You knew The Hunger Games would open big , but this big? Meet your new bona fide box office powerhouse franchise: Taking in $19.75 million at midnight showings around the country, Lionsgate’s PG-13 action-romance earned the #1 all-time non-sequel midnight debut, outperforming even The Dark Knight ‘s 2008 $18 million midnight. We’ve got another true blue four-quadrant blockbuster on our hands, people! If you’re sitting bleary-eyed at your desk right now with a happy smile on your face from last night’s late night debut, share your reactions after the jump. Here’s my happy Hunger Games midnight madness story: I arrived for the 12:15 am showing at the Arclight in Hollywood to a scene of PURE. CHAOS. By which I mean the garage was packed, the lobby resembled a refugee camp, and the bar was swarming with bodies jockeying for a drink like it was the Cornucopia. A man, bellied up to the bar, screamed into his phone to some unfortunate person on the other end, ” I’ve been up for 36 hours and I’m not fit to come back to the hospital and I’m going to the cinema, dammit! ” Which is how I knew The Hunger Games would hit all five quadrants, the fifth being drunken 40-year-old male doctors on their one night off. I mean, behold: The film played exceedingly well in my theater, and the entire place was buzzing once the credits rolled. But the real bloodbath? Getting out of the parking garage. Did you see The Hunger Games at midnight? Are you planning on seeing it this weekend? Leave your thoughts and box office prognostications below. [ Deadline ]
Odd Future MC also shouts out Kanye West and Lil Wayne: ‘I actually talk to those dudes all the time.’ By Rob Markman Odd Future on “RapFix Live” Photo: MTV News Odd Future have some pretty famous fans. The band of misfits has won over some unlikely pop stars, including Willow Smith and Justin Bieber , as well as rap royalty like Kanye West and Lil Wayne. In an October interview, Tyler, the Creator revealed to MTV News that he wanted to make a ’90s-inspired R&B track with break beats and hard drums for Bieber, but he refused to give up any more info when he appeared on Wednesday’s “RapFix Live.” “That’s my f—ing dawg. Shout-out to Justin,” Tyler said. When asked about the dream collaboration, the rap star only offered up: “You’ll see.” In the past year, Tyler has formed a bond with musical idol Pharrell Williams , Lil Wayne and Kanye West and even interviewed Nas for an XXL magazine cover story. “It’s cool. That sh– is cool. Awkward, but it’s tight. They actually f— with us,” Tyler said of all his new friends. “Lil Wayne is actually a fan, Kanye is actually like a fan. I actually talk to those dudes all the time.” Taco said he and Wayne usually talk about skating, and Earl began to recall a phone conversation between him and Weezy before he was made fun of by the rest of the Wolf Gang. “The moment is gone now, but I just kept saying ‘no’ and it was awkward,” Earl squealed. “We don’t really talk about anything deep,” Tyler said. “I don’t know, I don’t really sit there and say, ‘Damn, what conversation are me and Wayne having right now?’ ” Related Videos ‘RapFix Live’ Has An Odd Future
It’s been a long road to Panem; MTV News takes a trip down memory lane as the adaptation hits the big screen! By Kara Warner Jennifer Lawrence in “The Hunger Games” Photo: Lionsgate Happy “Hunger Games” release day! What a long, bleak and dystopian road it has been so far. We’ve been waiting for this day so long and with so much hope and hype that it feels like we’ve been through the Reaping ourselves. To celebrate this momentous occasion, we have compiled a cheat sheet of everything you need to know about the big-screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ beloved best-selling novel. The Prologue Back in spring 2009, just several months after the book’s well-received publication , Lionsgate won a bidding war for the rights to translate the gripping tale from page to screen. The next big question was, of course, who would be chosen to portray the impoverished “girl on fire” fighting for survival in a seemingly unjustly ruled society? The Reaping The highly publicized search for the perfect Katniss Everdeen featured a healthy list of young A-list actresses vying for the role, including Chloe Grace Moretz, Abigail Breslin and Hailee Steinfeld, all of whom were admitted fans . Finally, in May of last year, the suspense ended with the announcement that “Winter’s Bone” star and Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence had won the role. The rest of the “Games” puzzle pieces fell quickly in place, with “Pleasantville” helmer Gary Ross in the director’s chair , who reportedly beat out David Slade (“Eclipse”) and Sam Mendes (“Revolutionary Road”), and rising stars Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson claiming the roles of Katniss’ best friend Gale Hawthorne and the dependable “boy with the bread” Peeta Mallark . Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz and Wes Bentley would all later join the cast in the film’s key supporting roles of escort Effie Trinket , mentor Haymitch Abernathy, District 12 stylist Cinna and Seneca Crane, respectively. The Production Games Once the film’s March 23, 2012 release date was announced, production shifted into high gear in the forests of North Carolina. In spring 2011, we got our official first look at Lawrence in character, followed thereafter by glimpses of Hutcherson and Hemsworth . And although the matter of making the film was serious business, we later discovered that the castmembers had lots of fun on set, particularly Hutcherson, who told us the humorous tale of his successful, but sneaky, practical joke he played on Lawrence . After that, we were very happy to treat fans to MTV’s exclusive first look at footage of Katniss in action during the VMAs . The Fan Fervor and Whirlwind Promotional Tour Once production wrapped, we did our best to track down the stars for their thoughts about their roles and the filmmaking process. Lawrence told us all about her training regimen and admitted that all her hours spent with an archery coach were “really fun.” Hutcherson shared his perspective on the intense audition process and how he felt he is “so right” for the role . These little teases and costume reveals were enough to tide us over until we scored multiple sit-down interviews with the castmembers and the mall tours began, all leading up to the star-studded Hollywood premiere , for which we provided in-depth coverage via our live stream . With early ticket sales breaking records and box-office predictions very high , all that’s left to do is wait and watch as the engrossing story of Katniss and company continues to catch fire. Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Hunger Games’ Live From ‘The Hunger Games’ Red Carpet Premiere Related Photos ‘Hunger Games’ World Premiere Red Carpet The Hunger Games
Friday in Washington D.C., Secret Service agents arrested protesters gathered at the Sudanese Embassy to draw attention to the ongoing humanitarian and food crisis in the North African nation. Among those charged: Members of Congress, Martin Luther King III, the president of the NAACP, journalist Nick Clooney, and his son, George Clooney , whose star power lent the protest an elevated media platform. Ol’ George has long been vocal in his political activism, using his celebrity to help shed light on humanitarian concerns, and as evidenced by these 9 most handsomely stoic of Clooney shots from today, he makes social activism look darn good. I’m partly jesting, of course. The suffering of the Sudanese people is far more significant an issue than pictures of a movie star stumping for on his day off. But to many, Clooney’s paparazzi-captured arrest is the first they’ll hear of the conditions in Sudan — or the culpability, as the protesters decried, of the Sudanese government in its own people’s suffering. Here’s a case in which celebrity power can be used to raise awareness on real issues and not, say, Kim Kardashian’s divorce. And it’s shots like these that sometimes get the world’s attention. So shall we take a cue from Clooney? Click for images . Before his arrest, Clooney spoke to journalists gathered outside the Sudanese Embassy. CNN — who identifies Nick Clooney as “Father of George Clooney” in their video coverage, incidentally — reports : “We are here really to ask two very simple questions,” Clooney said moments before his arrest. “The first question is something immediate — and immediately, we need humanitarian aid to be allowed into the Sudan before it becomes the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.” The second thing, he said, “is for the government in Khartoum to stop randomly killing its own innocent men, women and children. Stop raping them and stop starving them. That’s all we ask.” [Photos via Getty Images] [ THR , CNN ]
Susan Sarandon is a woman at her wit’s end in Jay and Mark Duplass ’ comedy Jeff, Who Lives at Home ; stuck in mind-numbing office job and still dealing with the problems of her two grown but immature sons – Jeff ( Jason Segal ), an unemployed pothead, and Pat ( Ed Helms ), a douchey sales rep – her Sharon spends her days daydreaming about the life she once wanted for herself. As Sarandon confessed in a chat with Movieline, there was plenty in Jeff she related to as a single working mother in an often unforgiving industry – but, as she’s discovered, there’s always “a new dawn, a new day.” In the new Duplass brothers’ comedy, stoner-slacker Jeff receives what he believes to be a sign from the universe that sends him on a day-long odyssey for answers, sweeping his brother Pat along in the intrigue in the process. Meanwhile, their mother Sharon (Sarandon) is dealing with an office mystery of her own: Who is the secret admirer sending her messages, promising the kind of adventure she’s longed for her whole life? Movieline spoke with Sarandon about the film and how many of its themes hit close to home, including the universal desire to find happiness in life, the often counterintuitive realities of being a