The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Review
Being a massive fan of both the Suzanne Collins novels and the original film, The Hunger Games Catching Fire is one of the most exciting film events of the year. It gives me great pleasure to say that the latest film in the series does not disappoint.
The action again revolves around the newly championed Hunger Games winner Katniss Everdeen. With the imminent arrival of the 75th annual Hunger Games approaching, and the increasing political tension between the districts mounting, it falls on Katniss Everdeens shoulders to keep the peace, or else lose her family and friends to the villainous president Snow. As Katniss attempts to dampen any signs of resistance by playing by the Capitol's games, it becomes increasingly clear that a revolution is beginning, with the mockingjay pin that Katniss wears becoming the symbol of the rebellion. When Katniss accidentally fuels the revolution, President Snow announces that the 75th Hunger Games' tributes are to be selected from the pool of existing winners, unsurprisingly, Katniss and Peeta are picked. From here the plot simmers slowly until the start of the games, when it escalates and explodes into an adventure filled romp that far exceeds its predecessor's Hunger Games in terms of sheer action. The final scene of the film leaves the viewer with an excruciating need to see the next film, which is a major success in the film franchise business.
Visually the film is stunning, directed with sublime elegance by Francis Lawrence, a man who's previous credentials include Lady Gaga and Britney Spears music videos. In Catching Fire he proves that he can direct a film just as well as a music video, wisely swapping out the original film's wildly shaking camera for a new, easier to watch shooting style. The change is even more apparent when both films are watched back to back, one of the main problems with the Gary Ross directed original was that the action scenes were near enough unwatchable, here the tides have been turned significantly and for the better. The special effects have had a noticeable improvement as well, giving the film a much shinier finish than the previous, and again making it easier to watch.
The star studded cast including Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz and Liam Hemsworth is a lineup to die for. The clear standout is Jennifer Lawrence, who brings a feisty yet humble and down to earth flair to Katniss, a brilliant female role model for the younger generation. Woody Harrelson once again shines as the lovable alcoholic Haymitch, as does Lenny Kravitz as the quiet but brilliant Cinna. Elizabeth Banks delivers another zany performance as Effie Trinket, who is given a much larger role in this film and, astonishingly, is much easier to warm to.
Catching Fire is the ultimate blockbuster, it adheres to some of the traits of the genre, yet never succumbs to them, and ties blazing action and adventure with heavy characterisation and real world commentary. The Hunger Games is turning out to be the darling of critics around the world, and one of the only franchise films in which the second film eclipses the first. One things for sure, I'm definitely looking forward to the final film.
9/10
