Tag: lionsgate

THE OTHER DREAM TEAM – The Review

Could there be a new trend in the field of feature-length documentaries? After last year’s Oscar winner UNDEFEATED and the surprise box office success of this year’s SEARCHING FOR SUGARMAN, are we seeing a spate of  “feel-good” doc? They’ve had an unfair rep as dour and somber for quite some time now. Many film goers avoid them completely, feeling that they’re the movie equivalent of a dull lecture or homework (“shudder”)! But THE OTHER DREAM TEAM is a truly uplifting movie. And to quote one of the film’s subjects, “What a long, strange, trip it’s been”.

This is primarily the story of the 1992 Lithuanian basketball team whose tale really begins in 1940. That’s when the USSR, in order to battle the Axis menace, took over the country of Lithuania. During those many dark days of occupation Lithuanians sought relief by indulging in their favorite national sport of basketball. Make-shift hoops and goal post sprung up everywhere. Many gifted athletes emerged and were major players in the Soviet Olympic teams. The NBA in the United States attempted to draft several other them, but the Soviets would not allow them to leave Lithuania. After Russia pulled out of the 1984 Olympics, many thought their gold medal dreams were dashed. Then came the triumph of the 1988 games with four Lithuanians in the starting five. Shortly thereafter came the fall of the USSR and the liberation of their homeland. They would compete in the 1992 Olympics for Lithuania at last. Wonderful, except for the lack of funds for the team’s expenses. Who could could step in and help?  Their unlikely benefactors were Jerry Garcia and his band. The Dead even provided special tye-dyed uniforms. The Lithuanians would be able to compete, but how would they fare against the juggernaut known as the USA “Dream Team” (consisting of superstars like Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley)?

Director Marius A. Markevicius keep things moving along at a fairly brisk pace in telling the early history of the sport in Lithuania. Newsreel footage is intercut with animation and movie clips that highlight Russian stereotypes (Ivan Drago, Boris Badenov,etc.). We get to see the old team passing on their skills to a younger generation. And of course there are TV reports on the battle to oust USSR troops (heart-wrenching scenes of carnage and chaos). Most of the film has the standard talking head interviews with those 1993 players along with US sport stars such as Bill Walton and Chris Mullin, NBA commissioner David Stern, Grateful Dead member Mickey Hart, and sportscaster Jim Lampley. This can put a bit of a drag on the film’s momentum, but the euphoria of the final moments will leave you ecstatic. THE OTHER DREAM TEAM is not just for basketball fans. This tale of a country finally gaining its independence is a story to inspire everyone, Seems a win is even sweeter when you’re playing for your homeland.

3.5 Out of 5 stars

THE OTHER DREAM TEAM plays exclusively in the St. Louis area at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Cinemas

ARBITRAGE – The Review

The shelf life of a Hollywood leading men can sometimes be quite short. When the A-list scripts or name directors cease to call ( or return calls ) many leading men have turned to television (especially now with the quirky shows on basic cable and premium channels ). Some actors will turn to smaller supporting or character roles: the gruff father or grumpy grandpa’ parts. And then there’s Richard Gere. He emerged as a major heart-throb in the late 70’s with splashy performances in BLOOD BROTHERS and LOOKING FOR MR. GOODBAR. Of course, posters of him in AMERICAN GIGOLO adorned many a bedroom wall in the early 80’s. Even then he balanced these main stream flicks with quirkier fare like DAYS OF HEAVEN. Through the next decades he cemented his box office status with romantic roles in box office smashes such as AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN and PRETTY WOMAN. But Gere seems more eager now than ever to take a chance, whether learning tap for CHICAGO or playing a real life fraud, Clifford Irving, in HOAX. Now he’s parlaying his still considerable charms ( making that silver mane look good! ) as a character loosely based on recent, shady Wall Street-types in the dramatic thriller ARBITRAGE. And this time out, Gere just may finally take that gold statuette home.

