The Hunger Games Sydney Premiere And Review

The Hunger Games enjoyed it's Sydney, Australia premiere tonight, and let me tell you...this film rocks.

Don't confuse it with 'Twilight' - it's tons better, or about 2 stars better if you follow.

Movie and entertainment critics around the global have been all very positive - most unusual.

The movie is based upon Suzanne Collins' trilogy of books.

Led by rising movie stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Australia's Liam Hemsworth, the flick is about a broadcast for TV fight to the death in a post-apocalyptic America.

"What's remarkable is the lack of cheese," said UK magazine Total Film, rating The Hunger Games four stars. "Tacky effects, corny dialogue and creaky performances are all shown the door. We repeat: not the new Twilight."

Hollywood bible Variety writes "nearly 2 1/2 hour event picture should satiate fans, entertain the uninitiated and take an early lead among the year's top-grossing films".

Total Film criticised the loss of the novel's "blistering pace" regarding the film's long running time.

In another four-star review, British paper The Guardian wrote: "The Hunger Games is that rarest of beasts: a Hollywood action blockbuster that is smart, taut and knotty."

The Hollywood Reporter notifies the film had been watered down to ensure a PG-13 rating in the US (rated M in Australia): "Most noticeable ... is the film's lack of hunting instinct. The novel conveyed a heady sense of blood-scent ... One senses that the filmmakers wanted to avoid showing much hunting onscreen, for fear of offending certain sensibilities."

But it also stated that the central character, Lawrence's cool-headed hunter Katniss, is so "compelling" that the film "can't go wrong".

21-year-old Oscar nominee Lawrence has been getting rave reviews and should be up for some awards. She embodies Katniss "just as one might imagine her from the novel," said The Hollywood Reporter.

"Lawrence is perfect as Katniss," writes film magazine Empire. "There's very little softness about her, more a melancholy determination that good must be done even if that requires bad things."

The only other star to really be singled out for his performance is rocker Lenny Kravitz, whose one previous movie role was in Precious.

"The young men on hand can't measure up to (Lawrence's) standards," said The Hollywood Reporter. "Making a decided impression here is Lenny Kravitz, who will probably field more acting offers after his turn as Katniss' charismatic stylist Cinna."

Total Film said while not "wholly true to Collins words", The Hunger Games "gets the spirit bang on".

"As thrilling and smart as it is terrifying," concluded Empire. "There have been a number of big-gun literary series brought to screen over the past decade. This slays them all."

The movie opens to the Australian public with midnight screenings this Wednesday night.

Entertainment industry commentators in the US are predicting a $75 million to $100 million opening for the film. At the Australian box office that translates into a $10 million-plus opening weekend down under.

Websites

The Hunger Games
www.thehungergamesmovie.com

Event Cinemas
www.eventcinemas.com.au

Lionsgate Films
www.lionsgate.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia
www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Park Hyatt Sydney, Australia Relaunch

Last week the Park Hyatt Sydney hosted the TV Week Logies Nominations, but today it was all about the relaunch of the luxurious hotel.

Dozens of Australian media folks attended tonight to help celebrate the hotel's makeover.

A larger day spa, restaurant, bars, private dining rooms, enhanced and larger conference facilities, gym and recreational spaces feature in the revamped hotel.

Among the novel attractions is The Dining Room, led by Australian-born chef Andrew McKee.

Original Sydney Sandstone and local woods were incorporated in the rebuild and the hotel commissioned a number of Australian artists including sculptors, painters and photographers.

Australian hotel design firm, BARstudio, has created a new intimate and stylish interior, featuring an art gallery of interior pieces, including artefacts, books and artworks on the bedroom shelves and walls in all 155 bedrooms.

There's also lots of eco-friendly elements...

The hotel has introduced a new in-room energy management system which comprises ‘Smart Room Controllers’ that monitor air-conditioning output, in addition to occupancy sensors that automatically dim lights when guests leave the room. Auto blinds adjust to certain times of the day, reducing heat penetration during summer months. LED lighting has also been introduced to cut energy output.

