion statement will also turn heads. 

The Oscar nominee stepped out in a stunning black and cream dress by Victoria Beckham that she paired with strappy black heels. You try shooting your target in heels! It’s not so easy. 

Check out JLaw’s archery skills in the gallery and if that’s not enough of the blonde actress, see some of her sexy shots from an Esquire shoot below: 

jennifer's esquire outtakes

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]]> http://www.celebuzz.com/2012-04-20/jennifer-lawrences-katniss-archery-skills-put-to-test-on-spanish-talk-show-photos/feed/ 8 http://www.celebuzz.com/2012-04-13/the-career-evolution-of-josh-hutcherson-photos/ http://www.celebuzz.com/2012-04-13/the-career-evolution-of-josh-hutcherson-photos/#comments Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:00:36 +0000 Gabrielle Chung http://www.celebuzz.com/?p=10327121 From TV roles to total box office domination, there’s no denying that Josh Hutcherson has evolved into quite the big-name actor. Kick starting his career at an early age, Josh appeared in numerous TV movies like House Blend and Becoming Glen before landing his bigger and more memorable roles in the Oscar-nominated flick The Kids...Read more»]]> From TV roles to total box office domination, there’s no denying that Josh Hutcherson has evolved into quite the big-name actor. Kick starting his career at an early age, Josh appeared in numerous TV movies like House Blend and Becoming Glen before landing his bigger and more memorable roles in the Oscar-nominated flick The Kids Are All Right and Journey to the Center of the Earth series.

On Friday, Josh will be taking over theaters with The Hunger Games, which is still standing tall at the number one spot, and his recently released indie flick, Detention. Since this 19-year-old hunk is taking on himself at the box office this week, we thought it would only be fitting to take a look back at his impressive career evolution.

Josh Hutcherson at 'Hunger Games' Premiere

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Not only has Josh grown to be one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors, but the Kentucky-native has also taken his craft behind the camera as well. Apart from starring in Detention, J-Hutch also acted as one of the movie’s executive producers.

In what could only be described as a marriage between The Breakfast Club, Scream and everything 90s, Detention centers around a group of high-schoolers who band together to hunt down a masked killer who have been terrorizing their town. Check out Josh dishing about his Detention experience in the video below.

Dayo, who plays Thresh, the District 11 tribute in the blockbuster film, told us that it will be nearly impossible to replace Ross as a director: “Honestly, I really think he’s the only person who can come back and do the second film. So I’m hoping it’s one of those things where he’s like, ‘I’m not doing it,’ then is like, ‘No! I am doing it!’ Because it would be incredibly terrible for all of this to not work out. But this is the business, and it happens. Hopefully, they can get someone else who is as creative. There are very few Gary Ross’.”

With that in mind, who else could Dayo see directing CF?

“Honestly, it really is only Gary. But if I had to, maybe like a David Fincher (Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network). He would be ridiculous. His vision is completely different, so he would do a crazy job. Or maybe Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan).”

Funny, those are some of the director’s Celebuzz picked too!

who should direct 'catching fire'

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What do you guys think of Dayo’s picks? Sound off in the comments!

Just in case someone out there in Hollywood is listening, Celebuzz decided to jump the gun and make our own picks for who we’d like to see get behind the Catching Fire camera. Not all of our picks are what one might call realistic. But, hey, who wouldn’t want to see Girl With the Dragon Tattoo master David Fincher or Oscar winner Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) show Katniss ‘n crew a little love?

So, let’s play Hollywood! Check out our picks for who should direct Catching Fire in our gallery now, then make your own picks in the comments!