In ARBITRAGE Gere plays Robert Miller, one of the so-called ” masters of the universe “. You can imagine him downing a scotch with Gordon Gekko at a swank private club. But, not as the film opens. Miller’s private jet touches down after a fruitless business meeting. He’s immediately transported via limo to the plush NYC digs he shares with his gorgeous socialite wife of many years, Ellen ( Susan Sarandon ). Ellen’s put together a birthday party for him with his son ( and wife, and grandkids ) and business partner daughter Brooke ( Brit Marling ) in attendance. Rushing out early ( ” Gotta’ stop by the office” ), Robert dashes to meet his mistress, up-and-coming artist Julie ( Laetita Casta ). She’s frustrated that he spends so little time with her, while he insists he’ll be at her big gallery opening tomorrow night. When he really goes into the office the next morning, things are not as rosy as the media believes. Miller has borrowed millions from a colleague so that his hedge fund company will look more attractive for a potential buyer. Robert’s itching to cash in and retire, while Brooke knows nothing of the loan. That night, after the gallery reception, Robert whisks Julie away for a relaxing country weekend upstate. Tragedy strikes. Robert calls on Jimmy Grant ( Nate Parker ), the son of his deceased driver, to help him out. Police detective Michael Bryer ( Tim Roth ) investigates the incident and becomes aware of Grant’s involvement. Will Grant expose Robert before he can sell his firm and hide his secrets from his family?

ARBITRAGE is almost two films. One is the police investigation led by Roth’s character. His dogged detective is almost the Columbo of the occupy movement. He wants  Robert Miller, that slick one-percenter,  in the slammer, pronto. Parker brings a lot of intensity to this young man caught between two worlds. Will he crack? Roth does a serviceable street accent, but this plot seems too similar to stories on any of the ” Law and Order ” TV spin-offs. What’s really interesting is the story of financial deception. It’s a bit flashier here than in last year’s MARGIN CALL and the WALL STREET flicks. The Millers must constantly put on a show for the public, so that no one will know that he and his company are barely treading water. The macho posturing of buyer and selling is on full display along with veiled threats and passive/aggressive behaviors. Every phone call or text may be a another deadly attack. Can the accountants keep quiet will the feds are sniffing about?  These fellas may look civilized, but they’re really sharks, waiting for that first hint of blood.

And Gere’s Robert Miller is the smoothest, deadliest shark of the bunch. This guy’s done a lot of rotten things, but somewhat Gere has us rooting for him. He lets us see the confusion on his face as Robert struggles to keep all the lies from strangling his brain. This is stand-out work from an actor who keeps surprising us. But he also helps his co-stars shine. Marling was quite an indie smash in last year’s ANOTHER EARTH, and here she jumps into the big leagues with a terrific duet with Gere in a powerful father and daughter confrontation on a bench in Central Park. She’s very strong in this role as is Sarandon as her, apparently clueless,  mother. This woman who runs the house staff and arranges charity events proves her own strength as she also confronts Robert late in the film. Being a big fan of TV’s ” The Rockford Files “, I was so pleased to see Stuart Margolin in a quietly scene stealing role as Robert’s long time attorney ( ” I can’t hear this.”, as he exits the limo ). Way to go ” Angel”! ARBITAGE is an involving look at the lies and secrets that are part of the business scandals that make up so many news headlines. And it’s a showcase for Gere. In his fifth decade as a film star, he’s doing some of his best work ever. Turns out that dreamboat poster guy is still quite an actor.

4 Out of 5 Stars

 

FREELANCERS Red-Band Trailer And Poster; Robert De Niro, Forest Whitaker, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson Star – In Theaters For A Limited Release On August 10

The brotherhood between cops is sacred, but it’s not stronger than the bond between a father and son, especially when it’s a matter of justice. From a producer of 16 Blocks and Righteous Kill comes the red-band trailer and poster for the action packed police thriller, FREELANCERS, premiering on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Digital Download and On Demand on August 21, 2012. The film will also be available in theaters for a limited release on August 10, 2012. Multi-platinum recording artist and rising Hollywood film star Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (Get Rich or Die Tryin’) adds to his growing resume as an actor with his portrayal of Malo, the son of a slain NYPD officer who joins the force only to discover the villainous story behind his father’s death.

