"Me Before You" Review (***)

Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke star in "Me Before You."

Director Thea Sharrock's film adaptation of Jojo Moye's 2012 best-selling novel doesn't quite meet the expectations that its textual counterpart set. The simultaneous depth and quirk that filled up every inch of the novel's two primary characters, Louisa and Will, didn't translate between the two mediums. Where the novel was round, the film was flat, and truly it's as simple as that. That's my primary critique. It's not a bad movie, it's really not. Jojo Moyes adapted her own work and included just enough to capture the essence of the plot and also created characters substantial enough to carry the weight—both emotional and physical—of the story. Despite the disparity between the two mediums, however, it's unarguable that this movie will be a 2016 hit. Sam Claflin as the handsome but ruthless quadriplegic Will Traynor, and Emilia Clarke as the effervescent, hopelessly-optimistic caretaker are perfect. They're mesmerizing on screen, and the chemistry could spark a fire even on the mistiest of nights. They're stunning and they make their acting, particularly the emotionally straining scenes, effortless and right. They're genuine and endearing. Additionally, Emilia Clark has, uncontestably, the most expressive eyebrows in Hollywood.

Introducing the Georgia Film Academy

Jeff Stepakoff will serve as Georgia Film Academy's Executive Director.

It's no secret that Georgia has become one of the country's most sought-after states in which to film. With competitive tax incentives, abundant production resources, and a multitude of filming locations and studios, we have attracted Hollywood blockbusters such as "Ant-Man," "Selma" and the "Hunger Games" series to Georgia. With the creation of the Georgia Film Academy, our camera-ready state seeks to add another attractive component—locally trained production professionals and staff—to our already long list of desirable features.

Through a partnership between the University System of Georgia (USG) and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), the Georgia Film Academy is poised to support the workforce needs of Georgia's $6 billion film industry. The Film Academy will offer certification programs for employees in needed areas and prepare students for careers in the entertainment industry.

The Local Lense: #GAfilm Updates 6/15 - Tom Cruise, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicki Minaj

Tom Cruise, Michael Keaton, Jennifer Lawrence, Kerry Washington and more! Hosts Beth Keener and Greer Howard bring you the 411 on entertainment news in Georgia. Find out what's filming, who's here and what to watch!

We are thrilled to be featuring The Local Lense here at Reel Georgia! Every week, Beth Keener and Greer Howard host the Entertainment Buzz—giving you the complete #GAfilm rundown of what's filming, what celebrities were spotted and which TV shows were locally-lensed and feature local talent.

This week, catch up on the details of "Mena" with Tom Cruise (filming in Ballground); "Captain America: Civil War" with Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Robert Downey, Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Anthony Mackie (filming in Metro Atlanta); "The Founder" with Michael Keaton (filming in Canton); "The Do Over" with Adam Sandler and David Spade (filming in Savannah); "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2" with Jennifer Lawrence (filming reshoots in Dawsonville); "Allegiant: Part 1" with Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort (filming in Rome and Metro Atlanta); and "Barbershop 3" with Ice Cube, Nicki Minaj and Anthony Anderson (filming in Atlanta).

Also, there are TV updates from HBO's "Confirmation" with Kerry Washington, Lifetime's "Devious Maids," AMC's "Halt and Catch Fire" and more! Stay tuned to the end to find out how you can win a free one-hour private coaching session from Atlanta acting studio Drama Inc.

#GAfilm Review: "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" (***½)

Jennifer Lawrence stars in "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1"

With every fiber in my being, I believe in the power of a story. That’s why I made it my business to study them (UGA, English/Creative Writing); that’s why, since graduation, I’ve made it my business to work within them. That’s why I read and watch them. It’s all for the story. So when I first saw “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1,” I loved it. I loved it because I love Suzanne Collins’ source material. Well, not all of it, there were some parts that, honestly, I’d rather do without, I didn't particularly love the third book for example, but that’s not the point. Whether or not I like what happens isn’t the point. The story is the point. And, I think, Collins’ story remains true and honest and in this third act of this "Hunger Games" trilogy specifically, she paints a bold and unsubtle picture of modern day warfare. The film itself does a wonderful job reflecting those narratives. That being said, after allowing my love-at-first-sight impression of “Mockingjay – Part 1” to simmer and steam, I no longer love this film. I do, however, like it a whole lot.

