2013-05-23T19:46:57-04:00 Erin Gross http://www.news.moviefone.com/author/index.php?author=erin-gross Copyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Erin Gross Good old fashioned elbow grease. tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1398445 2012-04-04T20:50:05-04:00 2012-06-04T05:12:02-04:00

Erin Gross http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erin-gross/ The Hunger Games a few times. It keeps getting better and you are pretty sure that you are going to go and see it a few more times. Even in the midst of waiting, you are wondering about Catching Fire, and how amazing it is going to be.

Then comes the question, what do you read in between now and Catching Fire release? Sure, you will read Catching Fire a few more times, but then you wonder... what can you read to tide yourself over until the movie news starts flooding in and the film is released?

Here's our top five choices for books to read while you are waiting.

Shatter Me by Tahreah Mafi -- The dystopian novel's protagonist, Juliet, cannot touch another human, or they will die. She has been locked away, where she is denied human contact and interaction. Ultimately, she is released to Warner (the bad guy) to do his bidding. But, Adam (the good guy) is in the military and helps her escape. The book is an edge-of-your-seat page turner, remarkably written, that will leave you questioning the guy to root for and the thin line between good and evil.

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons -- What would you do if your mother was going to jail and you were being arrested by the only guy that you ever loved? What if you were being sent off to a boarding school that can only be described as an institution? That's what Ember is going through. Only, the guy she loves comes to help her escape, and he's determined to get her to freedom. The action-packed novel is a dystopian one unlike any other I have read.

Quarantine: The Loners by Lex Thomas -- This Hunger Games-esque novel is one of the best books that I have ever read. The book, not due out until July, is non-stop action. McKinley High School has been quarantined after the outbreak of a deadly virus that affects those going through puberty. The school has banded into gangs, based off the cliques that they are in. Everything is an all out struggle to survive. You will not be able to put this book down.

Divergent by Veronica Roth -- I would sell my soul for an Insurgent ARC, the second in the series. The first book follows Tris as she adapts to a new faction from the one that she has been raised. It also follows her relationship with Four, arguably, the best male character in YA. The fast paced plot and dystopian setting will have you devouring this book.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver -- What if love was a disease? In this dystopian novel, it is. Every person is treated so that they won't suffer the delirium. Yet, before Lena's treatment she does the unthinkable: she falls in love. The second book in the series, Pandemonium, is out now. It's a book for everyone, not just the bitterness in some people that refuses to believe in love.

Catching Fire is not out until November 2013. All of these series will be potential fandoms to sink your teeth into. Four of the five have been optioned for films with scripts in the works.
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Erin Gross http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erin-gross/ The Hunger Games is still in theatres, we are all wondering what is going to happen with Catching Fire. Hunger Games left us at Katniss and Peeta returning to District 12, and Catching Fire begins with their new lives as victors.

Catching Fire takes you on a wild ride. But what are the six things we think have to be included in the Catching Fire movie?

President Snow in District 12

Let's face it, President Snow embodies evil. I mean, how creepy was the final scene of The Hunger Games with him watching Katniss and Peeta? The man showing up at Katniss' house is a pivotal turning point in her life in Catching Fire. She begins to realize what exactly happened in the arena and what it may cost her. It also is the moment where we really can see what Katniss is willing to do for her family, Gale and Peeta.

The Cornucopia Spinning Around

The Cornucopia Spinning round and round when they find that the arena is a clock. Going to be honest here, I think that this will just be entertaining. I kind of want to see people flying through the air, and then everyone coming back together. This scene is a way to show that they are all a team, and that Katniss can trust everyone.

Katniss in Her Wedding Gown

Now, we are all for the scene where she is trying on all of the gowns at her house in Victor's Village, but the one we are talking about is when she is getting interviewed by Cesaer Flickerman. When her gown goes up in flames and she is transformed into the Mockingjay. President Snow's plan to make her wear the dress sure backfired on him.

Peeta's Proposal and the Baby

Sorry, we know that it's staged, and it's all a ploy, but it's a proposal. And it is from Peeta. Every fan has it in their mind how it should be. Katniss' reaction to the proposal is important to us. We want to see if she softens for a minute and show's her love for Peeta. Also, we think the proposal is important, because it leads up to the moment when Peeta tells Ceasar that Katniss is pregnant.