The hotel also now meets the ‘Water Efficiency Labelling & Standards’ (WELS) for water conservation, including waste and recycling.

The speed of the water pumps is now regulated depending on how hot the water is, and the water is pumped from the harbour through the heat exchange for natural low-energy usage water cooling.

Overall the hotel is expecting a 30% reduction in energy use.

The environmental enhancements form part of Park Hyatt Sydney’s multi-million dollar rebuild which also includes revamped rooms, spa, restaurant and bars, and the addition of three rooftop suites.

Park Hyatt Sydney’s General Manager, Andrew Mensforth, said: "Having undertaken a total rebuild, with only the external walls remaining, we look forward to showcasing the new hotel to our discerning local and international guests."

Press Release...

Park Hyatt Exemplifies Tourism Investment
Tuesday, 20 March 2012

The renovations carried out at the Park Hyatt are a superb example of the investment Australian tourism needs to improve its international competitiveness, according to peak national industry body, Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).

The iconic Sydney waterfront hotel celebrates its official relaunch today, after its extension and complete refurbishment.

TTF Chief Executive John Lee said Australia needs top quality accommodation to compete.

“It’s vital we continue to improve our product offering to ensure we can deliver a quality experience for visitors,” Mr Lee said.

“High construction, real estate, labour and operating costs make it difficult for Australia to compete on price with other destinations in our region, especially with the dollar so high.

“So we have to be able to offer levels of service and luxury which present a compelling value proposition.

“The transformed Park Hyatt delivers absolute luxury in an incredible harbourside location, offering world-class standards and unparalleled views of the Sydney Opera House.”

Mr Lee said tax reform could help to facilitate further investment in tourism product.

"We are calling on the federal government to allow tax loss carry backs for tourism businesses, acknowledging the seasonal nature of the industry and the impact of natural disasters.

"We were encouraged by comments from Treasurer Wayne Swan in weekend media reports suggesting that such reforms may be announced in the 2012-13 federal budget.

"A 50 per cent capital works deduction bonus for tourism properties would also help to stimulate necessary investment in new accommodation development."

Websites

Park Hyatt Sydney
www.sydney.park.hyatt.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia
www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Catriona Rowntree

Catriona Rowntree, a photo by Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Park Hyatt Sydney, Australia Relaunch

Last week the Park Hyatt Sydney hosted the TV Week Logies Nominations, but today it was all about the relaunch of the luxurious hotel.

Dozens of Australian media folks attended tonight to help celebrate the hotel's makeover.

A larger day spa, restaurant, bars, private dining rooms, enhanced and larger conference facilities, gym and recreational spaces feature in the revamped hotel.

Among the novel attractions is The Dining Room, led by Australian-born chef Andrew McKee.

Original Sydney Sandstone and local woods were incorporated in the rebuild and the hotel commissioned a number of Australian artists including sculptors, painters and photographers.

Australian hotel design firm, BARstudio, has created a new intimate and stylish interior, featuring an art gallery of interior pieces, including artefacts, books and artworks on the bedroom shelves and walls in all 155 bedrooms.

There's also lots of eco-friendly elements...

The hotel has introduced a new in-room energy management system which comprises ‘Smart Room Controllers’ that monitor air-conditioning output, in addition to occupancy sensors that automatically dim lights when guests leave the room. Auto blinds adjust to certain times of the day, reducing heat penetration during summer months. LED lighting has also been introduced to cut energy output.

The hotel also now meets the ‘Water Efficiency Labelling & Standards’ (WELS) for water conservation, including waste and recycling.

The speed of the water pumps is now regulated depending on how hot the water is, and the water is pumped from the harbour through the heat exchange for natural low-energy usage water cooling.

Overall the hotel is expecting a 30% reduction in energy use.