What is your guess for the mystery Savannah Film Festival Director's Choice screening?

An annual tradition here at the Savannah Film Festival is a mid-week mystery screening, the Director's Choice. No announcement is made, no clues given; we have to wait until the projector beams the chosen selection onto the screen at the Trustees Theatre.

Last year, "Hyde Park on Hudson" was the selection. In previous years, the world premiere of "The Muppets," the Savannah-filmed "The Conspirator," "Up in the Air," "Persepolis," "Volver" and "Match Point" all held the distinction. What could this year's film be? Considering the festival's past relationship with Focus Features, my guess is "Dallas Buyers Club," which opens in select cities this Friday. Other rumors making their way around town and around the Internet include "Ender's Game," "Out of the Furnace," "Saving Mr. Banks" and "Thor: The Dark World." Some have suggested Georgia's own "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," but let's face it—that ain't happening three weeks before its highly anticipated release.

What are some of your guesses? Leave a comment! Follow us on Twitter to find out the selection as soon as it hits the screen.

Exclusive photos from "Dumb and Dumber To" Marietta set

Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels filming "Dumb and Dumber To" at
Glover Park in the Marietta Square

The Farrelly Brothers' "Dumb and Dumber To," along with "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1," is setting Atlanta ablaze with all the excitement it is generating as it films all over the metro area. Already shooting in Atlanta, Grantville and Monroe; yesterday, the film moved to Marietta Square and continued filming there through today. Hundreds of fans and curious passers-by gathered at street corners to get a glimpse of Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels as Lloyd and Harry.

While Laurie Holden and Kathleen Turner co-star and Jennifer Lawrence will make a cameo appearance, Carrey and Daniels were the film's only big stars I caught today. However, it seems that comedic icon Steve Martin was in town and made a set visit. I can't confirm that the man pictured below is actually Steve Martin (AJC Buzz reporter Jennifer Brett says it is, but an on-set PA said it wasn't).

As evidenced by the Texas flags and a large banner above Church Street that welcomes visitors to a conference in El Paso, filmmakers are using the area to double as the west Texas city.

Filming continues in Metro Atlanta for the next several weeks.

Signs and Sets: "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay," "Dumb and Dumber To," "Fast & Furious 7"

"THE ODDS ARE NEVER IN OUR FAVOR," a remnant from the set of
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" in Southwest Atlanta

It is pretty easy to find pictures of all the celebrities that are spending time filming projects in Georgia, but sometimes you might stumble upon a nondescript film set and not know what and who you are looking at. In a new column called "Signs and Sets," we'll share pictures of the coded signs and miscellaneous set pictures that might not contain the glamorous faces of stars, but will give you an idea of what to look for when set-hunting. Currently, "Fast & Furious 7," "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" and "Dumb and Dumber To" are all speeding through production in the Metro Atlanta area.

Alexander Payne, Natalie Dormer, Terence Stamp among honorees at 2013 Savannah Film Festival

The 2013 Savannah Film Festival honorees (from left):
Alexander Payne, Natalie Dormer, Terence Stamp

Later this month, the Savannah Film Festival will continue the star parade it began 16 years ago. Last year, the festival celebrated the careers of Matt Dillon, Geoffrey Fletcher, John Gatins, John Goodman, Diane Lane, Michelle Monaghan and Stan Lee; so it is no surprise to hear a solid mix of revered filmmakers, acting legends and promising newcomers lined up for this year's honors. Alexander Payne, Natalie Dormer and Terence Stamp are the first honorees announced for this year's events. The festival kicks off on Saturday, October 26th and runs through Saturday, November 2nd.