Johanna Mason Digging the Tracker Out of Katniss' Arm

I love Katniss, don't get me wrong. But it's funny how she says that she could easily kill Johanna if she has to a little bit earlier, and then Katniss is knocked out, with Johanna scooping out a tracker from her arm with a knife.

Katniss Seeing Gale After She Finds Out About the Quell

This is so important. It's the moment where she makes a stand, and realizes that she loves both Peeta and Gale, but can't leave anyone behind. She knows what she has done, she knows that her family is in danger, and she knows that she will not desert Peeta. To the reader, it's the moment where you know that there will never be a Gale and Katniss.

We could go on and on for scenes that we would love to see. Katniss and Gale's Kiss, Prim and Mrs. Everdeen fixing Gale after his whipping, Katniss getting back over the electric fence. The real question is, what do you want to see?
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Erin Gross http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erin-gross/ The Hunger Games, simply put, it is the most faithful adaptation one has ever seen.

Lionsgate included fan sites in the World Premiere of The Hunger Games. Representatives from various sites flocked to Los Angeles to partake in the festivities surrounding their favorite series.

After spending a day with campers and meeting the cast at 'The Hob,' fans were pleased to get dressed up in our premiere day best, and head back to The Nokia theatre to partake in the festivities.

We made our way to Will Call to wait and pick up our tickets. As we stood there waiting, Sam Tan and Ethan Jamieson, tributes in the movie walked up. They were kind enough to stop and sign autographs for fans. One by one, another star of the film made their way to pick up their tickets, and we were treated to their enthusiasm and love for the fans. Annie Thurman, Mackenzie Lintz, Amber Chaney all arrived, and stopped to spend time with the fans that supported them.

Not doing press, we journeyed into Nokia, and took our seats. The Yahoo! Live Stream played in the theatre while we waited.

It seemed to all pass by so fast, and soon we saw Joe Drake, of Lionsgate walking out to talk to us all about how the film came to be. He spoke for a few moments, before passing the microphone to director Gary Ross, who humbly came out and spoke to everyone about the film and thanked everyone involved. He then introduced the stars of the film, starting with Liam Hemsworth.

Liam said a few words, and it was Ross who made a joke and said, "I didn't know he was Australian when we cast him."

Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence came next. There is a whole new respect that we have for Jennifer. The fresh-faced girl from Kentucky came out before she was introduced, and then ran back behind the curtain. When finally introduced, she tripped over her dress, but caught herself. She laughed it off, and smiled. Hutcherson seemed to make light of it too, as they walked off, it seemed as though he was attempting to step on her train.

And then the time came...

The movie began. Silence engulfed the theatre, and diehard fans grasped each others hands, waiting for what was going to happen. Now, as much as we could, we won't. I will say this though, this is a movie that you can't miss.

From the opening scene to the ending, it leaves you sitting on the edge of your chair, begging for more. Jennifer Lawrence is a phenomenal actress and brings such depth to the character of Katniss. You feel her every emotion, hope to save her, and from the first scene with her, you know that she is it. She is Katniss. There is no denying it.

Liam Hemsworth brought the entire theatre to sighs. Elizabeth Banks was absolutely amazing, there are not enough words to describe her perfection. Elizabeth was more than a fan could hope for. Lenny Kravitz embodied Cinna and exceeded expectations. I am officially in awe of Wes Bentley and Donald Sutherland's genius.

Then there is Josh Hutcherson. I have had to think a lot about this one, because Peeta is absolutely integral to this story. There was such controversy when Josh was cast, and I wasn't positive that Josh was my Peeta. I would like to state publicly that I was wrong. Hutcherson brings life to Peeta, and takes him beyond any expectations that I have ever had. He keeps you captivated, drawn into the story, and emotionally on his side.

The Hunger Games is the best book-to-movie adaptation that I have seen. It keeps true to the story, invokes every emotion, and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Kudos Lionsgate! This fan will never doubt your casting, and will know that you know what you are doing. The Hunger Games is as close to perfect as I imagined. ]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1339282 2012-03-12T17:20:00-04:00 2012-05-12T05:12:01-04:00

Erin Gross http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erin-gross/ The Hunger Games, there were no words to describe the feeling, except by saying a hobby gone wrong had gone incredibly right.

