Movies: Jennifer Lawrence In Her Most Daring, Bare-It-All Role In “Red Sparrow”

Academy Award® winner Jennifer Lawrence who has established herself as the highest-grossing action heroine of all-time for her role in the worldwide blockbuster “The Hunger Games” franchise, stars anew in her latest R-rated starrer “Red Sparrow” that gives the audience an exhilarating reveal on the makings of a fully adept spy (especially) in sexual manipulation.

Lawrence takes on the role of Dominika Egorova, a ballerina who is forced to enter a state-run spy school after a terrible accident leaving her and her mother no choice but to be manipulated by the government. “(Director) Francis had introduced me to the story on the press tour for the last Hunger Games movie,” confirms the Lawrence. “It was a book that he had been reading and he thought it would be an interesting movie. I think the first thing that we were discussing for Dominika is that this was going to be a person and a personality that’s completely different from anything I really knew.  She’s really been put into a position of survival from a very young age.   Her body has been used by the Government from the time that she was young.  What with Ballet, being an athlete, being paid by the Government and then ultimately forced into the Sparrow program. I mean, when I first read the script and we talked about it, the Sparrow School scenes were terrifying. It was going to be my first time really going… um, the full Monty if you will, but then after doing it there’s something that felt so freeing about it.  Because I would never put my character into a situation that I myself am not comfortable being in.  But as you can see in the movie it’s this moment where she gains power, where she turns the tables on the people that are trying to control her and I felt that power. I found that exciting. Because the truth is Dominika’s trained to use her body but, ultimately, prevails by using her mind.  To me she seems like a complex modern heroine, she uses her own rules, and has a tenacity to succeed.”   

Movies: Jennifer Lawrence’s “Red Sparrow” Now Showing In Philippine Cinemas And In IMAX Screens Nationwide

The latest adult spy movie “Red Sparrow”, arrestingly visceral and cerebral at the same time introduces high-end assassins and spies ready to kill and destroy at all costs without the usual gun and gadgets fare typical of recent spy films.

Based on the tome by Jason Matthews, “Red Sparrow” is directed by Francis Lawrence that stars an impressive, international cast that includes Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Charlotte Rampling, Joely Richardson, Matthias Schoenaerts and Jeremy Irons.

Jennifer Lawrence takes on the shoes of prima ballerina Dominika Egorova who, after suffering an injury is pulled into the world of espionage by his patriot Uncle Vanya (Schoenaerts).  Against her will, Dominika becomes an asset of the Russian government in order to keep her home and medical care for her mother (Richardson).  She is then admitted to Sparrow school, where her sexuality is weaponized as she plays pawn to the powers that forced her into becoming a spy.  Her training ultimately leads her to CIA operative Nate Nash, portrayed in the film by Joel Edgerton.  Author Matthews explains the unusual courtship between Nate and Dominika: “Inevitably, they fall in love, which is dangerous and forbidden for him.  Like Romeo and Juliet, it’s a love affair that can’t end well.” Dominika is actually a civilian who is forced into a spy plot, and whose training in spy craft is a means to survive, and to protect her mother.”

Movie Review: Red Sparrow

When I first saw the trailers to "Red Sparrow" I couldn't help but feel that the film had too much "Black Widow" feels in it. Russian agents going through merciless and brutal training, being taught to use their minds and bodies to seduce and manipulate is nothing new and Jennifer Lawrence speaking in a fake Russian accent didn't really get me excited either. 

However, as I was sitting in the theater, I was quickly drawn in the thrilling game of cat and mouse, where good old espionage, double agents and double crosses will keep you thinking and guessing and at the edge of your seat. 

There are no fancy cars or fancy gadgets to get you out of difficult situations, its all quick thinking and using the resources that you have at your disposal. 

One of the things I enjoyed about the movie is that it takes you closer to the dark psychology which goes into being the ultimate secret weapon. I would have loved to have seen more chemistry between Jennifer Lawrence and Joel Edgerton (who plays 'the handsome' CIA agent in the film). I was a little confused with some of the props used in the film though-it was hard to establish the timeline of the movie because of the diskettes in one part of the film and what looked like a smart phone in the other. 

No doubt JLaw gave another strong performance of both strength and vulnerability in such a damned character I was just really bothered with the accent and that she would break away from it in some dramatic scenes. I know, I know I'm just being a big nitpicker here 

6.5/10 - you may get lost in the heavy plot or forget the Russian names you are supposed to remember but if you can keep up with the game, then you will enjoy it for sure. Especially if you are a fan of Jennifer Lawrence. 