Jennifer Lawrence at 'Hunger Games' Fan Event in madrid

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]]> http://www.celebuzz.com/2012-04-11/who-should-direct-catching-fire-read-celebuzzs-picks-from-david-fincher-to-ron-howard-photos/feed/ 4 http://www.celebuzz.com/2012-04-11/hunger-games-actress-jackie-emerson-so-upset-gary-ross-not-directing-sequel-exclusive/ http://www.celebuzz.com/2012-04-11/hunger-games-actress-jackie-emerson-so-upset-gary-ross-not-directing-sequel-exclusive/#comments Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:15:30 +0000 Amanda Hasaka http://www.celebuzz.com/?p=10317351
After a few days of negotiation, and a bit of back and forth, it was confirmed that The Hunger Games director Gary Ross will not be returning to direct the highly anticipated sequel, Catching Fire. While millions of fans were upset at the news, the cast of the film is no doubt feeling the same way....Read more»

]]> After a few days of negotiation, and a bit of back and forth, it was confirmed that The Hunger Games director Gary Ross will not be returning to direct the highly anticipated sequel, Catching Fire.

While millions of fans were upset at the news, the cast of the film is no doubt feeling the same way. Celebuzz caught up with Jackie Emerson, who plays the cunning tribute Foxface, mere hours after the news broke, and got her thoughts on Gary leaving the HG franchise.

“I just heard about it today, and I am so upset! I’m just so sad,” she admitted at at Nylon Magazine’s Anniversary party at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles on Tuesday night. ”He’s such a talented director, and he really helped us connect with our characters in ways that I never have before. He had a method for working with everybody.”

The actress added, “I mean for me, he helped me to get inside my head, and gave me an inner monologue. As I was looking around, instead of telling me ‘Ok, look right, look left,’ he really stressed, ‘You see this backpack, are you going to go for it?’ He really helps you to have that thought process. The whole thing about acting is you need people to see that thought process.”

'hunger games' cast hits germany

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The 18-year-old actress has plenty of fond memories with the director and her cast, adding:

“He really brought the story to life. It’s sad for me to hear that. But my first day on set, Jen [Lawrence] got pooped on by a bird. [Laughs]. And she’s lying on the field, and they have the EPK (Electronic Press Kit) camera guy there, and Gary had to bend down and was scraping the poop off her leg. He was like, ‘I’ll be the poop scraper, you just do the acting.’ Everyone was cracking up.”

Lots of people are already beginning to speculate who will take over for Gary, and when Girl With the Dragon Tattoo helmer David Fincher‘s name was brought up, she replied:

“It’s so sudden, it’s hard to think of. I feel it would take five years to shoot [laughs]. With Gary it took five months, we spent a week  on the Cornucopia, that was pretty fast. Fincher would take a month to do [it]. But I would die to work with him, he’s so talented. I can’t think about that, I’m still in shock.”

So, now not only will a new director have to be chosen for Catching Fire, but there is still the task of casting new characters. Many have been speculating who will play the dreamy Finnick Odair, and Jackie had but one choice in mind:

“Armie Hammer! He would be so perfect! But honestly, I don’t want to try to pick out any actors or actresses. I can’t wait to see who they pick, I’m sure whoever it is, they’ll be perfect for the part.”

casting finnick

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What about you guys? Are you sad to see Gary go, or is there another director you’d like to see take on Catching Fire? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Naturally, PETA’s president Ingrid Newkirk has issued a response to the Oscar nominated actress:

She’s young and the plight of animals somehow hasn’t yet touched her heart. As Henry David Thoreau said, ‘The squirrel you kill in jest, dies in earnest.’ We are told that this squirrel was hit by a car, but when people kill animals, it is the animals who are ‘screwed,’ not PETA, and one day I hope she will try to make up for any pain she might cause any animal who did nothing but try to eke out a humble existence in nature.”

In other Hunger Games news: the other PETA, meaning Peeta, talked about Hunger Games director Gary Ross’ involvement in Catching Fire.

more from 'hg' tour!

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Josh Hutcherson told The Hollywood Reporter:

I think Gary’s the man. Gary is in my mind is the only one that could ever direct the second one. That’s what I’m sticking to.

Celebuzz totally agrees! For more Hunger Games goodness, take a tour of the Capitol here.

In a statement obtained by Deadline, Ross expressed his condolences, citing the sequel’s “fixed and tight production schedule” as his reason for not signing onto the project.

