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