Director Francis Lawrence (Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part I and Mockingjay Part II) reunites with his muse Jennifer Lawrence for a brutal game of deception and manipulation. Dominika Egorova is no James Bond, she is trapped in a dangerous espionage game but she will do what she must in order to survive. 

Movies: Jennifer Lawrence In Hotly-Anticipated R-Rated Spy Movie “Red Sparrow”

Jennifer Lawrence gives the spy genre a whole new spin as she stars in her most badass, highly-sensual and R-rated movie “Red Sparrow” that will open February 28 in cinemas (rated R-16 in PH). 

Directed by Francis Lawrence (who also directed Jennifer Lawrence in the worldwide box-office “Hunger Games” films), “Red Sparrow” is based on the novel of Jason Matthews, a former CIA operative that also stars Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Charlotte Rampling, Joely Richardson, Mary-Louise Parker and Jeremy Irons.

“Red Sparrow” trails the journey of prima ballerina Dominika Egorova     (Lawrence) as she faces a bleak and uncertain future after she suffers an injury that ends her career. She soon turns to Sparrow School, a secret intelligence service that trains exceptional young people to use their minds and bodies as weapons. In the Sparrow School, the trainees undergo a merciless program that turns them into intelligent killing machines. Egorova soon emerges as the most dangerous Sparrow after completing the sadistic training process. As she comes to terms with her new abilities, Dominika meets CIA agent Nathaniel Nash (Joel Edgerton) who tries to convince her that he is the only person she can trust.

Movies: Jennifer Lawrence Gets Lethal in “Red Sparrow” Latest Trailer Reveal

Following the highly intriguing teaser of Jennifer Lawrence’s spy thriller “Red Sparrow” comes its latest trailer revealing the most lethal female spy to hit Philippine cinemas soon this February 28  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGPpngLLcmY

Jennifer Lawrence stars as Dominika Egorova in “Red Sparrow,” who is drafted against her will to become a “sparrow,” a trained seductress in the Russian security service. Dominika learns to use her body as a weapon, but struggles to maintain her sense of self during the dehumanizing training process. Finding her power in an unfair system, she emerges as one of the program’s strongest assets. Her first target is Nate Nash (Joel Edgerton), a CIA officer who handles the agency’s most sensitive infiltration of Russian intelligence. The two young operatives fall into a spiral of attraction and deception, which threatens their careers, allegiances and the security of both countries. Based on the book by former CIA officer Jason Matthews, “Red Sparrow” reunites Jennifer Lawrence with her “Hunger Games” director, Francis Lawrence with with Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Charlotte Rampling, Mary-Louise Parker and Jeremy Irons rounding out the cast.

“Red Sparrow” opens February 28 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Movies: Pinoy Artist's Tribute Poster for “mother!” Officially Selected by Paramount

In conjunction with the release of its psychological thriller m o t h e r !, Paramount Pictures worked with Talenthouse, a leading open-source creative platform whose artists from around the world were invited to translate Darren Aronofsky's new film.

Each artist was given the audio from the first trailer as inspiration and the results are astounding. One of the 12 artists is Philippines' own Edz Gatula whose tribute poster for m o t h e r ! appears below.

Edz Gatdula is a talented artist who joined Talenthouse only a couple months ago and caught the Talenthouse and Paramount teams’ attention right away with beautiful, dynamic pieces. Edz’ work has gained instant popularity by other artists on Talenthouse, gathering lots of loves and comments commending his creations. Edz has been very grateful, humble and respectful amid all the attention.

Gatdula explains his process in creating his own m o t h e r ! poster: “As I saw the promotional poster of the movie, the first thing that came up in my mind is to use the ESSENCE of a classical art nouveau for my poster, but in a simpler form by having a limited color palette and flat shades, which I normally do in most of my artwork.”

Now playing in Philippine cinemas, the film revolves around Mother (Jennifer Lawrence) and Him (Javier Bardem) who live in a seemingly idyllic existence in a secluded paradise. But the couple’s relationship is tested when man (Ed Harris) and woman (Michelle Pfeiffer) arrive at their home uninvited. Answering that knock disrupts their tranquil existence and as more and more guests arrive, mother is forced to revisit everything she knows about love, devotion and sacrifice.

mother! is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movies: Jennifer Lawrence Runs Away with Title Role of “mother!”