parent, even the earth-shattering revelation that our parents are just as fallible and human as we are. As the mother of three grown children and a successful industry veteran, Sarandon’s found her way to a philosophy on life that embraces change, making mistakes, and positive thinking she’s embraced so much she tattooed her motto on her wrist. If there’s wisdom to be found in the teachings of the stoner-slacker hero of Jeff, why not also take inspiration from a Hollywood actress like Sarandon? Jeff, Who Lives at Home is a quirky Duplass brothers movie about a stoner but it’s also quite moving, isn’t it? I was crying when I read the script! That’s one of the reasons, I have to be moved by something when I read it, and not necessarily my character but just the idea of the film. I was surprised, didn’t see certain things coming when I started reading it, and I think family is so important and so easy to be estranged from your siblings, from your parents. And it’s so easy as a parent to lose your kids because as they become people they’re not who you expected them to be, and they’re not who you wanted them to be in order to feel safe. You lose track of them, and I think kids really don’t think of their parents as people unless they’re forced to. Sometimes it is strange to think of your parents as having had the same kind of problems or struggles as you, especially as you become an adult. As sexual, for instance? That’s a horrifying idea! Or making mistakes. You think, ‘They’re my parents, they should know what’s going on and be able to do anything,’ and you forget that they’re messed up just like you are. Maybe their parents were terrible, or whatever the circumstance. I think it’s a very big turning point when you forgive your parents for their frailties and just kind of feel bad for them and don’t resent them. I always think when I hear somebody in their thirties going on about their parents, I think ‘Move on! Let go of it!’ I mean, seriously. You do the best you can, you love your kids, and you make so many mistakes. It’s just impossible not to make mistakes, even when you are doing the best you can. Sharon is a single woman whose sons are grown but immature; she’s still dealing with their problems, and it all stems from the void in their lives, the father and husband they lost. Why do you think this family has ended up this way? I related to her quandary: How could she get to the point where she doesn’t even like the people that her kids are anymore? Even though she loves them, she doesn’t like them. And I’m sure she’s been a drag, because being Wendy all the time when everyone else is Peter Pan is a drag. And it’s almost always the woman who says, ‘Seriously, stop playing – it’s time to come in. You’ve got school in the morning. Did you do your homework? You can’t play Nintendo until you finish with your homework.’ It’s not the father, who comes in late. He’s like the dessert, he’s hardly ever around. You really want the dad and you’re desperate for his time because the mom’s always there. So when the dad in this story is gone, that’s such a big deal, to lose a parent. Depending on when you lose your parent in your life, it’s really an important factor. Did you connect personally to Sharon’s story, then, when you read the script? I hope everybody can relate personally to some aspect of it. But you’re also a mother with three kids who are now getting old enough to be on their own… Almost – the 19-year-old is still in school. The 22-year-old has graduated and is trying to find a job, trying to figure out what he’s doing. I think that the idea of real life taking away your dreams, though, is applicable to so many people. Very few people are in jobs that they really love, and life is hard. The economic times are really difficult. Doing something that you really care about seems so frivolous, seems so hard to find a way to do that. I think now that so many people sacrificed the present thinking that they would retire well and got laid off right before, that must be the worst-ever feeling because you played it safe and it still didn’t work. I guess one of the thoughts in watching this film is that you will be successful if you find something you really love to do. It’s certainly easier if you don’t have children and if you can live at home, because financially unless you live with a bunch of people these days it’s so hard in an urban setting to find an apartment you can afford, if you’re starting out at anything. Even with one or two degrees, it’s hard. This is all true, and some of these kinds of concerns pop up in the film – and yet the film is also very optimistic. It is very optimistic, and I love that about it too. Because every day is a miracle, and when you wake up, that is a miracle. You have another shot – a new dawn, a new day. That’s what your tattoo says, right? [Pointing to her wrist] Yeah, that’s my tat. Figuring out a positive framing in life, not that bad things don’t happen and not that you can’t be upset, but finding a way to see every good and bad thing that