When walking into LA Live, the place was swarming with Lakers and Celtics fans, as the basketball rivalry was also in town that day. We walked to the center of LA Live, and saw a sea of tents, and we knew that we had found our way home. For all that don't know, in The Hunger Games, The Hob is a black market in district 12. Only this was the place that hundreds of people had come to share their love for Katniss, Peeta, and Gale. It was the place where a new fandom had come to find their place.

Checking into 'The Hob' we were given access that we didn't expect. We are a fansite, and yet that didn't matter. We were press, and Lionsgate was so kind to tell us how we were important and a big reason that all of this was coming to life.

We were informed that cast members would be arriving every hour to sign autographs for the fans. We weren't going to be able to interview them, but we were going to be able to have access to pictures and autographs.

Amandla Stenberg was the first. The young actress who plays Rue, lit up 'The Hob.' Her infectious smile overtook the crowd. She never wavered from her excitement, smiling and meeting every one with the same gracious humbleness. You could tell that she was genuinely happy to be there.

We took pictures from a distance, careful not to disturb the fans that had been waiting.

Lionsgate then granted us access to talk to the fans. Most were standing in line, anxiously awaiting their turn to meet the next cast member that was going to be signing autographs. Alexander Ludwig, was next. He took the time to speak with all of the fans that came in, listening to their story, asking about them, and thanking everyone for taking the time to love the movie.

We decided at this point to get in line. We wanted the opportunity to take pictures and speak to the cast.

When we made our way to the front of the line, Isabelle Fuhrman was sitting there. She stopped the line, and as Isabelle saw us standing there, she waved us over. We handed her our posters, and introduced ourselves. It's amazing to us the way their faces light up and they recognize where we are from.

"I find out all the gossip and things that are going on from all of your fansites." Isabelle said to us, "You guys know before we do."

I guess you can call The Hunger Games Fansites, the Hunger Games CIA.

Willow Shields, who plays Primrose Everdeen was just as amazing. The young actress greeted everyone and thanked everyone for being a fan.

Out of the corner of our eyes, we noticed a fiery red-head approaching. Jackie Emerson has a presence that commands the room. She kept looking over at the congregation of fansites that stood there, taking pictures and staring.

With every fan that walked through, she stopped and introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Jackie" she would say. We wanted to tell her, we knew. There was no one like her.

The fansites asked Lionsgate if we could take a picture as a group with Jackie, and when she was asked, she seemed to jump at the chance. She walked the line of us, introducing herself, with her mother following behind. We could see where she got her fun-loving outgoing side from. She treated each and every one of us with kindness and respect.

We were prepared to leave, when we were told that Peeta, our boy with bread would be coming at 6 p.m. There was suddenly nothing that was going to get any of us to move. Not anything. Even if California fell into the ocean, we would be right there, waiting.

Josh Hutcherson snuck in under a cloud of security, and as the crowd danced to the DJ, he made his way over to the gate, stood on it and waved. Screams echoed through the crowd, and chants of Peeta echoed through the air.

Lionsgate let the fansites go first to meet Josh. He thanked each and every one of us for our support and signed magazines and posters. He made sure to take a picture with each of us.

Yes, starting a fansite was a hobby. It's a labor of love. Meeting the actors that genuinely care, and take the time to support what we do, as we support what they do... there is no greater satisfaction. Our hobby gone terribly wrong went terribly right thanks to the cast of The Hunger Games and the behind the scenes people at Lionsgate.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1325150 2012-03-06T18:25:00-05:00 2012-05-06T05:12:01-04:00

Erin Gross http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erin-gross/ Hunger Games!" The 10-year-old that stood to the left of us moved like Foxface, but said something we all were thinking. As the sun rose, and shined light on the 200 plus tributes already in line at 6 a.m., for their opportunity to get their spot in the games.