“I loved making The Hunger Games – it was the happiest experience of my professional life,” Ross said. “Lionsgate was supportive of me in a manner that few directors ever experience in a franchise: they empowered me to make the film I wanted to make and backed the movie in a way that requires no explanation beyond the remarkable results. And contrary to what has been reported, negotiations with Lionsgate have not been problematic. They have also been very understanding of me through this difficult decision.”

“To the fans I want to say thank you for your support your faith, your enthusiasm and your trust. Hard as this may be to understand I am trying to keep that trust with you. Thank you all. It’s been a wonderful experience,” he added.

Lionsgate, the studio that produced the first Hunger Games movie, also expressed disappointment in Ross’ decision, saying:

We’re very sorry that Gary Ross has chosen not to direct Catching Fire. We were really looking forward to making the movie with him. He did an incredible job on the first film and we are grateful for his work. This will not be the end of our relationship, as we consider Ross to be part of the Lionsgate family and look forward to working with him in the future.

Jennifer Lawrence Sexy Esquire Shoot in 2010

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Sad news, indeed — though it’s certainly not the first time that this has happened to a mega-popular franchise; The Twilight Saga, for example, was directed by four different people over the span of four years: Catherine Hardwicke, in 2008 (Twilight); Chris Weitz, in 2009 (New Moon); David Slade, in 2010; and Oscar winner Bill Condon, in 2011 and 2012, respectively (Breaking Dawn: Parts I & II). The Harry Potter films also had a number of directors, from Chris Columbus to, finally, David Yates.

Still, given the glowing reviews The Hunger Games received upon its release on March 23 (the film currently holds a healthy 85 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes), not to mention its record-breaking performance at the box office ($306 million, domestically, and counting), it’s hard not to see this as a missed opportunity for Gary Ross, the man behind such hit movies as Pleasantville and the Oscar-nominated Seabiscuit.

who should direct 'catching fire'? read celebuzz's picks!

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In the meantime, there’s plenty of time left to find a replacement for Gary Ross. As Celebuzz reported last August, Catching Fire won’t hit theaters until Nov. 22, 2013.

Read Gary Ross’ full statement below:

Despite recent speculation in the media, and after difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct Catching Fire. As a writer and a director, I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule.

I loved making The Hunger Games – it was the happiest experience of my professional life. Lionsgate was supportive of me in a manner that few directors ever experience in a franchise: they empowered me to make the film I wanted to make and backed the movie in a way that requires no explanation beyond the remarkable results. And contrary to what has been reported, negotiations with Lionsgate have not been problematic. They have also been very understanding of me through this difficult decision.

I also cannot say enough about the people I worked with: Producer Nina Jacobson, a great collaborator and a true friend; the brilliant Suzanne Collins, who entrusted us with her most amazing and important story; the gifted and remarkable Jennifer Lawrence whose performance exceeded my wildest expectations, and the rest of the incredible cast, whom I am proud to call my friends.

To the fans I want to say thank you for your support your faith, your enthusiasm and your trust. Hard as this may be to understand I am trying to keep that trust with you. Thank you all. It’s been a wonderful experience.

What do you think, HG fans: Did Gary Ross make the right call? Or was the perfect fit for Catching Fire?

Jennifer Lawrence's Cleavage-Baring Dress at 'Hunger Games' Screening

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The film beat out Titanic and American Reunion with $33 million, making THG pass the $300 million mark.

So what is the latest with Catching Fire?

As Celebuzz told you Friday, director Gary Ross was not officially out just yet, and according to The Hollywood Reporter he is meeting with Lionsgate today to discuss what his role will be in the sequel. 

Can’t get enough Hunger Games? Explore the Capitol right here.

While many have expressed their devastation at the news that director Gary Ross would not be returning to direct The Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire, a source close to the situation tells Celebuzz that “nothing is official.”

After some lengthy negotiations, many are citing Gary’s film-making eye to be the main reason he would consider not coming back, not money.

Gary has directed a number of varying projects from Pleasantville to Seabiscuit, and the website The Playlist is reporting that the director’s “burning desire simply isn’t there to spend another couple of years with Katniss in the Capitol.”

j-law at 'hg' la premiere

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We’re rooting for Gary to come back, as Catching Fire just wouldn’t be the same without him! As President Snow says, “the only thing greater than fear is hope,” and we are definitely hoping Gary will return. (Reminder, the extra President Snow scenes that steal the movie were written by Gary himself!)