The environmental enhancements form part of Park Hyatt Sydney’s multi-million dollar rebuild which also includes revamped rooms, spa, restaurant and bars, and the addition of three rooftop suites.

Park Hyatt Sydney’s General Manager, Andrew Mensforth, said: "Having undertaken a total rebuild, with only the external walls remaining, we look forward to showcasing the new hotel to our discerning local and international guests."

Press Release...

Park Hyatt Exemplifies Tourism Investment
Tuesday, 20 March 2012

The renovations carried out at the Park Hyatt are a superb example of the investment Australian tourism needs to improve its international competitiveness, according to peak national industry body, Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).

The iconic Sydney waterfront hotel celebrates its official relaunch today, after its extension and complete refurbishment.

TTF Chief Executive John Lee said Australia needs top quality accommodation to compete.

“It’s vital we continue to improve our product offering to ensure we can deliver a quality experience for visitors,” Mr Lee said.

“High construction, real estate, labour and operating costs make it difficult for Australia to compete on price with other destinations in our region, especially with the dollar so high.

“So we have to be able to offer levels of service and luxury which present a compelling value proposition.

“The transformed Park Hyatt delivers absolute luxury in an incredible harbourside location, offering world-class standards and unparalleled views of the Sydney Opera House.”

Mr Lee said tax reform could help to facilitate further investment in tourism product.

"We are calling on the federal government to allow tax loss carry backs for tourism businesses, acknowledging the seasonal nature of the industry and the impact of natural disasters.

"We were encouraged by comments from Treasurer Wayne Swan in weekend media reports suggesting that such reforms may be announced in the 2012-13 federal budget.

"A 50 per cent capital works deduction bonus for tourism properties would also help to stimulate necessary investment in new accommodation development."

Websites

Park Hyatt Sydney
www.sydney.park.hyatt.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com

The Hunger Games Australian Premiere

The Hunger Games Australian Premiere, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
The Hunger Games Sydney Premiere And Review

The Hunger Games enjoyed it's Sydney, Australia premiere tonight, and let me tell you...this film rocks.

Don't confuse it with 'Twilight' - it's tons better, or about 2 stars better if you follow.

Movie and entertainment critics around the global have been all very positive - most unusual.

The movie is based upon Suzanne Collins' trilogy of books.

Led by rising movie stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Australia's Liam Hemsworth, the flick is about a broadcast for TV fight to the death in a post-apocalyptic America.

"What's remarkable is the lack of cheese," said UK magazine Total Film, rating The Hunger Games four stars. "Tacky effects, corny dialogue and creaky performances are all shown the door. We repeat: not the new Twilight."

Hollywood bible Variety writes "nearly 2 1/2 hour event picture should satiate fans, entertain the uninitiated and take an early lead among the year's top-grossing films".

Total Film criticised the loss of the novel's "blistering pace" regarding the film's long running time.

In another four-star review, British paper The Guardian wrote: "The Hunger Games is that rarest of beasts: a Hollywood action blockbuster that is smart, taut and knotty."

The Hollywood Reporter notifies the film had been watered down to ensure a PG-13 rating in the US (rated M in Australia): "Most noticeable ... is the film's lack of hunting instinct. The novel conveyed a heady sense of blood-scent ... One senses that the filmmakers wanted to avoid showing much hunting onscreen, for fear of offending certain sensibilities."

But it also stated that the central character, Lawrence's cool-headed hunter Katniss, is so "compelling" that the film "can't go wrong".

21-year-old Oscar nominee Lawrence has been getting rave reviews and should be up for some awards. She embodies Katniss "just as one might imagine her from the novel," said The Hollywood Reporter.

"Lawrence is perfect as Katniss," writes film magazine Empire. "There's very little softness about her, more a melancholy determination that good must be done even if that requires bad things."

The only other star to really be singled out for his performance is rocker Lenny Kravitz, whose one previous movie role was in Precious.

