Ten Best Hunger Games Highlights of 2012
As part of The Hunger Games Countdown, Perri Nemiroff of Movies.com has put together a list of the top ten Hunger Games-related highlights of 2012.
8. Catching Fire Motion Poster:
The release of The Hunger Games motion poster was an absolutely chilling experience, but how could they possibly swing the same thing and have an effect? Talk about a nice surprise. Not only does the new motion poster draw a connection to the original by keeping the design and background tune intact, but it stirs up a brand new set of emotions through the gorgeous and incredibly detailed transformation from the Hunger Games logo into the Catching Fire one, backed by a fresh score that offers up a sense of urgency. How appropriate when that clock is just ticking away?
More highlights after the break!
5. The Hunger Games at San Diego Comic-Con:
This might be personal more than anything – unless you all really enjoyed my interviews – but having the opportunity to hang out and chat with Jack Quaid, Dayo Okeniyi, Alexander Ludwig, Willow Shields and Amandla Stenberg was certainly a 2012 highlight, and just enough to forgive Lionsgate for not having a proper panel. However, even without its leading trio hitting Hall H, Hunger Games can still draw a crowd and the pandemonium at the Lionsgate booth proved it. Signing time with Quaid, Okeniyi, Ludwig, Shield, and Stenberg was crazy time with fans lining up around the booth, eagerly awaiting an autograph or even just an opportunity for a mere glimpse at the tributes in the flesh. Can you imagine if Katniss herself was there? Hopefully we’ll find out next year.2. Casting Catching Fire:
Admittedly, those who have yet to read the books might find Lionsgate’s casting process a bit over the top, but for those of us who know and have grown to love the characters of this universe, it’s immensely exciting watching the studio put real faces to names. And, this time around, Lionsgate wasn’t just filling up the roster for the 75th Hunger Games; the studio was committing to actors that’d help carry us through to the franchise finale. Even for the actors playing tributes that will inevitably meet their maker before the second film’s end, this more intimate and individualized casting process makes his or her death that much more powerful. The first film proved it; even a nameless Hunger Games cast member lives on through the fandom.1. The Hunger Games, the Movie:
It really doesn’t get much better than this. Not only did The Hunger Games go on to accumulate over $680 million at the worldwide box office, but the film was very well-received, almost across the board, posting a wildly impressive 85% on Rotten Tomatoes. Say what you want about Gary Ross’ shaky cam technique, but, overall Hunger Games is a notably well acted, enthralling adventure that does its source material justice by presenting each and every layer of the story, and all with a great deal of emotion. Not only are we now one for one, but the success of The Hunger Games puts us in great shape for Catching Fire and beyond. Gary Ross may be long gone, but the first film still stands and should the next three fall in line, we will end up with a proficient and truly special film franchise.
What were your biggest Hunger Games highlights of 2012?
What are you looking forward to in the most in 2013?
Of course the Hunger Games release back in march was just amazing, I loved it and hit me out of nowhere and for me thats where the journey began..after that I read all three books and for 2013 I’m just exicited to see catching fire. I want to see the trailer by the way!!
My biggest highlight (Hunger Games-related or otherwise) joining the Mockingjay.net team! I’ve made so many amazing friends that are just as obsessed with (some even MORE obsessed) with The Hunger Games than I am!
My biggest highlight for me personally was meeting the star at the mall tour.
I also enjoyed the discussion panel at Phoenix comic con
I think the little things in 2012- the appearance at the People’s Choice Awards, the release of the second trailer, the Safe & Sound music video, all of the TV spots- made the experience special. Waiting for The Hunger Games movie with all of the fans was the best part.
This year I thought of course that the movie was a big highlight but also casting catching fire, following who was going to be who and talking about who should be who was really fun. I’m really looking forward to watching catching fire and casting mockingjay part 1!!!!!:D
My biggest highlight was of course the movie release in march. I remember being all hyped up for the midnight showing and dressing up as Katniss with like ten of my friends. It was truly an unforgettable movie release
@Erin – Mine too! It has just been so amazing and such an incredible fandom to be a part of
I like what Savanah said too about all of those little moments and I think too just the fandom as a whole, we all held our collective breath as each cast member was rumoured and then announced, rode the ‘storm’ when a new director was needed and so much more.
I absolutely agree with Perri’s highlights, the film has to top them all and then the CF poster reveal recently was just amazing. If we thought 2012 was big I’m sure 2013 will be bigger!
My highlight of 2012 was hanging out with Josh Hutcherson at the GLAAD Awards
I am a talent escort and got lucky enough to hang with him. Besides that, the movie coming out near my birthday and just riding the wave since then. As for 2013, I just can’t wait for the release of Catching Fire!
I remember this time last year I was agonising for March 2012 to be here so I could get my ticket and THG fix.
Now I am agonising for November 2013. *sigh*
My highlight would be hearing about the Hunger Games for the first time!
From there, I’ve become pretty obsessed. Seeing the movie was pretty awesome… Now I can’t wait for Catchjng Fire.
The trailer premire was the best part for me. I cried seeing the characters I fell in love with come to life for the first time!
Finding out about it all. Next year, Catching Fire midnight premiere!!