Do you want Gary to direct the next sequel, or would you like to see someone else take a shot? Sound off in the comments!

Soak and wet and poured into skin-baring swimsuits, JLaw, 21, has no problem showing her sexy side as this video reveals. Esquire already knew back then she was a star in the making, calling the spread: “You Have Now Heard of Jennifer Lawrence.”

Jennifer certainly has an audience now as she’s taken on the lead role in The Hunger Games as Katniss. 

It is this story where we learn how JLaw was discovered. The actress recalls that while visiting New York from Louisville with her mom seven years ago “a guy asked to take my picture. We probably should have realized how creepy that was.” 

It was this moment that led her to landing an agent an in turn her Oscar nominated and blockbuster roles. The actress admitted to the magazine in 2010, “I’m excited to be seen as sexy.”

What do you think of Jennifer’s photo shoot? Do you prefer posing as a sex kitten, or the girl next door?

“Marriage and kids are way in the future for me,” Liam, 22, told Britian’s OK! Magazine. “I’m young. It’s not really on my mind at the moment—marriage, kids or anything.”

Hemsworth and Cyrus, 19, met while filming The Last Song together in 2009 and after a break last year, have been going strong ever since.

Miley sparked engagement rumors when she sported a sparkly ring on her wedding finger, before revealing days later that it was costume jewelry.  

Do you think Miley and Liam will walk down the aisle one day, or is this just young love? Sound off in the comments! Also, can’t get enough Hunger Games? Explore the Capitol right here.

Celebuzz caught up with Alexander Ludwig, the 19-year-old actor who took on the role as the vicious District 2 tribute, at the Kids’ Choice Awards in LA this weekend and asked him what shooting that final scene was like.

If you have yet to see Hunger Games in theaters, read no further! Spoilers ahead!

Though Cato kills many a tribute during his time in the arena, he just can’t seem to pull the proverbial trigger when it comes to Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson). Cato has Peeta in a headlock on top of the Cornucopia, where he points out if Katniss shoots him, Peeta will go with him. Also, since “career” kids are essentially killing machines produced by their districts to win the games, and Cato refers to himself as “dead” already.

kendall & kylie jenner interview 'hg' cast!

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About that particular scene Alex told us:

“That was the reason I did the movie, really, to experiment with the dark side of humanity. If I could get the audience to sympathize with Cato for one second at the end of that movie, I did what I wanted to do.”

We also chatted with him about the opening weekend’s box office numbers, and crazy fan sites. Check it out in the video above! Also, take a Hunger Games Capitol tour here.

Foxface herself, Jacqueline Emerson, even cleared the air for us to whether or not her character actually committed suicide during the Games. So was it really a self-imposed death by berries for the cunning tribute? Watch the video above to find out.

'Hunger Games' Stills

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“I do not [believe it]. I’ve seen the evidence and it’s very good evidence,” Emerson told us about Foxface alleged suicide. “It’s like what Katniss said: if Peeta had been tricking her, she would have figured it out because she was that smart. But because he was so naive and she was so desperate and so hungry, and basically making her living off of their food, I think that that’s how she died.”

Meanwhile, we also caught up with Jackie’s fellow tributes on the red carpet where they told us about the wildest thing a fan has done for them. Who got a photograph of their head photoshopped to an adult film star’s body? You’ll just have to see it to believe it!

Dayo Okeniyi:

Amandla Stenberg:

Alexander Ludwig:

Willow Shields:

“One of my friends actually called me!” Isabelle told Celebuzz. “I got a bunch of emails from my agent and from a lot of people at Lionsgate. I was like ‘Oh my god, seriously that much?!’”

It was just shy of $155 million, and Fuhrman said stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth were all happily surprised:

“I was texting some of them the other day and I think we’re kind of still in shock about it,” Isabelle told us at the Valentino Flagship store opening in Beverly Hills. “We knew it had a huge fan following, and it was kind of growing [the fan following], but this was so much bigger than we expected.”