Jackson is surrounded by an all-star supporting cast that includes two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro (Raging Bull, The Godfather Part II) and Best Actor winner Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland), who head up the band of rogue New York City cops that recruit Jackson and his partners into their corrupt ranks. The film also features two-time Emmy Award winner Dana Delaney (TV’s “China Beach”).

The Freelancers Blu-ray Disc and DVD special features include audio commentary from director Jessy Terrero and actor Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as well as extended interviews and behind-the-scenes interviews with the filmmakers and cast. The Freelancers Blu-ray Disc and DVD are each housed in limited edition collectible packaging and will be available for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.

SYNOPSIS

The son of a slain NYPD officer joins the force, where he falls in with his father’s former partner and a team of rogue “Gotham cops.” His new boss, Sarcone (De Niro), will see if he has what it takes to be rogue through many trials and tribulations of loyalty, trust and respect. However, when the truth about his father’s death is revealed, revenge takes over and he won’t stop until justice has been truly served.

BLU-RAY & DVD SPECIAL FEATURES*

  • Audio commentary with Director Jessy Terrero and Actor Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson
  • Behind-the-Scenes Interviews with Director Jessy Terrero, Producer Randall Emmett, Writer L. Philippe Casseus and Actors Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Forest Whitaker, Beau Garrett, Malcolm Goodwin, Ryan O’Nan and Anabelle Acosta
  • Extended Interviews with Director Jessy Terrero, Producer Randall Emmett, Writer L. Philippe Casseus and Actors Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Forest Whitaker, Beau Garrett, Malcolm Goodwin, Ryan O’Nan and Anabelle Acosta

*Subject to Change

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Street Date:  August 21, 2012
Price: $24.99 Blu-ray / $19.98 DVD
Rating: R for strong sexual content, nudity, drug use, violence and pervasive language
Run Time: 96 minutes
Type:  Limited Theatrical Release
Genre: Action
Blu-ray Closed Captioned: English SDH
Subtitles: English and Spanish
Blu-ray Format:  1080P High Definition 16×9 Widescreen (2.40:1)
DVD Format: 16×9 Widescreen (2.40:1)
Blu-ray Audio Status:  5.1 DTS HD Master Audio
DVD Audio Status:  5.1 Dolby Digital

Official: Philip Seymour Hoffman Cast As Plutarch Heavensbee In Lionsgate’s THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE

Lionsgate® and the filmmakers of THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE are pleased to announce that Philip Seymour Hoffman has been cast in the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, Head Gamemaker for The Hunger Games, in the much anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ worldwide smash hit novel Catching Fire.

The actor and filmmaker just wrapped a Broadway run as Willy Loman in the revival of “Death of a Salesman” for which he was nominated for a Tony Award. He will next be seen in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master” and the indie film “A Late Quartet” alongside Catherine Keener and Christopher Walken. More recent films include “Moneyball,” “The Ides of March” and “Jack Goes Boating” which marked Hoffman’s feature directorial debut.

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

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 36 million copies in print in theU.S.alone.

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

Ongoing casting news and information for the film can be found at: www.CatchingFireCasting.com

First Official Poster And New Images Of DREDD – In Theaters September 21

Check out the first poster and two new images for DREDD (via Joblo.com).

The future America is an irradiated waste land. On its East Coast, running from Boston to Washington DC, lies Mega City One- a vast, violent metropolis where criminals rule the chaotic streets. The only force of order lies with the urban cops called “Judges” who possess the combined powers of judge, jury and instant executioner. Known and feared throughout the city, Dredd (Karl Urban) is the ultimate Judge, challenged with ridding the city of its latest scourge – a dangerous drug epidemic that has users of “Slo-Mo” experiencing reality at a fraction of its normal speed.