Oscar Best Actress winner Jennifer Lawrence adds a home invasion horror tale to her repertoire with Paramount Pictures' psychological thriller m o t h e r ! in Philippine cinemas September 20.

Directed by Academy Award-nominee Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan), the film revolves around Mother (Lawrence) and Him (Javier Bardem) who live in a seemingly idyllic existence in a secluded paradise. But the couple’s relationship is tested when man (Ed Harris) and woman (Michelle Pfeiffer) arrive at their home uninvited. Answering that knock disrupts their tranquil existence and as more and more guests arrive, mother is forced to revisit everything she knows about love, devotion and sacrifice.

“One of the greatest things that can happen to you as an artist is to be a part of a movie that starts conversation because it’s an original idea, completely unique,” says Lawrence of m o t h e r !. “Even though we’re shooting things that are eerie, the allegory is so much bigger. It’s what it all means.

Movies: Jennifer Lawrence’s “Red Sparrow” Teaser Trailer Reveal

Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence is irresistibly hot as a spy temptress in her latest movie “Red Sparrow” on the reveal of its teaser trailer -  https://www.facebook.com/20thcenturyfoxphilippines/videos/10159337936880582/

Directed by Francis Lawrence (“Hunger Games” series, “Constantine”), “Red Sparrow” brings a powerhouse cast that includes Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons and Academy Award nominee Charlotte Rampling with Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts and Mary-Louise Parker.

Lawrence is highly-trained Russian spy Dominika Egorova in “Red Sparrow”, a devoted daughter who protects her mother at all costs, a prima ballerina whose ferocity has pushed her body and mind to the absolute limit and a master of seductive and manipulative combat.

When she suffers a career-ending injury, Dominika and her mother face a bleak and uncertain future. That is why she finds herself manipulated into becoming the newest recruit for Sparrow School, a secret intelligence service that trains exceptional young people like her to use their bodies and minds as weapons. After enduring the perverse and sadistic training process, she emerges as the most dangerous Sparrow the program has ever produced. Dominika must now reconcile the person she was with the power she now commands, with her own life and everyone she cares about at risk, including an American CIA agent who tries to convince her he is the only person she can trust.

“Red Sparrow” soars in Philippine theaters on February 28, 2018 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Movies: Darren Aronofsky Reflects on Why He Made “mother!”

Visionary filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (Noah, Black Swan) brings to the screen his most daring and bound-to-be-controversial film – Paramount Pictures' new thriller m o t h e r ! starring Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem.

In Philippine cinemas September 20, the film revolves around Mother (Lawrence) and Him (Bardem) who live in a seemingly idyllic existence in a secluded paradise. But the couple’s relationship is tested when man (Ed Harris) and woman (Michelle Pfeiffer) arrive at their home uninvited. Answering that knock disrupts their tranquil existence and as more and more guests arrive, mother is forced to revisit everything she knows about love, devotion and sacrifice.

The relationship thriller began when Writer / Director Darren Aronofsky spent five fevered days at his keyboard alone in an empty house. The Academy Award© nominated filmmaker knows he might be pressed about the result – Why such a dark vision? His answer? Look around:

Movies: New Clips Deepen Mystery of Jennifer Lawrence’s Thriller “mother!”

From the director of the Oscar-winning Black Swan comes Paramount Pictures' upcoming horror thriller, mother! starring Jennifer Lawrence.

Check out the new footage from the film at https://youtu.be/bP1EbP53wVY and https://youtu.be/FwwUT8lbmfQ and watch mother! in Philippine cinemas September 20, 2017.

In the film, Mother (Lawrence) and Him (Javier Bardem) live in a seemingly idyllic existence in a secluded paradise. But the couple’s relationship is tested when man (Ed Harris) and woman (Michelle Pfeiffer) arrive at their home uninvited. Answering that knock disrupts their tranquil existence and as more and more guests arrive, mother is forced to revisit everything she knows about love, devotion and sacrifice.

Paramount Pictures presents a Protozoa Production of a film by Academy Award® nominated director, Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream): Academy Award® winning actress Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) and Academy Award® winning actor Javier Bardem (No Country For Old Men) in “mother!” co-starring Academy Award® nominee Ed Harris (The Truman show) and Academy Award® nominee Michelle Pfeiffer (The Fabulous Baker Boys).