happens as contributing to a possible new paradigm is really helpful. Hearing you speak over the years, you’ve always seemed very zen in your approach to life. Would you say that’s true? What’s your own perspective on parenting and making mistakes? I guess you could say that. And the universe has dealt me up some really amazing choices, and luckily I threw out the logical one and did follow a path sometimes that I didn’t know where it was going. That is a strength of mine. I encourage my kids to make mistakes – to feel that making mistakes is a really positive thing, because that’s where you figure out where you’re going. As a parent I’m more cautious with their future and I have to fight against that and just make it clear to them that I have faith in them, because again, you’re bringing your conditioning to their lives. And you know, times aren’t even the same as when I was their age. Things are different. And we’re different parents, and they’re up against a whole other set of prejudices that I wasn’t. Pressures of having famous parents, you know. So you can’t say, ‘When I was a child I did that, and that worked’ because it doesn’t necessarily. When a parent disapproves of somebody that their child falls in love with, or a choice that they make in terms of their job, or not to work and to be taking small jobs that don’t seem like they’re worthy of them – I think you have to let your kids know that you trust their judgment and that they’ll find their way, and then be there for them if it doesn’t work out. Say, okay – the next one will. I think a lot of times, for instances, parents of someone who comes out, it can even be parents who aren’t homophobic who think they’re not homophobic but they think suddenly, that lifestyle, oh my god – this is going to be harder. And will I have grandchildren? And will they be accepted? All those things. It’s not so much that in some instances the parents of gays are homophobic, but you just think. ‘Oh my god, you want to be an artist? That’s not going to pay.’ And yet, you turn around and try to be practical. Those people don’t have jobs, either! It’s ironic that I should end up earning a good living and I’ve just been flying by the seat of my pants the whole time. Every time I took off a year to have a kid I thought, I’ll never work again. And you just never know. But that was important to me and I did it and I thought, well, I’ll find some way. Did you think the industry wouldn’t welcome you back after having kids? Well, I had my first child at 39, and I had my third at 45, so I was already over the hill in terms of the industry. [Laughs] And then you just disappear for a year, plus when I started having kids it was still thought in a way that you couldn’t be desirable once you started having children. And that’s clearly not the case anymore. Well, and I think it’s really great because gals your age or my daughter’s just assume they can have a family life and a career, it’s not one or the other! I mean, it doesn’t even occur. She doesn’t even like the word “feminist,” it sounds so strident, and I totally understand that. You don’t need the word “feminist” anymore, and you don’t have to apologize if you do want a family and you don’t want to work outside the home. A lot has changed since 1970, when I did my first movie. It’s interesting to hear such universal parental stories from a “famous” parent like yourself. Well, I have cool very interesting kids, where I’m now in that phase of my life where they’re teaching me. They’re bringing me up to speed on everything – all the music, all the writing… Not to mention the fact that your dog is on Twitter , isn’t she? My dog’s Tweeting! [Laughs] But my son, who has switched to contemplative studies, has been handing me books that I wouldn’t have found, and we’re discussing things that are really interesting. They’ve punched some holes in my mind — and working on this film was kind of like that, too because it was a different way of working. Not that I’d never done improve before, but [the Duplass brothers’] attitude was very fresh and loving. I felt safe with them. Really interesting things happen when you’re put with a lively group of people in an atmosphere where you’re not afraid to make mistakes 100% and look like a fool. I read a quote somewhere that said, ‘Genius is the ability to stay in an uncomfortable situation the longest,’ and I think that’s true. Something happens and instead of observing it or dealing with it you either get angry or you split, but when you can stay in that situation is when something amazing happens. Jeff, Who Lives at Home opens today in limited release. Follow Jen Yamato on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world; everyone you meet is your mirror. ~K.S.Keyes Its easy to think everyone else is “the problem.” However, the things you complain about and the things you love are a reflection of who you are. If you want to change your world, you have to start by changing your thoughts. Focus on the positive and that’s what you will attract into your life.