Westfield Century City is no arena, but it was going to be today. Fans lined up on the bridge that went over 'Avenue of the Stars,' waiting for their opportunity to possibly meet Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth. We were approximately 240 in line. The first person had lined up at 1 a.m.

When we were let in we took up space to the left of the stage. A perfect view of the stage. We settled in for our nine-hour wait until the cast arrived.

It wasn't long, before they started handing out new posters. Posters that are for the tour and had not been seen before. People ran to them like tributes to the cornucopia. I was waiting for Cato to come and knock people down, but all you could see was the same 10-year-old from line weaving through like Foxface.

It was about noon before festivities started. The crew of Westfield threw a dance contest. Three rounds for meet and greet tickets. KIIS FM was due to show up at 3:00 p.m. The dance contest winners received wristbands to go in and meet the cast.

At 3 p.m., KIIS showed up and took over the festivities. It was a nonstop dance party for three hours. Tributes singing and dancing, screaming, all in hopes of getting the coveted Orange bracelet that would lead you into a meet and greet with Jennifer, Liam, and Josh. It was an amazing thing to watch. The energy was unbelievable. Everyone was genuinely excited to be there. KISS gave away about 40 wristbands to go in and meet the cast. The people with signs made from home, had their dreams come true, as many won wristbands.

The best part of seeing all of this, was the fans walking out crying. They were happy. They were smiling. KISS asked a girl why she was crying, and through her tears she managed to say, "I just met Josh."

Then it happened. A tall distinguished pepper haired man came out the doors. Gary Ross greeted the crowd and signed autographs.

It all meant that it was about to happen. Jennifer, Josh, and Liam walked out, and waved as they walked behind the gates. We all looked anxiously at our phones, we have less than 30 minutes left until we got to hear them speak.

Liam was introduced first. Then Josh. Then Jennifer.

I would love to describe their facial expressions, but I stared at my phone, as I tweeted the event for fans that couldn't be there. But, I can tell you, Jennifer's laugh is infectious. I have a whole new respect for her. You could tell she loved the fans.

Here is what we learned:

• As a token in the arena, Jen would bring her Leo necklace, Josh would bring a fried chicken bone (his Grandma makes great fried chicken), and Liam would bring his bracelet.


• Jen loves to shoot a bow and arrow. She's "really good but can't shoot birds."


• Josh and Jennifer met a couple of times before filming, but he doesn't remember it. She does.


• Liam was speechless when he got the part of Gale. He had told his managers if he didn't get it he would burn their house down.


• Jennifer got the call for Katniss when she was in London. They called her in the middle of the night. She was sleeping, and said that is great, I will call you in the morning.


• Josh had to put on 15 pounds to play Peeta. It wasn't the good kind of putting on weight. Instead of eating fried chicken, he was eating grilled.


• Liam and Jennifer both had to lose weight for their roles.


• Josh brought up the concussion. Jennifer responded with the fact he put a mutilated dummy on her toilet. He responded with what came first, the chicken or the egg.


• Josh says Jennifer became a badass. She agreed, that she had three hours of badass training a day.


• Josh and Liam would both want to be Haymitch if they weren't Peeta and Gale. Jennifer would want to be Seneca Cranes beard.


• Jennifer loves Katnisses Strength, Bravery, and Loyalty. She said Katniss is like a modern-day Joan of Arc.


• Jennifer says Josh's favorite costume was the black latex one. He said it was kind of awesome. Jennifer's favorite was the flame dress. Liams was the fact that he got to look dirty, which was fine with him.


• Jen says Gary Ross is "the most brilliant person I've ever met. He's funny and sweet and creates a warm atmosphere."


• During Jennifer's audition she improved with Gary Ross. He played President Snow.


• Jennifer knows Zoe Kravitz, and always called Lenny Mr. Kravitz. She had to stop cause the whole crew started calling him that. She calls him Lenny now.


• Josh's favorite movie to shoot besides this was Journey 2, because it was shot in Hawaii.


• While teaching Liam how to catch crawdads, Josh got a leech stuck on his hand.

And then our time in the arena was done. Until next week, as we journey into 'The Hob' to meet the fans there.


Erin has a passion for all things literature and co-owns the networks of fan sites for book to movie adaptations, The Silver Screened Novels Network. ]]>