Costume designer is Academy Award® nominee Danny Glicker (Milk) and editor is Academy Award® nominee Andrew Weisblum (Black Swan). Production designer is Philip Messina (The Hunger Games). The director of photography is the Academy Award® nominee Matthew Libatique (Black Swan). Executive Producers are Jeff Waxman, Josh Stern and Mark Heyman. Produced by Scott Franklin and Ari Handel, the film is written and directed by Darren Aronofsky.

mother! is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

New Horror Thriller “mother!” Offers 30-Second Tease

Ahead of the official launch of the first full trailer next week, Paramount Pictures has just released a 30-second tease its upcoming horror thriller, mother!

A couple's relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. From filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream), mother! stars Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer in this riveting psychological thriller about love, devotion and sacrifice.

Check out the short tease below and check back for the full trailer next week.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uipmoviesph/videos/1643913995682994/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/vbyj2cSYMQw

Opening across the Philippines on September 20, mother! is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movie Review: Passengers

Are you familiar with the saying "It's not the destination that counts but how you get there that counts" ? Well, thats actually a good way to see the space-flick "Passengers" starring Hollywood A-listers Chris Pratt and Jeniffer Lawrence. 

In the (very, very) far future, Earth has become crowded, expensive and overated. Fortunately for people with means and resources (or are brave enough) have the option to move to another planet. 

Yes you read that right, it seems all of those questions about the future have been answered.

We have that option to start a new life in another planet, but there's a catch, you have to leave everything that you know and love behind, because that trip to that new planet-takes 120 years. 

Okay, so this is where the science fiction gets cool. To travel to said new planet, AKA Homestead II. You will board a spaceship, where you will be in a deep sleep - super deep, like 120 years deep. When you wake up-Boom! New planet, new home. New future, new possibilities! Awesome right? But what if things go wrong, as they are meant to do. Like - waking up 90  years before you are supposed to. 

This is what happens to the characters of Chris Pratt (Jim) and Jennifer Lawrence (Aurora) who find themselves 90 years too early before their destination. 

The visuals are stunning, the science is amazing and the chemistry between Pratt and Lawrence is intense! I might nitpick on a few details, but I still enjoyed the film, despite some plot holes here and there. It's one exciting space adventure, with some basic human lessons on the side, like for me, a take away is that no matter how far or advanced we are in technology, we will always crave that human connection. "No man is an island" after all. I also found the whole rich and middle class separation interesting. I mean, Aurora is this rich girl with "Gold" passenger priviledges (which means she gets to have the full on breakfast) while Jim is a middle class mechanic and more of an "Economy" class passenger (he gets bland cakes for breakfast). I think its interesting that despite many years in "advancement" we still have these social boundaries. 

I don't know if the movie was going for a romantic science fiction, space adventure, I guess they were and just sort of got lost along the way. One thing is for sure, if it wasn't for Pratt or Lawrence it would have been a more boring trip, despite the circumstances. A must see if you are a fan of one of them or both.

 5 out of 10. "Passengers" is now showing. 

Movie News: JENNIFER LAWRENCE EMBARKS ON AN INTERPLANETARY JOURNEY IN “PASSENGERS”

One of Hollywood’s most gifted actresses, Academy Award-winner Jennifer Lawrence stars in Columbia Pictures' new futuristic thriller Passengers opposite Chris Pratt.

In the film, Aurora (Lawrence) and Jim (Pratt) are two strangers who are on a 120-year journey to another planet when their hibernation pods wake them 90 years too early. Jim and Aurora are forced to unravel the mystery behind the malfunction as the ship teeters on the brink of collapse, jeopardizing the lives of the passengers on the greatest mass migration in human history.

In contrast to Jim’s working-class hero, Aurora is part of a different social circle. She is a New York writer with a great assignment – she is making the 120-year journey to the new planet, then will make the 120-year journey home. She will be the first person in human history to make the round trip. “It’s such a huge decision to make,” says Lawrence. “It’s a 120-year journey – when you arrive, everyone you know will be dead. You have to start a brand new life on a brand new planet that you’ve never been to. I can’t imagine saying goodbye to everybody that I know and love – I understand her thirst for more, but I don’t think I could make that kind of permanent decision.”

