I had mixed feelings going into “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” early screening on Thursday night. “Catching Fire” was my favorite book from Suzanne Collins’ “Hunger Games” series so of course I was stoked to see some of my favorite characters introduced and (hopefully) some of my favorite scenes given a visual equivalent. My apprehension developed from the lackluster adaption of the movie’s predecessor “The Hunger Games” where shaky cam, poor edits, bad costumes, horrible CGI, and weak narrative destroyed one of my favorite books.
“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” picks right up from where the first film left off, with Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), the winners of 74th Hunger Games, preparing for their Victory Tour to the other 11 districts and the Capitol. Problems arise when President Snow realizes that there is a rebellion brewing in the districts and it’s all due to Katniss’ recent actions. Realizing that it’s far too late to fix things, the 75th Hunger Games commence with a new twist: the participants will be selected from the existing pool of victors. As the only surviving female winner from her district, Katniss must again face the terrors and horrors that await her in and outside of the arena as she participants in an “All-Stars” version of the games.
This film definitely stepped it up with a smoother and more faithful translation of the source material. One of my favorite moments from the novel, where Katniss and Peeta visit District 11 and offer thanks and condolences to the families of their fallen fellow tributes, Thresh and Rue. Both Lawrence and Hutcherson packed the same emotional punch as if it was ripped right from the pages of the book. Another highlight was the evolution of District 12 escort, Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks). Her over-the-top voice, wardrobe, and personality gained layers as she proudly paraded them as victors then quickly regretfully give them up to the Capitol’s games again. The addition of the spunky rebellious firecracker known as District 7’s Johanna Mason (Jena Malone) was also great as she provided a voice of anger put also great comedic timing. The costuming by Trish Summerville and music by James Newton Howard were also top notch.
Francis Lawrence definitely handed the source material better than former director, Gary Ross, but that’s not to say this film wasn’t without its flaws. The pacing of the film starts off fast (almost too fast) that it becomes painfully noticeable when things do slow down. The other victors also get these big introductions but then fall flat (and die fast) once the arena comes around. There are so many characters to focus on, but just a few more minutes with the minor cast would’ve helped develop them more so that the audience would care about them and their lives. The ending was also somewhat jarring. Though it followed the book, it relied too heavily on Jennifer’s face/body acting and not enough on the severity of what had happened and what is to come.
The Chuck Review 
As someone who does not typically like that genre of books I did end up reading them and found them enjoyable. However, like you said, the first movie didn’t really thrill me like it could have. As someone who isn’t a die hard fan of the trilogy I was kind of give or take about going to see the second. However, after reading this review (and some nagging from my girlfriend) I’m definitely going to go check it out. Thanks!
Chuck again great review. I was hesitating on whether to go see this movie or not. I saw the first and liked it a lot but for some reason this one wasn’t drawing my attention. If you find it to be better than the first than I will certainly love this one. It will be interesting to see the evolution of the characters now that they are in another position. Does the movie achieve to keep the public interested in making Katniss go to another hunger game?
Such a great review! I am a huge fan of the hunger games series and haven’t been able to go out to see the movie yet because of my schedule and if I enjoyed the first one..I can only imagine what’s in store for me in the second one! Reading your review is inspiring me to want to go and check it out over the weekend! Thank u!