Star spotting 10/5: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Paul Walker, Jason Momoa

Jennifer Lawrence, Jason Momoa and Jim Carrey are all hard at work on Georgia sets.

Leading up to next month's release of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," the mega-franchise is in full-swing filming mode yet again. "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" is back in Atlanta, stars and all. Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Julianne Moore in particular have been spotted all over the city, with more of the sprawling cast expected in town over the next several weeks. So far, filming has taken place at Screen Gems Studios, Downtown at the Georgia World Congress Center, at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs, at Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville with the film currently set up at Pullman Yard in Atlanta's Kirkwood neighborhood.

When Lionsgate decided to split the final book in the series into two films, it was rumored that "Mockingjay - Part 2" would film together with "Part 1." While no official word on this has been issued, it would make sense if there is any truth to the rumors about certain top cast members looking for houses to rent during their stay. Francis Lawrence returns from "Catching Fire" to direct the final installments of the franchise. In addition to Lawrence, Hemsworth and Moore; the cast includes Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Natalie Dormer (who will be in attendance at the Savannah Film Festival to accept an award later this month), Patina Miller, Lily Rabe and Wes Chatham.

"Dumb and Dumber To" may not have been a highly anticipated sequel, thanks to two decades passing since the first film and a terrible prequel ("Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd," also shot in Atlanta) acting as a major buzzkill. But fans of the comedy classic have warmly welcomed the franchise back into the fold now that the Farrelly Brothers, Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels are all back in action. Filming started right around the same time as "Mockingjay - Part 1" in Atlanta's Cabbagetown and Grant Park neighborhoods. Production has so far moved around the state to Grantville and Monroe  and will film in Marietta next week. Kathleen Turner, Rob Riggle, Cam Neely and "The Walking Dead" star Laurie Holden co-star in the film. Jennifer Lawrence has also signed on for a cameo; the news breaking after she was spotted having dinner with Daniels and the Farrelly Brothers at Watershed a couple of weeks back.

"Fast & Furious 7" is another big Hollywood film that has been shooting most of its principal photography in Georgia. Filming has taken place throughout Downtown Atlanta and Grant Park, as well as in Norcross with more shooting scheduled in Forrest Park. Franchise staples Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, Jordana Brewster, Dwayne Johnson and Lucas Black will all appear, as well as new additions Jason Statham, Kurt Russell, Djimon Hounsou and Tony Jaa.

Is "Anchorman: The Legend Continues" the most star-studded Georgia production ever?

Will Ferrell on the set of "Anchorman: The Legend Continues" at
Woodruff Park in Atlanta. Photo: Skip Hammerman

Making use of Georgia's incredible settings and fiscal resources for nearly two months now, Adam McKay's sequel to comedy mega-hit "Anchorman" is still filming in Atlanta. "Anchorman: The Legend Continues" sees Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carrell, Paul Rudd and David Koechner all return to reprise their roles and welcomes new cast members like Kristen Wiig, James Marsden, Harrison Ford and Meagan Good.

One of the big stories out of this film isn't the main cast, but the slew of huge stars that have been roped in to shooting cameos for the film. Jim Carrey, Sasha Baron Cohen, Kirsten Dunst, Tina Fey, Liam Neeson, Nicole Kidman, Amy Poehler, John C. Reilly, Vince Vaughn and Kanye West have all been spotted in Atlanta in recent weeks filming their scenes. Rumor has it that Will Smith will also appear. In their downtime, some of the celebrities have been spotted enjoying the city at spots like Ecco and the Park 75 Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel on 14th Street. Baron Cohen, Fey, Marsden, Neeson, Poehler, Reilly and Rudd were all spotted having a drink together at the Park 75 on Monday night. Most of these cameos have been filmed in Woodruff Park in Downtown Atlanta this past week, but recent shooting has taken place all over town as well as in and around Glynn County on the Georgia coast. Ferrell and company spent a few days filming at the St. Simons Island pier.

