'Catching Fire': Five Reasons To Be Stoked

In light of all the director drama, Hobnobbing has a few reminders why we should celebrate the sequel.
By Amy Wilkinson


Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss and Liam Hemsworth as Gale in "The Hunger Games"
Photo: Murray Close/ Lionsgate Entertainment

It's been a fraught few weeks following director Gary Ross' announcement that he wouldn't helm "The Hunger Games" follow-up "Catching Fire." Panem watchers are rightfully peeved: In Ross, fans found a kindred spirit, one who always seemed a devotee first and a director second.

As the rumor mill continues to rage regarding who will fill his sizable shoes (reports indicate Francis Lawrence and Bennett Miller are the top two candidates), now seemed as good a time as any to remind ourselves that despite the director drama, there's plenty to look forward to in "Catching Fire."

Here are five reasons we should all be celebrating.

It's Actually Being Made
Obvious, sure, but remember when a sequel wasn't a foregone conclusion? When Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer said the first installment had to hit $100 million domestically in order to justify sequels (which it did handily)? We're lucky to have at least two — if not three — more films on the horizon. Just think how "John Carter" fans feel right now ...

Gary Ross Set Up the Series Well
No sloppy seconds here. Ross' successor will have to bring his A-game to "Catching Fire," considering the bar Ross set. Here's hoping he is up for the challenge.

Either Director Will Excel
Speaking of a challenge, if the rumored director shortlist of Lawrence ("Water for Elephants") and Miller ("Moneyball") is accurate, the series will be in safe and sound hands. My colleague, Kevin P. Sullivan, already examined the candidates' respective CVs in length, but suffice it to say, both directors will bring their respective strengths to the Games.

Fresh Faces Will Abound
Once a director is in place, casting can begin in earnest for the bevy of new characters in "Catching Fire." Whether you're dying to drool over dreamy District 4 tribute Finnick Odair or can't wait to see who struts as Johanna Mason, there will be a whole new slew of casting announcements to await. And, of course, we'll be speculating endlessly until the reaping is complete.

We'll Enter a Whole New Arena
In addition to the tribute parade, fans will devour an entirely new Games thanks to the jungle-like setting of the Quarter Quell. Remember how cool it was to see the arena for the first time in "The Hunger Games"? Well, prepare for that feeling again! Beyond that, it will be intriguing to see how a new director handles the aesthetics of Katniss' dystopian world. Let "Catching Fire" blaze!

What about "Catching Fire" has you stoked? 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 "Hunger Games: Catching Fire."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1683476/catching-fire.jhtml

Mischa Barton Ana Paula Lemes Dania Ramirez Julie Berry Chyler Leigh

Steve Aoki 'Blown Away' By Datsik's Debut, Vitamin D

Dim Mak label head calls Canadian rising star 'one of the best dubstep producers I've ever heard.'
By Akshay Bhansali


Steve Aoki and Datsik
Photo: Getty Images

To say bass music is popular in America is to state the obvious: DJs like Zeds Dead, Flux Pavilion, 12th Planet, Skrillex and Bassnectar are playing sold-out shows in the U.S., and some (like Knife Party on "Antidote") are collaborating with names as big as Swedish House Mafia. One rising star in particular even co-headlined with EDM icon and 2012 Woodie Award nominee Steve Aoki on the widely successful Deadmeat 2012 Tour. He's Canadian, his name is Troy Beetles, and he commands a bass movement of his own around the world — performing and producing as Datsik.

When MTV News caught up with Aoki recently, he revealed that he and Datsik bonded at the Identity Festival last summer. "I knew about his music, and I knew about what he was writing, but when I saw it live, it connected the dots for me," Aoki remembered. "And then he turned in his new album for Dim Mak. I just was completely blown away. This is one of the best dubstep producers I've ever heard."

Their subsequent Deadmeat Tour, which ended earlier this year, served as a vehicle for Datsik to test out some of his new album's material and further cement the pair's budding friendship.

"It was insane," Aoki said. "I miss this guy. When I don't see Datsik, I get these withdrawals. I'm like, 'Ugh! I need Datsik around! What the f---! Where are you, dude?' "

Datsik shared the love: "I had so much fun with you, bro. I did not know what to expect out of this whole thing, and it was just crazy."

Aoki continued, "I'm just dancing to his music, every single set, for 55 shows. It just never got boring because his sh-- is f---ing fire! F---ing fire!"

Fiery is certainly a fitting description for Vitamin D, Datsik's debut album on Dim Mak. It's a sonically versatile bass hip-hop bonanza and more. A fan of Snoop, Dr. Dre and the Wu-Tang Clan, Datsik fills his album with exquisite, gut-wrenching dubstep hip-hop gems like "Fully Blown" (with Canadian rapper Snak the Ripper), "Bonafide Hustler" and "Napalm" (with producer Messinian and rapper Downlink). "Don't Feel Right," featuring Shakedown's "At Night" vocal, is both blazing and soothing piano euphoria.

And Datsik has his own favorites: "I got a couple of tracks with my homey Downlink ('Syndrome' and 'Napalm'). I got another one with Jonathan Davis from Korn, which is also a collaboration with the Infected Mushroom (Vitamin D's first single, 'Evilution'). I did another collaboration with the hip-hop scratch legend Z-Trip (album closer 'Double Trouble'). For me, that's my favorite track off the album, just because it's so back to my roots. Working with Z-Trip was amazing!"

Fans can catch Datsik performing at the Coachella festival again this weekend, Michigan's Electric Forest Festival in June and New York's Electric Zoo Festival in August.

Related Artists

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1683456/steve-aoki-datsik-vitamin-d.jhtml

Monet Mazur Rebecca Romijn Alexis Bledel Bali Rodriguez Gwen Stefani

Dick Clark Dead -- Dies from 'Massive Heart Attack' at 82

Dick Clark -- famed TV producer and "New Year's Rockin' Eve" host -- died from a massive heart attack this morning ... TMZ has learned.Clark's rep tells TMZ, the TV icon had been in St. John's hospital in L.A. after undergoing an outpatient…

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2012/04/18/dick-clark-dead-heart-attack/

Gisele Bündchen Tatiana Zavialova Kate Moss Uma Thurman Molly Sims

Dick Clark Has Passed Away At 82

Very, very sad news to pass along today … music legend Dick Clark has died. After struggling with health issues for the past few years stemming from a fairly serious stroke, it is being reported that Clark passed away this morning after he suffered a massive heart attack … he was 82. News of his [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/-yE7vBQLx3M/

Sarah Mutch Nikki Reed Carla Campbell Minki van der Westhuizen Monet Mazur

Nicollette Sheridan Gets Retrial in 'Desperate Housewives' Wrongful Termination Case

Nicollette Sheridan will get another chance to prove she was wrongfully terminated from "Desperate Housewives" -- because a judge has decided to allow a retrial after the previous one ended with a hung jury.ABC/Disney had asked the judge to dismiss…

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2012/04/18/nicollette-sheridan-desperate-housewives-retrial/

Jessica Alba Mariah Carey Natalie Portman Amanda Peet Samantha Mathis

Pageant Mom Strips Down on 'Toddlers & Tiaras'