Don’t brave the wilds of the theater on March 23 without stashing these Hobnobbing -recommended necessities. By Amy Wilkinson Jennifer Lawrence in “The Hunger Games” Photo: Lionsgate The Tributes of the 74th annual Hunger Games enter the arena in just over a week. We have it on good authority that they’ve been training for weeks now, but we’re more concerned about you. Are you ready? Sure, you probably bought your midnight premiere tickets eons ago, but that can’t be the only provisions you’ve made for the bloodbath. After all, if we’ve learned anything from Suzanne Collins’ dystopian drama, it’s that preparation (and quick thinking) can be the difference between survival and having your face mauled by a Muttation. And though your local multiplex probably isn’t hiding a hive of tracker jackers under your seat, the wilds of a midnight premiere boast their own perils. Just in case you’re not stockpiled with the proper rations, this week’s Hobnobbing is dedicated to getting you Games ready. Here’s your midnight premiere checklist: Storage Before you even think of stepping foot in the cineplex, you need a sturdy, lightweight bag to store your provisions. Take a cue from Katniss, and keep your stuff in a spiffy orange backpack. We like The North Face’s Borealis Backpack , a sleek model with two big pockets, allowing for quick stashing and dashing if necessary. (Not to mention it will probably stand up to an unexpected fire assault better than that old Duane Reade plastic bag hiding under your bed.) Edibles You’ll need to keep up your strength while staking your claim on a primo theater seat, so calorie-loading is key. But there’s no reason your foodstuffs can’t be fun too. New York bakery Eleni’s boasts a Down With the Capitol gift box full of “Games”-themed cookies (dibs on Gale!). Or you can bake up your own (just like Peeta!) using a recipe from Fictional Food . Because, really, there’s no need to be hungry in your arena. Shelter Whether you’re stuck shivering outside the theater or in an aggressively air-conditioned lobby, you’ll want to keep yourself warm and cozy. We’re pretty partial to this bright pink Team Peeta sweatshirt we found on Etsy . Plus, it can double as a pillow if you want to take a quick Kat nap. Entertainment OK, reality check: It is likely — despite the high-stress, high-anxiety conditions of the midnight premiere — that you might get, well, a little bored. Temper a case of the dulls (and psych yourself up even more!) by popping in your ear buds and jamming to “The Hunger Games” soundtrack, which drops March 20. Taylor Swift will thank you. Inspiration If all else fails, take encouragement from loyal District 12 stylist Cinna: “I’m not allowed to bet, but if I could, my money would be on you.” What will you be packing in your “Hunger Games” go bag? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @amymwilk with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos Live From ‘The Hunger Games’ Red Carpet Premiere MTV Rough Cut: Gary Ross MTV Rough Cut: Jennifer Lawrence Related Photos ‘Hunger Games’ Blazes Into U.K. ‘Hunger Games’ World Premiere Red Carpet
Taylor Gang leader Wiz Khalifa just dropped his latest mixtape, Taylor Allderdice . The street album features a track with the soon-to-be Mrs. Wiz Khalifa, Amber Ros e and Rick Ross on the track, “Never Been (Part II).” Amber Rose provides the hook to the sequel to “Never Been,” a song off his Kush & Orange Juice mixtape. Rick Ross comes in and does what he does best. He raps about money, cars, clothes, and smoking the finest kush. Listen below and let us know your thoughts. RELATED: Wiz Khalifa And Amber Rose Are Engaged! Amber Rose Releases Debut Single “Fame” Ft. Wiz Khalifa [AUDIO] Amber Rose On Her Mom Smoking Weed With Wiz Khalifa: “Wiz Is Like The Son She Never Had” [EXCLUSIVE] Amber Rose Reveals All About Wiz, Kanye & Reggie On “Wendy” [VIDEO]
‘She can probably do anything she wants,’ ‘Paparazzi’ and ‘Telephone’ director tells us at SXSW. By Kara Warner Lady Gaga Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage After the mostly positive reviews of Lady Gaga ‘s first music-video directorial effort on “Marry the Night” . It’s fair to assume that we fans can expect more Gaga-directed clips in the near future. When MTV News caught up with her “Paparazzi” and “Telephone” director Jonas
