The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Welcome to another episode of Lights....Camera....Popcorn!

Today's review is The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

Directed by Francis Lawrence.

Written by Simon Beaufoy & Michael Arndt.

Based on the novel "Catching Fire" written by Suzanne Collins .

Review #237

MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some frightening images, thematic elements, a suggestive situation and language.

Run Time: 146 min

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Cast

Jennifer Lawrence...Katniss Everdeen

Liam Hemsworth...Gale Hawthorne

Woody Harrelson...Haymitch Abernathy

Josh Hutcherson...Peeta Mellark

Paula Malcomson...Katniss' Mother

Willow Shields...Primrose Everdeen

Donald Sutherland...President Snow

Elizabeth Banks...Effie Trinket

Lenny Kravitz...Cinna

Stanley Tucci...Caesar Flickerman

Philip Seymour Hoffman...Plutarch Heavensbee

The Hunger Games was a worldwide success. The film of course did not go without some controversy and haters but all in all the film was enjoyable. With the sequel well on the way after the debut of the first film the world held it's collective breath in anticipation of the next installment. Having not read any of the books I was very curious to see how they were going to continue the story of Katniss Everdeen and company. I can sum it up by simply saying that this film was not only better than it's predecessor in every way. It parallels another famous film trilogy that I hold very dear to my heart.

It takes place in a galaxy far far away a long time ago. Get the hint?

Plot

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem. 

Now let me begin by saying that I am in no way comparing The Hunger Games to the Star Wars Trilogy. What I am saying is that this film contained a lot of themes and elements that reminded me of the franchises greatest film. The Empire Strikes Back. What makes this movie so good is Jennifer Lawrence. Her acting ability was evident in the first film and since then she has risen her game to another level.

Her performance here was ferocious.

Picking up after the first film. Katniss remains defiant of the established order. Refusing to embrace her celebrity after winning The Hunger Games. She's forced to parade around and accept coaxed adulation from the oppressed people that she yearns to be among and free. Lawrence makes no attempt to mask her hatred for the president and the government he presides over. The president realizing that Katniss' popularity is weakening him from the inside so he must find a way to uproot her bond with the people.

This is where the film got very interesting for me. Since Katniss had won the games I was wondering how in the world was she going to get back into the tournament. The film according to sources that read the book stayed pretty faithful to the scenario that gets Katniss back in the games. Prior to that however there's a lot of political posturing mixed with a lot of what I like to call Katniss angry face. There's a great moment that expresses what I mean perfectly. It's a minor spoiler but I assure you it will not ruin the plot in any way.

After Katniss is chosen to go back into the games she does the same routine as in the first movie. She is forced to show the council her best skill. So instead of firing an arrow at their balcony she proceeded to take a combat dummy and write the name of the man who was in charge of running the games when Katniss was there the first time. He was executed for allowing her to live. In a not so subtle way she was telling the people that she got one game rigger killed she can do the same to the next one. Very clever scene and it established nicely how scorned this young woman is and will be the rest of the way.
As per usual I can't get into any more detail about this film here but you I will be doing a podcast on this film with The Ranger. So be on the look out for that episode as we will get into the nitty gritty of this fine sequel. As expected this film sets up the final chapter of the trilogy in open ended fashion. I was disappointed in the landing spot for the close of this film but that was only because I wanted more. This sequel was so much better than the first film in almost every way that it was tough to watch the end credits. The only thing that I don't look forward to with the final installment of this trilogy is that it's not a trilogy anymore. As it seems to be the case with these blockbusters based on books, the final film is split up into two parts. I absolutely HATE this decision but we all know what rules in the cinema world.

The bottom line is The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was a really good film that surpassed my expectations by leaps and bounds. If the final film The Hunger Games: Mockinjay is anything like it's predecessor that we could be talking about The Lord of The Rings territory when it comes to films adapted from books. That's a very bold statement to make especially since I am a Rings NUT. That being said, The Hunger Games has gotten my attention and is worth yours.

On the 5 star scale. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire gets 4 stars. With a "Worth Every Penny!" recommendation.

That's a wrap for today.

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"