During a routine day on the job, Dredd is assigned to train and evaluate Cassandra Anderson (Olivia Thirlby), a rookie with powerful psychic abilities thanks to a genetic mutation. A heinous crime calls them to a neighborhood where fellow Judges rarely dare to venture- a 200 story vertical slum controlled by prostitute turned drug lord Ma-Ma (Lena Headey) and her ruthless clan. When they capture one of the clan’s inner circle, Ma-Ma overtakes the compound’s control center and wages a dirty, vicious war against the Judges that proves she will stop at nothing to protect her empire. With the body count climbing and no way out, Dredd and Anderson must confront the odds and engage in the relentless battle for their survival.

The endlessly inventive mind of writer Alex Garland and director Pete Travis bring DREDD to life as a futuristic neo-noir action film. Filmed in 3D with stunning slow motion photography sequences, the film returns the celebrated character to the dark, visceral incarnation from John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra’s revered comic strip.

“Like” on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dreddthemovie

Follow on Twitter: @LionsgateMovies  #DREDD

Lionsgate Renews Deal With Grindstone; EMPIRE STATE Next Film Slated For Release – Stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson & Liam Hemsworth

 

Lionsgate and its Grindstone Entertainment Group and Emmett/Furla Films have renewed their slate deal for another 10 films and expanded their overall relationship, the companies announced today.

The Grindstone collaboration with Emmett/Furla and Cheetah Vision has generated a string of successful features starring notable A list actors, including: the thriller SET UP, starring Bruce Willis, Ryan Phillippe and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson; the crime drama FREELANCERS, starring Robert DeNiro and Forrest Whitaker; the high octane FIRE WITH FIRE, starring Willis, Josh Duhamel, Rosario Dawson and Vincent D’Onofrio; and the serial killer thriller THE FROZEN GROUND, starring Nicolas Cage and John Cusack. The next film slated for release from Grindstone’s partnership with Emmett/Furla is the crime thriller EMPIRE STATE, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, THE HUNGER GAMES’ Liam Hemsworth and Emma Roberts.

“Grindstone has been an important supplier of content for our filmed entertainment business in recent years, and their pipeline of commercially exciting, quality films from Emmett/Furla has been a key element of their success,” said Lionsgate Co-Chief Operating Officer and Motion Picture Group President Steve Beeks. “Grindstone’s partnership with Emmett/Furla is based on successful film distribution models that have achieved a consistent level of profitability and established Grindstone as an important brand in filmed entertainment.”

“Our partnership with Emmett/Furla is on a roll, and we’re delighted to extend our agreement for another 10 films,” said Grindstone President Barry Brooker. “Randall Emmett and George Furla are among the most prolific producers of films in the world today, and they combine a strong financial sensibility and a natural eye for great filmmaking. The Emmett/Furla name is recognizable among audiences worldwide as a reliable source of exciting and entertaining films and is trusted by our distribution partners as a brand that consistently meets expectations and delivers results.”

“We have partnered with the Lionsgate family on films for more than 10 years, and we’re thrilled to see our partnership continue to grow with their success,” said Emmett/Furla’s Randall Emmett and George Furla. “Lionsgate is one of the most exciting, innovative and entrepreneurial entertainment companies in the world, and we’re delighted to bring our longstanding relationship with Steve Beeks, Barry Brooker and the rest of the Lionsgate team to the next level.”

Emmett/Furla has partnered with Lionsgate on such theatrical films as RAMBO, WONDERLAND, NARC and A LOVE SONG FOR BOBBY LONG, and they are producing the action thriller THE TOMB, starring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, for nationwide theatrical release by the Lionsgate family next year.

The deal was negotiated by Beeks for Lionsgate, Brooker and Stan Wertlieb for Grindstone and Emmett for Emmett/Furla.

Lionsgate And STUDIOCANAL Expand Worldwide Partnership

Lionsgate and STUDIOCANAL have extended and expanded their partnership with a longterm renewal of the agreement under which Lionsgate distributes the STUDIOCANAL library of more than 2,000 titles as well as a new agreement for STUDIOCANAL to distribute the next installment of THE HUNGER GAMES franchise, CATCHING FIRE, in the German speaking territories, the two companies announced today at the Cannes Film Festival.

