Book Review: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games #0) by Suzanne Collins

“It’s not over until the mockingjay sings.”

A prequel to Suzanne Collins‘ The Hunger Games series and published in 2020, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is set around the 10th annual Hunger Game, where 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmanoeuvre his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute. The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined, as he must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive, no matter what it takes.

Film Review: The Hunger Games – Mockingjay (Part 2)

A whole year after the release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (Part 1), the final instalment in a series of adaptations based on Suzanne Collins’ trilogy of novels is finally here. With Part 1 leaving the dystopian nation of Panem on the verge of revolution, a hijacked Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) attempting to come to grips with reality, and our reluctant heroine Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) preparing for battle, Part 2 picks up in District 13 as the team plan their way into the Capitol.

Directed once again by Francis Lawrence, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (Part 2) picks up with Katniss as she must bring together an army when Panem moves into a full-scale war. Teamed with those closest to her – Peeta, Gale (Liam Hemsworth) and Finnick (Sam Claflin) – Katniss sets out on her own mission, ignoring orders set to her by President Coin (Julianne Moore), as she leads her unit into mortal traps and humanity-breaking moral choices that will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games, in her efforts to end the manipulative reign of President Snow (Donald Sutherland) for good.

Book v Film: The Hunger Games – Mockingjay (Part 2)

“It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart.”

A whole year after the release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (Part 1), the final instalment in a series of adaptations based on Suzanne Collins’ trilogy of novels is finally here. With Part 1 leaving the dystopian nation of Panem on the verge of revolution, a hijacked Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) attempting to come to grips with reality, and our reluctant heroine Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) preparing for battle, Part 2 picks up in District 13 as the team plan their way into the Capitol.

Directed once again by Francis Lawrence, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (Part 2) picks up with Katniss as she must bring together an army when Panem moves into a full-scale war. Teamed with those closest to her – Peeta, Gale (Liam Hemsworth) and Finnick (Sam Claflin) – Katniss sets out on her own mission, ignoring orders set to her by President Coin (Julianne Moore), as she leads her unit into mortal traps and humanity-breaking moral choices that will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games, in her efforts to end the manipulative reign of President Snow (Donald Sutherland) for good.

You Should Be Reading: The Hunger Games – Mockingjay (Part 1 & 2)

“It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart.”

Suzanne Collins’ trilogy of novels, The Hunger Games, is one of the most popular young adult franchises, with the film adaptations being some of the best films over the past couple of years. Now the time has come for the final instalment, the second part of the final novel and the fourth instalment in The Hunger Games franchise, with one of the most anticipated films of 2015, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (Part 2).

Set to be released on 19th November and directed by Francis Lawrence, with Jennifer Lawrence once again in the lead role, this final book sees Katniss face her biggest challenges yet, as she must become the iconic Mockingjay, a symbol of hope and courage in the revolution, to unify the districts of Panem, fight to save those she loves, and attempt to shatter the games forever.

New Poster & Trailer for ‘Mockingjay Part 2’ – “A Sister’s Bond Is Forever”

(Written for Filmoria)

With tickets set to go on sale on 1st October for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, we have a new trailer and poster for the final instalment that we’re all dying to see.

Reaching cinemas on 19th November, the new promotional items center on the strong bond and compassion between two of the most courageous sisters we know – Katniss and Primrose Everdeen.

Film Review: The Hunger Games – Mockingjay (Part 1)

The first part of the final novel in Suzanne Collins’ young adult trilogy of novels, The Hunger Games, Mockingjay (Part 1), directed by Francis Lawrence, follows on from the cliff-hanger of last year’s Catching Fire, with the echoing words that District 12 has been destroyed. Transferred to District 13 in her fragile state, and now under the charge of President Coin (Julianna Moore), Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) must now become the iconic Mockingjay, a symbol of hope and courage in the revolution, to unify the districts of Panem, rescue Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), fight to save those she loves, and attempt to shatter the games forever.