"The young men on hand can't measure up to (Lawrence's) standards," said The Hollywood Reporter. "Making a decided impression here is Lenny Kravitz, who will probably field more acting offers after his turn as Katniss' charismatic stylist Cinna."

Total Film said while not "wholly true to Collins words", The Hunger Games "gets the spirit bang on".

"As thrilling and smart as it is terrifying," concluded Empire. "There have been a number of big-gun literary series brought to screen over the past decade. This slays them all."

The movie opens to the Australian public with midnight screenings this Wednesday night.

Entertainment industry commentators in the US are predicting a $75 million to $100 million opening for the film. At the Australian box office that translates into a $10 million-plus opening weekend down under.

Websites

The Hunger Games
www.thehungergamesmovie.com

Event Cinemas
www.eventcinemas.com.au

Lionsgate Films
www.lionsgate.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com

Wish You Were Here Premieres At Entertainment Quarter Hoyts, Moore Park, Sydney

Teresa Palmer and Joel Edgerton

Cinema Release Date: 25 Apr 2012

Director: Kieran Darcy-Smith
Featuring: Joel Edgerton, Teresa Palmer, Felicity Price, Antony Starr
Producer: Angie Fielder
Country of Origin: Australia
Genre: Drama
Official website: www.wishyouwereherethefilm.com

Wish You Were Here is a psychological drama/mystery starring Joel Edgerton, Felicity Price and Teresa Palmer. Four friends - husband and wife Dave and Alice, and Alice's sister Steph and her new boyfriend Jeremy - lose themselves in the fun of a carefree South East Asian holiday. However, only three return back to Australia. Dave and Alice come home to their young family desperate for answers about Jeremy's mysterious disappearance. When Steph, returns not long after, a brutal secret is revealed about the night her boyfriend went missing. But it is only the first of many. Who amongst them knows what happened on that fateful night when they were dancing under a full moon in Cambodia?

Wish You Were Here is produced by Angie Fielder of the award-winning, independent Australian production company Aquarius Films, in association with the acclaimed indie director's collective Blue-Tongue Films (Animal Kingdom).

                                           Kieran Darcy - Smith and Felicity Price

Websites

Wish You Were Here
www.wishyouwereherethefilm.com

Hopscotch Films
www.hopscotchfilms.com.au

Hoyts
www.hoyts.com.au

The Entertainment Quarter
www.eqmoorepark.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com

Erin Brockovich Legal Eagle And Environmentalist Speaks At University of Sydney

Erin Brockovich, legal eagle and environmentalist spoke at the the University of Sydney earlier this evening.

I was delighted to attend, meet and photograph this extraordinary woman.

The Lecture...

Distinguished Speakers Program: Erin Brockovich

Paying it forward - Erin Brockovich 12 years on...

The Erin Brockovich phenomenon as born from its movie beginnings and consolidated by years of environmental advocacy is as strongly identified in Australia today as when the iconic movie was released in 2000. In a case that went on to become a Hollywood movie Erin spearheaded a legal battle that led to the largest legal settlement in US history for a toxic tort involving 600 residents.

In the lecture, Erin shared her unique experiences over the past twelve years and looks forward to the next twelve.

Now a successful author, international speaker and award winner Erin dedicates her time to advising several law firms in the US and exclusively to Shine Lawyers in Australia. For over 18 years she has continued to crusade for the rights of people and protection of the environment.

The lecture was presented as part of the Sydney Law School Distinguished Speakers Program 2012.

Erin Brockovich Biography...

Say the name Erin Brockovich and you think, strong, tough, stubborn and sexy. Erin is all that and definitely more.

She is a modern-day “David” who loves a good brawl with today’s “Goliaths”.

She thrives on being the voice for those who don’t know how to yell.

She is a rebel. She is a fighter. She is a mother. She is a woman. She is you and me.

It’s been 10 years since Julia Roberts starred in the Oscar-winning tour de force “Erin Brockovich”. The film turned an unknown legal researcher into a 20th century icon by showcasing how her dogged persistence was the impelling force behind the largest medical settlement lawsuit in history. Since then, Erin hasn’t been resting on her laurels… she continues to fight hard and win big!