The first film in the franchise, the global blockbuster THE HUNGER GAMES, has grossed nearly $400 million at the North American box office and is approaching $650 million at the worldwide box office, including more than $24 million at the box office in the German speaking territories.

“STUDIOCANAL exemplifies the global reach, market leadership and innovative thinking of the media companies with whom we are partnered around the world,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairs Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman and Motion Picture Group President Steve Beeks.  “We’re delighted to expand our longstanding STUDIOCANAL relationship with a renewal of our filmed entertainment library distribution agreement as well as an agreement for STUDIOCANAL to distribute CATCHING FIRE in the German speaking territories. Our STUDIOCANAL partnership has been an important part of our growth around the world, and we believe that they will become an even more important part of our future.”

Olivier Courson, Chairman of STUDIOCANAL : “Lionsgate has always been a great partner to STUDIOCANAL. In the US they have distributed our library, from GRAND ILLUSION to TERMINATOR 2. They had a great success with LAST EXORCISM, opening it to over $20 million. In the UK we are partners in the leading independents home entertainment operation Elevation.  And in Germany, we have a long term relationship on current films and are very happy to have THE HUNGER GAMES. Strengthening our partnership with an even stronger Lionsgate on a long term basis is a great opportunity for STUDIOCANAL.”

“Lionsgate has been very successful in monetizing our library titles over the years, and we’re pleased to extend that arrangement for many years to come,” said STUDIOCANAL Germany CEO Rodolphe Buet. “Lionsgate’s pipeline includes some of the most commercially exciting films in the world and we’re delighted to follow up our successful relationship on THE HUNGER GAMES with distribution of the next exciting film in the franchise, CATCHING FIRE, throughout the German speaking territories.  We believe that THE HUNGER GAMES phenomenon will continue to build worldwide and will resonate with our audiences for years to come.”

The STUDIOCANAL library includes DVD, television, on demand and digital rights to some of the top titles from the former Carolco and DEG libraries, including TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY, TOTAL RECALL, BASIC INSTINCT and RAMBO as well as classics such as TENDER MERCIES, CRIMES OF THE HEART, FRANCES and EVIL DEAD II and French masterpieces including Jean Renoir’s GRAND ILLUSION and RULES OF THE GAME and Luis Bunuel’s THAT OBSCURE OBJECT OF DESIRE and THE DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIE.

In addition to Lionsgate’s distribution of the STUDIOCANAL library and STUDIOCANAL’s distribution of THE HUNGER GAMES and CATCHING FIRE in the German-speaking territories, Lionsgate UK and STUDIOCANAL are partnered in the UK in Elevation Sales, a home entertainment sales and distribution joint venture.

THE HUNGER GAMES – The Review

Well, those sneaky Hollywood studios are trying to mess with the calendar once again! Or to be more specific, the start of the seasons. For several decades they’ve wheeled out their big budget, youth-oriented tentpole/ franchise blockbusters at the start of Summer ( although a few of these sneak between Thanksgiving and Christmas ). Summer movie time had started with Memorial day weekend , but slowly it has crept up to the first weekend in May ( hey the school year’s not over yet! ). Well now it looks like Lionsgate may be trying to stretch things into Spring ( or Spring break ). And what better way to test these still a bit chilly waters than adapting a popular Young Adult ( YA ) novel. After all, Harry Potter waved his wand for the last time this past year and another YA series ( which I’ll discuss later ) is sending out its last flick in a few months. And so the first of author Suzanne Collins’s trilogy, THE HUNGER GAMES directed by Gary Ross, opens everywhere ( nearly ) today. Is this the start of another money-making movie machine that will fill up multiplexes in the future?