"Anchorman: The Legend Continues" promises to be one of the year's biggest hits and will hit cinema screens in December, shortly after another Georgia-lensed future blockbuster, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire." Before "Anchorman" brought dozens of stars into town, "Catching Fire" might have been the most star-studded Georgia production to date. That film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrellson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Jena Malone, Sam Claflin and Stanley Tucci. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is currently back in Atlanta completing reshoots.

Georgia's television boom also continues. Currently, "The Walking Dead" is shooting in Senoia, "Being Mary Jane" is shooting at EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Atlanta and "Necessary Roughness" is filming in Atlanta (including shoots at Lenox Mall and the W Midtown).

After her recent arrest, Reese Witherspoon has resumed work on her film "The Good Lie" in Atlanta. The Philippe Falardeau film also stars Corey Stoll and Arnold Oceng. Shooting has taken place all over town, from Marietta Street to Cheshire Bridge Road and Woodland Avenue.

"A Friggin' Christmas Miracle" is also still filming in Atlanta. Robin Williams, Lauren Graham, Joel McHale, Oliver Platt and Candice Bergen star in the holiday themed comedy from director Tristram Shapeero. Some shooting has taken place in Stone Mountain.

Atlanta isn't the only Georgia city seeing stars, however. "Need for Speed" has been filming all over Macon in recent weeks, including many of the city's signature downtown avenues. The Scott Waugh film stars Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Dakota Johnson, Michael Keaton, Imogen Poots, Ramon Rodriguez and Kid Cudi. Shooting will also take place in Rome next month.

So what productions will kick off next in the Empire State of the South? "Solace," starring Colin Farrell, Anthony Hopkins, Abbie Cornish and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, as well as "Million Dollar Arm," starring Jon Hamm, Alan Arkin and Suraj Sharma. Both films are set to begin production later this month. Producer Mark Joseph has also been touring Georgia recently, scouting locations for a planned Ronald Reagan biopic. Georgia's lustrous film community is working hard to lure the production away from the original plans to shoot in North Carolina. Two films are set to film at Lake Lanier this summer—Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore will film their new romantic comedy, "Blended," for Warner Brothers and a remake of "Endless Love" is in the works for Universal Studios. More information on those two films to come.

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" teaser trailer

After "Identity Thief" debuted to huge numbers, despite a critical mauling, "42" marks the next Georgia film release this year to strike gold at the box office. Georgia productions are on a roll, to say the least, and the biggest player in the game doesn't even come out until November. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is the most ambitious Georgia production to date, in terms of budget, spectacle and the expectations of an already massive built-in fan base.

The teaser trailer premiered at the MTV Movie Awards last night, showcasing the first real footage of the film so far. Much like the first film in the franchise, we aren't given any footage of the actual games– a frustrating, but effective suspense tactic. We can spot returning stars like Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland and Willow Shields, as well as newcomer to the cast– Philip Seymour Hoffman. Francis Lawrence's sequel hits cinema screens on November 22nd.

Check out the trailer after the jump!

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" teaser posters released

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" doesn't come out until November 22nd, but the Georgia-filmed blockbuster-in-waiting is kicking its promotional campaign into high gear. Three new teaser posters have been released for the Francis Lawrence film. Two posters focus on Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) on the Victory Tour as winners of the 74th Hunger Games. The most recently released poster (above) showcases Elizabeth Banks as Effie.

We expect the first trailer of the film to be attached to one of the big summer kick-off releases in May. Stay tuned for more "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" updates and check out more posters after the jump!

Photos from "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

Sam Claflin and Jennifer Lawrence star in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

Easily, the highest profile Georgia release of 2013 is "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire." While the first film of the franchise was filmed in North Carolina, the second film was produced in two separate halves; first in Metro Atlanta, then in Hawaii. Stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Donald Sutherland and Stanley Tucci all return for the second feature and are joined by Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, Sam Claflin, Lynn Cohen and Amanda Plummer.