Isabelle was a contributing factor to ticket sales, laughing: “I’ve seen it five times and I think I’m gonna see it again this week!”

So do any of her friends think it’s weird to watch it next to one of the stars on screen?

I think my friends think it’s kind of cool. When I was watching it with them, they all cheered when I died. So that’s a good thing, right?

Hunger Games mania is well underway, which means the tabloids are trying to get in on any salacious action. So does Isabelle pay attention to any of that stuff?

Not really. I think when I was at the nail salon today, I was looking at [tabloids], but I didn’t see anything about them so I hope not.

Even though Fuhrman’s character Clove dies in the movie, she is still excited for the sequel Catching Fire.

“I know the first draft is out there and I am definitely keeping tabs on it because I’m such a huge fan of the series, but I don’t know very much,” she told us. “In spirit, I will live on!”

Get everything Hunger Games right here, plus check out more from Isabelle down below:

Trailers for Detention and House at the End of the Street–which star Josh and Jennifer, respectively–have hit the web. Both flicks have the gorgeously talented stars dabbling in an entirely different genre from Hunger: horror.

How’d they do? Take a look at the trailers.

Josh’s high school horror comedy, according to IMDB, is about a “a slasher-movie killer who frightens a group of teens during their senior year of high school.” Mixing Scream and Breakfast Club, the film is set to hit AMC theatres on April 13. It also stars Dane Cook, Shanley Caswell, and Spencer Locke.

On the flip side, Jennifer’s straight up horror film–which also stars Elizabeth Shue–is described as a murder tale about a “mother and daughter [who] move to a new town and find themselves living next door to a house where a young girl murdered her parents.” The movie is set to be released later this year.

Which Hunger Games star trailer do you like better? Sound off in the comments, and don’t forget to vote in our poll!

For more from the Games cast, check Celebuzz on the premiere red carpet:

A video has surfaced of stars Alexander Ludwig (who plays Cato) and Leven Rambin (who plays Glimmer) kissing outside The Roosevelt Hotel. 

So what’s the deal with these two gorgeous stars? Could they be dating?

A rep for Leven tells Celebuzz the video is from January 19, and while it may be legit the two aren’t in a relationship.

“They aren’t dating,” Leven’s rep says, adding that they are good friends.  

Another thing we want to clarify is that Leven Rambin was not engaged to producer Geoff Clark at the time she and Alexander were photographed kissing.

“Leven was engaged to Geoff in 2010, but they broke off their engagement in November 2011,” adds her rep.

So there you have it! But their romance does live on screen. Gary Ross decided to throw in some tribute action by encouraging Leven and Alexander’s characters to have a romantic backstory. Rambin told us:

There is a little bit of sexual seduction going on, which is a surprise for the fans. Gary was like ‘Lets just spice things up a little bit.’ So me and Xander were like, ‘Alright!’  And I definitely didn’t have a problem with that!

Check out more Alexander and Leven from The Hunger Games premiere right here:

“Amazing. Couldn’t have made a better movie. Was just like the book in every way possible,” Amanda wrote on Facebook. Rita agreed, adding: “Saw it and really enjoyed it, need to watch it a few more times to fully appreciate it.”

“I liked it a lot. Books are always better – I thought it was a very good adaptation. Jennifer Lawrence was brilliant!” reader Diana said.

Natalie analyzed it a bit more:

jen in madrid

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“They strayed a lot from the book. Peeta and Katnis were not that friendly upon their arrival back to D12. Also, did anyone notice that Peeta’s leg was perfectly fine… He was supposed to have it part prosthetic. It was okay.”

As did Kristin:

Loved the book, and the movie. Things about the movie, Haymitch was way too clean at the beginning of the movie. They should have included him drunk & puking on himself. Music could have been used more effectively, but the minimalistic approach was good too.

Still, we would say that about 80% of you gave it a big thumbs up!

So what are you looking forward to now that The Hunger Games is over? Vote in our poll and tell us, but right now, it seems you’re most anticipating Snow White and the Huntsman, which is winning by 65%!