Speaking of the future, the film is set in a near distant one. The story focuses in on Panem, a totalitarian society built up on the ashes of a postapocalyptic North America. It’s composed of 12 very poor districts governed over by the glitzy, opulent Capitol. After a failed rebellion many years ago, the Capitol established the Hunger Games as punishment to these districts ( and entertainment for the swells ). At a ceremony called the Reaping a teenage boy and girl ( 12 to 18 years old )are chosen from each of the districts to compete in a televised battle to the death. The sole winner. besides surviving, is awarded ” untold riches “.  In the impoverished District 12 lives Katniss Everdeen ( Jennifer Lawrence ) who runs the house she shares with her shy, skittish kid sister Prim and her emotionally shattered mother ( father was killed in the mines-the district’s main industry ). Times are tough, so Katniss climbs through the surrounding fences into the forest preserve where she hunts with her trusty bow and arrow. She’s often joined by her childhood pal Gale ( Liam Hemsworth ), who longs to escape the tyrannical government. Back home Prim is filled with worry that she’ll be picked for the upcoming games ( having just reached the proper age ). Sure enough when Capitol rep Effie Trinket arrives for the Reaping, she draws Prim’s name. As the Safety Patrol drags the hysterical girl away, Katniss steps forward and volunteers to take her sister’s place. She’s accepted and Prim is spared. A boy’s name is also drawn. It is Peeta Mellark ( Josh Hutcherson ) the baker’s son and an acquaintance of Katniss. The two are soon whisked away via a high-speed train to the Capitol and made ready to compete in the 74th Hunger Games. ” Games ” with the highest stakes imaginable-win or die!

One of the film’s great strengths is its futuristic look which is striking after the bleak opening scenes in District 12. The place looks like a Depression ravaged podunk ( shades of COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER! ) with its grey looking clothes and homes. But with the arrival of Effie we get a taste of the ultra-modern Capitol styles. The well-to-do folks wear bright neon 40’s and 50’s retro creations. The men and women favor extensive, detailed face makeup and their punk hairstyles are dyed in fluorescent colors ( Effie herself almost looks like a kabuki actor ). The gleaming Capitol domes and skyscrapers would not look out-of-place in LOGAN’S RUN. This is a future that looks great in the main city, but is really an oppressive 1984/ BLADE RUNNER nightmare. Many are comparing GAMES to the 2000 Asian thriller BATTLE ROYALE ( but no firepower here-it’s blades, spears, and arrows! ), while I was reminded of the campy Arnold classic THE RUNNING MAN and even back to WESTWORLD ( in the almost all white GAMES TV control center ). Hopefully the art direction team will get some recognition in the next award season.

Another of the film’s strengths is its large diverse cast. For the adult roles, it’s great to see Wes Bentley back in a high-profile blockbuster, although he’s saddled with some unsubtle, ‘El Diablo’ facial hair as Crane the Gamesmaster. I wanted to know a bit more about the stylist, Cinna played with great warmth ( and a lot of cool ) by Lenny Kravitz. Stanley Tucci  rocked some great blue hair and a huge set of choppers as the Games commentator/ interviewer, but seems to stuck in smarmy, condescending mode. We’re treated to way too few scenes of screen vet Donald Sutherland as the conniving, scheming President Snow. He projects an image of a kindly grandpa’ on TV while he plots and finangle ( almost like Nixon or Emporer Palpatine ) in his lush garden with Crane. Elizabeth Banks get to flit about as Effie while modeling many unflattering outfits and makeups ( the lovely Banks usually pops off the screen ). The most interesting of the screen pros may be Woody Harrelson as mentor, coach, and former Games champ Haymitch Abernathy. With his mop of stringy long hair ( like a blond Shemp Howard ), he spends most of his screen time boozing it up, calling Katniss ” sweetheart “, and acting as her fairy godfather. Could it be the horror he witnessed ( and perhaps committed ) during his competition that has him self-medicating?