Regardless of how the film turns out, it is guaranteed to make an outrageous amount of money and feature Georgia on thousands of cinema screens. Director Francis Lawrence has taken the reigns from Gary Ross and is set to direct all remaining films in the franchise. "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay" will be split into two films but shot back to back. No word yet on if filming will take place in Georgia. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" will be released on November 22, 2013.

Lionsgate has released the first images from the movie. Check out two more after the jump.

Georgia's film industry: A $3.1 billion dollar behemoth

Amy Adams and Justin Timberlake on the set of "Trouble with the Curve" in Athens

From July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012, a record $3.1 billion dollars was generated by Georgia-lensed films, television series, commercials and music videos. This is a rise of nearly 30% over 2011's fiscal year, which held the previous record.

A stunning 333 productions were filmed in Georgia during FY2012, many of which you have already seen hit theater screens or will see in the coming months. Georgia's already robust showing at cinemas this year includes releases like "Joyful Noise," "Wanderlust," "The Three Stooges," "What to Expect When You're Expecting," "The Watch," "The Odd Life of Timothy Green," "Lawless" and "Trouble with the Curve."

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" officially begins production in Georgia

Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson and Jennifer Lawrence will all reprise
roles in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

Production on "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" began today in Atlanta. Shooting will take place first at the Georgia World Congress Center. The working title for the film is "The Idiom," but I imagine that cover has been completely blown by now. Filming will take place all over Metro Atlanta before moving production to Hawaii. If you have any pictures or updates from the set, email them to us at reelga@gmail.com.

Recently announced cast-members include Jeffrey Wright as Beetee, Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair, Alan Ritchson as Gloss and Stephanie Leigh Schlund as Cashmere.

"Catching Fire" is just another addition to the list of projects currently filming across Georgia. Shawn Levy's "The Internship" is in Atlanta shooting with Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn. "Scary Movie 5" also just began filming in Atlanta with Ashley Tisdale, Lindsay Lohan, Heather Locklear, Charlie Sheen and Molly Shannon. "The Walking Dead" is currently shooting in Grantville. First time director Rudiger Von Spies just began filming "Enchanted Amore" in Savannah with stars Rusty Joiner and Nadine Vinzens.

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" casting call

Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson will star in
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

"Catching Fire," the sequel to mega-box office hit "The Hunger Games" will start filming in Atlanta this September. Stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Tobey Jones, Donald Sutherland and Lenny Kravitz are all slated to return. New cast members already announced include Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee, Jena Malone as Johanna Mason, Amanda Plummer as Wiress, Lynn Cohen as Mags and Meta Golding as Enobaria. No official announcement of beloved character Finnick Odair has been made.

Operating under the working title, "The Idiom," the film will split production between the metro Atlanta area and Hawaii. This will make sense to fans of the book, as about half of the film takes place in a tropical climate.

Check out the casting call from Catrett Locke Casting after the jump.

Atlanta: "L!fe Happens" (**1/2)

Krysten Ritter and Kate Bosworth star in "L!fe Happens"

When the 36th Atlanta Film Festival kicked off March 23rd, the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema was a madhouse. Aside from the throng of film-fans there for the festival, "The Hunger Games" brought plenty of people to the theater as well. Standing in the crowded lobby for ages, watching the red carpet, hearing people talk about the films they were most looking forward to; Atlanta's titular film festival had a fantastic opening night.

The film chosen to jumpstart this year's festivities was "L!fe Happens" from director Kat Coiro. She co-wrote the film with Krysten Ritter, a familiar face from television. Ritter stars alongside a sprawling ensemble of Kate Bosworth, Rachel Bilson, Geoff Stults, Justin Kirk, Kristen Johnston, Fallon Goodson and Jason Biggs.

"The Hunger Games" trailer

While the chosen filming location of North Carolina fits the bill, I think "The Hunger Games" could have been just as easily filmed in Georgia (or perhaps more easily). Nonetheless, it's a good-looking trailer. The film looks to be sticking pretty close to the source material and the sprawling cast looks as strong as it should.