Book v Film: The Hunger Games – Mockingjay (Part 1)

“It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart.”

The first part of the final novel in Suzanne Collins’ young adult trilogy of novels, The Hunger Games, Mockingjay (Part 1), directed by Francis Lawrence, follows on from the cliff-hanger of last year’s Catching Fire, with the echoing words that District 12 has been destroyed. Transferred to District 13 in her fragile state, and now under the charge of President Coin (Julianna Moore), Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) must now become the iconic Mockingjay, a symbol of hope and courage in the revolution, to unify the districts of Panem, rescue Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), fight to save those she loves, and attempt to shatter the games forever.

You Should Be Reading: The Hunger Games – Mockingjay (Part 1)

“It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart.”

Suzanne Collins’ young adult trilogy The Hunger Games has to be one of the most popular series of novels at the minute. Set in the dystopian and post-apocalyptic nation of Panem, the novels follow lead heroine Katniss Everdeen, a young girl living in the poorest of 12 districts who, volunteering to save her younger sister, is forced to compete in The Hunger Games. Set up by the government in order to maintain peace, the annual televised games see 24 young representatives fight to the death in a specially designed arena, until only one remains.

Once again directed by Francis Lawrence and starring Jennifer Lawrence in the lead role, the film adaptation is set to be released on 20th November.

Book Review: The Hunger Games – Mockingjay

“It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart.”

The final book in Suzanne Collins’ trilogy of The Hunger Games series of novels, Mockingjay, originally published in 2010, follows on from the cliff-hanger of Catching Fire, with the echoing words that District 12 has been destroyed.

Transferred to District 13 in her fragile state, and now under the charge of President Coin, Katniss Everdeen must now become the iconic Mockingjay, a symbol of hope and courage in the revolution, to unify the districts of Panem, rescue Peeta, fight to save those she loves, and attempt to shatter the games forever.

Book v Film: The Hunger Games – Catching Fire

“At some point, you have to stop running and turn around and face whoever wants you dead. The hard thing is finding the courage to do it.”

Directed by Francis Lawrence and the second adaptation in Suzanne Collins‘ The Hunger Games trilogy of novels, Catching Fire continues with the story of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), as she returns home after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games with fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). But it doesn’t take Katniss long to learn that surviving the games doesn’t mean that she has won, especially as President Snow (Donald Sutherland) is angry with her for breaking the rules and defying the Capitol at the end of the last Games. Sensing that a rebellion is simmering, the Capitol make a point to prove their control as they prepare for the 75th Annual Hunger Games, The Quarter Quell, a competition that could change Panem forever.

Film Review: The Hunger Games – Catching Fire

Directed by Francis Lawrence and the second adaptation in Suzanne Collins‘ The Hunger Games trilogy of novels, Catching Fire continues with the story of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), as she returns home after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games with fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). But it doesn’t take Katniss long to learn that surviving the games doesn’t mean that she has won, especially as President Snow (Donald Sutherland) is angry with her for breaking the rules and defying the Capitol at the end of the last Games. Sensing that a rebellion is simmering, the Capitol make a point to prove their control as they prepare for the 75th Annual Hunger Games, The Quarter Quell, a competition that could change Panem forever.

Book Review: The Hunger Games – Catching Fire

“Remember who the true enemy is.”

The second adaptation in Suzanne Collins‘ The Hunger Games trilogy of novels, Catching Fire continues with the story of Katniss Everdeen, as she returns home after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games with fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark. But it doesn’t take Katniss long to learn that surviving the games doesn’t mean that she has won, especially as President Snow is angry with her for breaking the rules and defying the Capitol at the end of the last Games. Sensing that a rebellion is simmering, the Capitol make a point to prove their control as they prepare for the 75th Annual Hunger Games, The Quarter Quell, a competition that could change Panem forever.