Most of the young actors portray the other district’s Game players. Many are grimacing, growling villains like a well armed version of MEAN GIRLS’s Plastiques and THE KARATE KID’s blond rivals ( including a second generation star- Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid’s son Jack as “Marvel” ). Amanda Stenberg is affecting as the sweet, pint-sized Rue. But, let’s face it, this is the story of Katniss and Lawrence commands the screen as a terrific teen heroine ( as opposed to that other YA series heroine, Twilight’s Bella Swain, she’s not a damsel in distress to be rescued. Told you I’d get to that series! ), right up there with Buffy Summers and THE MATRIX’s Trinity. I had enjoyed her work in X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, THE BEAVER, and LIKE CRAZY, but this is a real showcase. Katniss is almost a futuristic version of her WINTER’S BONE character. And here lies one of the film’s problems, her male co-stars ( and love interests ) are just not as engaging as her. There’s no heat between her and Hutcherson ( so good in THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, but not very believable here ). Perhaps she and Hemsworth could connect, but their only scene together is in the film’s first few minutes. During the games we get shots of him staring at TV screens. Perhaps the author was going for a Bella-Edward-Jacob triangle, but it’s not coming together in this installment.

Which may be another of the film’s problems. Too many things are unanswered, although there’s no big THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK cliffhanger here. A film should work without having read the source material, and this seemed lacking. Ross works well with these actors and tries to keep the wilder aspects of the story grounded. He is not exploitive with the violence, although some scenes were needlessly chaotic, perhaps in order to not got slapped with the dreaded ‘R” rating. Most of the science fiction aspects are handled with subtlety ( killer wasps work, the crude CGI pit bull/ panther hybrids need to stay in the darkness and the shadows ). Their game of deadly hide and seek lasted too long ( forest fatigue ). Fans of the books will likely be pleased with the reverent treatment. The rest of us should be happy to enjoy the great star making performance of Lawrence. Perhaps the next film will serve her considerable skills better.

Overall Rating; 3.5 Out of 5 Stars

Starz Entertainment Licenses More Than 500 Movies from Lionsgate in MultiYear Library Agreement

Multiplatform Deal Secures Deep Collection of Film Product For Premium Channels, On-Demand And Online Services
Recent Releases “Conan The Barbarian,” “Abduction,” “Margin Call,” “Red State” Will Air For The First Time on Starz; “Saw” and “Tyler Perry” Franchises, “Precious,” “Rambo,” “3:10 To Yuma,” “Monster’s Ball,” and “The Blair Witch Project” Highlight Other Top Titles

 Lionsgate and Starz Entertainment, today announced a new multiyear film licensing agreement that will bring more than 500 Lionsgate movies to the Starz Entertainment premium channels and services.

The comprehensive new agreement is Lionsgate’s first long-term library deal with Starz Entertainment and will provide a significant supply of quality movie programming across all platforms for the STARZ, ENCORE, and MOVIEPLEX premium channels, in addition to the related HD, On Demand, HD On Demand, and online advanced services.

The 500+ movies include dozens of recent Lionsgate releases, with many airing for the first time on the  Starz Entertainment premium channels and services.

Recent Lionsgate theatrical releases in the library agreement include The Expendables, The Last Exorcism, Conan The Barbarian, Abduction, From Prada to Nada, Margin Call, Red State, Precious, Rambo, Alpha & Omega, From Paris with Love, The Good Guy, Rabbit Hole, 3:10 To Yuma, and more.

Many movies from the popular “ Tyler Perry ” movie franchise are included, as well as films from the classic “Saw” franchise, with scores of other popular horror titles from the deep Lionsgate film library. Other popular titles licensed include, Crash, The Punisher, Punisher: War Zone, Monster’s Ball, The Blair Witch Project, Reservoir Dogs, Dirty Dancing, The Jazz Singer, and Meatballs.

Jim Packer, Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television and Digital Distribution, said, “This is another significant step in the ongoing monetization of our 13,000-title filmed entertainment library, and we’re delighted to extend and expand our productive long-term relationship with Starz, with whom we most recently partnered on the television series Boss.  Lionsgate remains committed to tapping traditional and digital buyers alike as we explore ways to unlock the value of our vast filmed entertainment library asset.”