“When Aurora first wakes up, I think her first reaction is to feel an incredible empathy for Jim,” says Lawrence. “She’s only been dealing with this problem for a few days, and he’s been by himself, like a trapped animal, for more than a year. Seeing him react to a human being makes her feel bad for Jim.”

Director Morten Tyldum says that it was apparent from the beginning that Lawrence and Pratt would be the perfect actors to bring Aurora and Jim to life. “It’s great that they are the biggest stars in the world, but first of all, I wanted to make sure that they were the right actors for these roles,” he says. “I had to get the feeling that they were going to click, that they would have chemistry. We sat for many hours – I had a four-hour dinner with Jen – and I could immediately see that they would be perfect. They’re very smart people who had a clear understanding of what they wanted the character to do. They really understood the choices, the motivations, the life these characters have to go through – so that made me feel that they really got it.”

As luxurious as the ship and their surroundings are, Aurora and Jim soon realize that something has gone terribly wrong. “The ship is falling apart,” Pratt explains. “Robots start to malfunction, lights flicker on and off. Ultimately, our characters find out that there’s a reason why it’s malfunctioning, and we are suddenly in a desperate situation, trying to fix a problem to save not only our own lives, but the lives of all of the other passengers on the ship.”

One of the problems on board the ship is that the gravity fails. Suddenly, Jim and Aurora find themselves weightless. Aurora is in a swimming pool when the gravity fails. “That was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever shot,” says the Hunger Games star. “Spending that much time in a pool, water up my nose, everywhere. But it was amazing – when I saw the CG example of what it was going to look like, I was really excited. I’ve never seen anything like that in a movie.”

Opening across the Philippines on January 04, 2017, Passengers is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Use the hashtag #Passengers

Movies: “PASSENGERS” UNVEILS COUNTDOWN-THEMED LIVING POSTER

Columbia Pictures has just released the “living poster” of its upcoming futuristic thriller “Passengers” which may be seen at https://youtu.be/n7pfsXYb9qM.

Check out too the teaser one-sheet of the film below.

From the director of the Oscar Best Picture nominee “The Imitation Game” and the screenwriter of “Prometheus” comes Columbia Pictures' action-adventure “Passengers” starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt.

Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt are two passengers onboard a spaceship transporting them to a new life on another planet. The trip takes a deadly turn when their hibernation pods mysteriously wake them 90 years before they reach their destination. As Jim (Pratt) and Aurora (Lawrence) try to unravel the mystery behind the malfunction, they begin to fall for each other, unable to deny their intense attraction... only to be threatened by the imminent collapse of the ship and the discovery of the truth behind why they woke up.

“Passengers” is directed by Oscar-nominee Morten Tyldum, written by Jon Spaihts, produced by Neal H. Moritz, Stephen Hamel, Michael Maher and Ori Marmur.

The film also stars Michael Sheen (“Underworld” franchise) and Laurence Fishburne (“The Matrix” franchise).

Opening soon across the Philippines on January 8, “Passengers” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Use the hashtag #Passengers

Movies: J.LAW, PRATT ARE IN SPACE LIMBO IN FIRST “PASSENGERS” TRAILER

From the director of the Oscar Best Picture nominee “The Imitation Game” and the screenwriter of “Prometheus” comes Columbia Pictures' action-adventure “Passengers” starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt.

Check out the film's newly released teaser trailer here at https://youtu.be/v9-uM4TpY6E.

Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt are two passengers onboard a spaceship transporting them to a new life on another planet.  The trip takes a deadly turn when their hibernation pods mysteriously wake them 90 years before they reach their destination.  As Jim (Pratt) and Aurora (Lawrence) try to unravel the mystery behind the malfunction, they begin to fall for each other, unable to deny their intense attraction... only to be threatened by the imminent collapse of the ship and the discovery of the truth behind why they woke up.

"Passengers” is directed by Oscar-nominee Morten Tyldum, written by Jon Spaihts, produced by Neal H. Moritz, Stephen Hamel, Michael Maher and Ori Marmur.

The film also stars Michael Sheen (“Underworld” franchise) and Laurence Fishburne (“The Matrix” franchise). Opening soon across the Philippines, “Passengers” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Use the hashtag #Passengers

Movies: JENNIFER LAWRENCE-CHRIS PRATT'S “PASSENGERS” GETS FIRST-LOOK PHOTO

From the director of the Oscar Best Picture nominee “The Imitation Game” and the screenwriter of “Prometheus” comes Columbia Pictures' futuristic thriller “Passengers” starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt.