This gutsy broad doesn’t apologize for who she is. She has always loved going head to head with the big boys and was never intimated by their bravado. She learned how to come out on top from her tight-knit mid-western family in Lawrence, Kansas. Erin was the youngest child of an industrial engineer father and journalist mother. Her parents always believed that she could do anything she set her mind to if she learned to focus her amazing energy.

After a few years roaming around at various colleges, Erin decided that she wanted to be a California girl. She first landed a job as a management trainee for K-Mart but when that didn’t make her swagger, she decided to study electrical engineering. But that wasn’t enough for the Kansas beauty… on a fluke, she entered the Miss Pacific Coast beauty pageant… and, not surprising, won the title.

When she realized that beauty pageants weren’t her thing, Erin, her husband and two children settled in Reno, Nevada. After divorcing, the single mother became a secretary at a brokerage firm where she met and married her second husband. But that marriage was short lived and the now mother of three was solo again.

Up until this point, Erin was the average divorced single mother trying to make a living… until she crossed paths with lawyer, Ed Masry, and changed the course of both their lives.

After being seriously injured in a traffic accident in Reno, Erin moved back to California’s San Fernando Valley, and hired Masry & Vititoe to represent her. They won a small settlement but she still needed work so she got a job at their law firm as a file clerk, it was while organizing papers on a pro bono real estate case that Erin first found medical records that would explode into the largest direct action lawsuit in US history.

Erin’s exhaustive investigation uncovered that Pacific Gas & Electric had been poisoning the small town of Hinkley’s Water for over 30 years. It was because of Erin’s unwavering tenacity that PG & E had been exposed for leaking toxic Chromium 6 into the ground water. This poison affected the health of the population of Hinkley. In 1996, as a result of the largest direct action lawsuit of its kind, spear-headed by Erin and Ed Masry, the utility giant was forced to pay out the largest toxic tort injury settlement in US history: $333 million in damages to more than 600 Hinkley residents.

The story and eventual film helped make the “Erin Brockovich” a household name. Over time, Erin realized that she could use her notoriety to spread positive messages of personal empowerment and to encourage others to stand up and make a difference.

Erin Brockovich has conquered all forms of media… Her first TV project was ABC’s 2001 special “Challenge America With Erin Brockovich” where she helped motivate and organize the rebuilding of a dilapidated park in downtown Manhattan. This show is best described as “Extreme Make-Over Home Edition” on steroids.

Then, for three seasons, Erin hosted the Lifetime series, “Final Justice With Erin Brockovich”. The show celebrated everyday women who triumphed when faced with overwhelming adversity.

Erin then dominated the world of publishing with her New York Times Business best-seller, “Take It From Me. Life’s A Struggle, But You Can Win”.

Because of her fighting spirit, Erin has become the champion of countless women and men. She is this generations, “Dear Abby” and in fact receives thousands of “Dear Erin” letters and emails each year from people who are begging for help and support in their own personal struggles. Erin proudly answers every one of them.

As President of Brockovich Research & Consulting, she is currently involved in numerous environmental projects worldwide.

Erin is one of the most requested speakers on the international lecture circuit and travels the world for personal appearances.

Erin Brockovich is a true American hero who’s icon status and “stick-to-it-iveness” only fuels her determination to expose injustice and lend her voice to those who do not have one.

She has requests for her help in ground water contamination complaints in every state of the US, Australia and other international hot spots. She is currently working on cases in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Illinois and Missouri.

Erin lives in Southern California with her husband, three children and 5 Pomeranians and admits to one guilty pleasure… shopping (Credit: Erin Brockovich)

Websites

Erin Brockovich official website
www.brockovich.com

The University of Sydney
www.sydney.edu.au

Shine Lawyers
www.shine.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia
www.musicnewsaustralia.com