“Starz Entertainment offers its subscribers a quality combination of both original programming and theatrical films. We are always striving to secure a long-term pipeline of quality library content to complement our first-run output film programming from Disney and Sony. This agreement – with a terrific partner in Lionsgate – helps us meet those long-term programming goals,” said Stephan Shelanski, EVP, Programming, for Starz Entertainment.

About Lionsgate

Lionsgate is a leading global entertainment company with a strong and diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, family entertainment, digital distribution. new channel platforms and international distribution and sales. The Company has built a strong television presence in production of prime time cable and broadcast network series, distribution and syndication of programming and an array of channel assets.  Lionsgate currently has 15 shows on more than 10 networks spanning its prime time production, distribution and syndication businesses, including such critically-acclaimed hits as the multiple Emmy Award-winning “Mad Men”, “Weeds” and “Nurse Jackie” along with the comedy “Blue Mountain State,” the Golden Globe-winning drama “Boss” and the syndication successes “Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne”, its spinoff “Meet The Browns”, “The Wendy Williams Show” and “Are We There Yet?”.

Its feature film business has been fueled by such recent successes as THE LINCOLN LAWYER, TYLER PERRY’S MADEA’S BIG HAPPY FAMILY, THE EXPENDABLES, MARGIN CALL, THE LAST EXORCISM and the critically-acclaimed PRECIOUS, which won two Academy Awards®. With the January 2012 acquisition of Summit Entertainment, the Company now has the two leading young adult franchises – the blockbuster TWILIGHT SAGA, which has grossed more than $2.5 billion at the worldwide box office, and the HUNGER GAMES franchise, whose first film will be released on March 23.  Recent Summit hits include RED, LETTERS TO JULIET, KNOWING, the STEP UP franchise and the Academy Award winning Best Picture THE HURT LOCKER.

Lionsgate’s home entertainment business is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rate. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 13,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company’s core businesses. The Lionsgate and Summit brands remain synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.

About Starz Entertainment

Starz Entertainment, LLC, is a premium movie and original programming entertainment service provider operating in the United States. The company offers 17 premium channels including the flagship STARZ® and ENCORE® brands with approximately 19 million and 32.8 million subscribers respectively.  Starz Entertainment airs in total more than 1,000 movies and original series every month across its pay TV channels. Starz Entertainment is recognized as a pay TV leader in providing HD, On Demand, HD On Demand and online advanced services for its STARZ, ENCORE and MOVIEPLEX brands.  Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ: LMCA).

THE HUNGER GAMES To Be Released In IMAX

IMAX and Lionsgate today announced that Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games, the first installment of the trilogy based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novels, will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX® format and released in IMAX® digital theatres in North America day-and-date on Friday, March 23, 2012. The film will have a limited one week engagement in IMAX theatres.

Written and directed by Gary Rossand produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik, The Hunger Games: The IMAX Experience stars Academy-award® nominated actress Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novels have already developed a massive global following, with more than 23.5 million print copies inthe United States alone.

“With this news, the release of The Hunger Games has truly become an epic event,” said Lionsgate’s Joe Drake. “The Hunger Games andIMAX are a match made in heaven – fans love this book because its world is so vividly imagined and seeing the film inIMAX will make them feel as if they have landed right in the middle of the action. It is the ideal way for fans to experience this film for the first time.”

“The Hunger Games is one of the most popular properties in recent memory and we’re excited to offer this passionate fan base the opportunity to experience this exciting adventure in the most immersive way,” said Greg Foster, Chairman and President ofIMAX Filmed Entertainment. “We’re proud to kick off our relationship with Lionsgate around this highly anticipated film that will make a strong addition to our 2012 film slate.”

The IMAX release of The Hunger Games will be 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 withIMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

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

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

Visit the official site: thehungergamesmovie.com
“Like” the film on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehungergamesmovie
Follow on Twitter: @TheHungerGames