Take your first look at the lone official image that's just been released by the studio.

In the film, on a routine journey through space to a new home, two passengers, sleeping in suspended animation, are awakened 90 years too early when their ship malfunctions. As Jim (Chris Pratt) and Aurora (Jennifer Lawrence) face living the rest of their lives on board, with every luxury they could ever ask for, they begin to fall for each other, unable to deny their intense attraction... until they discover the ship is in grave danger. With the lives of 5000 sleeping passengers at stake, only Jim and Aurora can save them all.

“Passengers” is directed by Oscar-nominee Morten Tyldum, written by Jon Spaihts, produced by Neal H. Moritz, Stephen Hamel, Michael Maher and Ori Marmur.

The film also stars Michael Sheen (“Underworld” franchise) and Laurence Fishburne (“The Matrix” franchise).

Opening across the Philippines in January 2017, “Passengers” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Use the hashtag #passengers

Mockingjay (Part 1) Movie Review

I have always told people who thought that the whole entire premise of The Hunger Games Trilogy was the "battle to the death- battle Royale" among kids (which they immediately dismissed as simply violent) but this is actually just the tip of the iceburg and everything falls into place, or rather the full "iceburg" is revealed in Mockingjay Part 1. No more Games as we have seen in the first two movies but we are taken in a world torn by war and rebellion. 

Before I go on with this movie review, I think I ought to go and say that I have read The Hunger Games trilogy a few years back and while audiences are ogling at how beautiful Jennifer Lawrence is as (probably her most recognizable role in her career yet) Katniss and rooting for either the hot Liam Hemsworth or the cute Josh Hutcherson. People are forgetting or perhaps the movie has not given enough focus (in my opinion at least) of the many Socio-Political themes in the story.

I distinctly remember one scene in the book (and it really stayed with me) during a feast in the Capitol, Katniss and Peeta are offered a liquid concuction that will let them throw up so they can keep on eating the different dishes that were prepared for their honor. This of course takes our heroes aback since back in their home in District 12, times are hard and food scarce and hunger (pun intended) is their constant companion; while the citizens of the Capitol are indulging themselves in food. Funny how this scene is parallel to what is happening to the present and reality don't you think? 

When The Hunger Games first came out, people thought it was just another Battle Royale, where characters are forced to kill each other off in a fight to the death, last man standing tournament but that is just actually the tip of the iceberg and there is more to The Hunger Games Trilogy than just that. 

In the Mockingjay, audiences see, feel and understand the price of war; which our generation has been fortunate not to ever have known, of course the same cannot be said about our brothers and sisters in war-torn countries and many scenes in the movie are reminiscent of the actual horror from war which is actually happening right now; sometimes truth is also stranger than fiction. 

More reasons to look forward to Movkingjay Part 1 would be the actors (aside from Lawrence, Hensworth and Hutcherson) of course we would see critically acclaimed, award winning actor Philip Seymour-Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee in one of his last roles due to his tragic and sudden death last February 2014. Hoffman was able to finish filming all of his parts for Mockingjay Part 1. As the movie ended there was a "In Loving Memory of Philip Seymour-Hoffman" that was flashed on the screen, that bought a few tugs at the heart strings. I wonder what they'll do with his role for Part 2 of Mockingjay next year? 

I'm also excited to see Game of Thrones' Margery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer) as badass Cressida - I've always said it before that I didn't like her first when I saw her as Anne Boleyn in The Tudors but I have come to appreciate her acting in her roles as Moriarty/ in Sherlock and of course as Margery on Game Of Thrones, in The Mockingjay, Dormer shaves half of her head to play the role of former Capitol film director Cressida, who is put in Katniss' "propaganda" team. Loved her in the movie and I loved how bad ass she is, she really rocked that half shaven head look ^_^  

I think I can finally say that I have come to fully accept the changes that transpire from book to movie adaptations (or any kind of adaptation actually) and I think that it is not always a bad idea to make changes, the trick is to know when to make that change. Case in point is keeping Elizabeth Banks on as Effie Trinket in The Mockingjay movies. In the book, the role originally belonged to Fluvia. Yet- audiences have come to love Effie Trinket thanks to Elizabeth Bank's spot-on-portrayal of the fish out of water Effie as we find her without her wigs, make up and extravagant Capitol Couture. Her presence is reassuring as she provides the little humor that is in the movie.