First look at Katniss, Peeta, Finnick, Mags, Gloss, Beetee, and Enobaria in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

(Written for Lost In The Multiplex)

With filming now underway for The Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire, this week we have the first collection of set photos to be leaked out, which includes a first look at new tributes Finnick Odair, Mags, Gloss, Beetee, and Enobaria, who will be joining Katniss and Peeta in the second adaptation based on Suzanne Collins acclaimed Hunger Games trilogy of novels.

Who Will Be Finnick In The Hunger Games: Catching Fire?

(Written for Lost In The Multiplex)

So we’ve been hearing a lot about The Hunger Games Sequel, Catching Fire, recently. But now it’s time to start putting faces to Francis Lawrence’s upcoming adaptation of Suzanne Collins second novel in The Hunger Games trilogy.

This week it is the role of the handsome Finnick Odair who is in question, with three canditates – Armie Hammer, Taylor Kitsch and Garrett Hedlund – currently in discussion to take the role.

Comment: Apparently it Does Matter if You’re Black or White

(Edited version of my competition entry. Click image to view layout on ISSUU.)

Racism is something we’re all aware; we hear about it constantly in society, in football and in our everyday lives, but what about in film?

It’s likely that you would have heard stories about directors, writers and producers typecasting characters and it’s not uncommon to see particular actors play the same racial stereotype all of the time. What is a rarity, however, is an audience’s reaction when they don’t agree with the race of a character cast in a certain role.

Get Some Face Time With New Character Posters for ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2’

(Written for Lost In The Multiplex)

With the release of the final Twilight film, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, set to be released later this year, Summit Entertainment has revealed three new character posters of the film’s main characters, Bella, Edward and Jacob.

Set to be released on November 16th and directed by Bill Condon with a script by Melissa Rosenberg, the final chapter in Stephenie Meyer’s supernatural romance, the film picks up with newly turned vampire Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), her now vampire husband Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and their new born baby Renesmee, as the vampire coven, the Volturi, plan to destroy the Cullen family for bringing an immortal children into the world. On the brink of a vampire war, the Cullen’s gather a number vampire clans from around the world. Will it all end in disaster? Or will the new powers of Bella and her daughter be strong enough to defeat the coven?

Hunger Games Sequel Officially & Unsurprisingly Titled ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’

(Written for Lost In The Multiplex)

Did you hear what The Hunger Games sequel has been called? That’s right, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Who’d have guessed?

Summit Entertainment announced the official name confirmation for The Hunger Games sequel last week, which will be based on Suzanne Collins’ second novel in The Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire.

With all the Twilight films, also made by Summit, all employing ‘The Twilight Saga’ addition to the start of the film title, and the Harry Potter novels already starting with ‘Harry Potter and the…’, it was only obvious that The Hunger Games would do the same.

Catching Fire: Francis Lawrence Offered Hunger Games Sequel

(Written for Lost In The Multiplex)

Francis Lawrence has received an official offer from Lionsgate this afternoon as their first choice to direct The Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire.

It’s been a long search that has caused much discussion over the past month, but sources have confirmed that Lawrence received the offer to take over the directorial chair this afternoon.

Catching Fire: Bennet Miller and Francis Lawrence Join Battle For The Director’s Chair

(Written for Lost In The Multiplex)

With the recent news that Gary Ross will not be directing The Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire, the hunt for a director continues as Lionsgate eye-up a number of candidates to fill the job, as the list that already comprises of Alfonso Cuaron, David Cronenberg and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, now also includes the addition of Bennet Miller and Francis Lawrence.

Released late last month, The Hunger Games has now made over $530m worldwide since its release on 23rd March and, now in its fourth week, still remains at the box office.

Gary Ross Will Not Direct The Hunger Games Sequel

(Written for HeyUGuys)

You may have already heard the rumours, or may of even speculated this yourself, but this week sees the confirmation that director of The Hunger Games, Gary Ross, will not direct the film’s sequel.

Due to be released in November 2013, Catching Fire is the second in a trilogy of novels written by Suzanne Collins, set to be adapted to follow Ross’ hugely successful adaptation of the first novel, The Hunger Games.