The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Direcor: Francis Lawrence
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Woody
Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Donald Sutherland.
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some frightening images, thematic elements, a suggestive situation and language.
Sequels can be fragile ground. The goal is to deliver a film that built upon the first film while also increasing the stakes and thrills. The Godfather Part II, The Empire Strikes Back, and The Dark Knight have all succeeded where so many others have failed. I can confidently add Catching Fire to that prestigious list of superior sequels.
Catching Fire picks up shortly after where The Hunger Games left off. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, haunted by the horrors she witnessed in the Games. Her relationship with Gale (Liam Hemsworth) is somewhat strained, nevertheless they both still care for each other. Her relationship with Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) is even more complicated. On camera they must continually act as if they are head-over-heals in love, but off camera they barely speak to one another. The two of them, along with Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) and Effie (Elizabeth Banks) must now travel to the other districts as part of their victory tour. On their tour, Katniss senses that there is much unrest within the districts as a result of her defiant act in the Games. President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and new Gamemaker, Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman), devise a plan to create a special edition of the Hunger Games. For the Games' 75th anniversary, named The Quarter Quell, all the tributes will be chosen from the existing pool of previous victors, which means Katniss and Peeta must enter the arena once again. This time, allies must be made, but can they ever be fully trusted. Katniss must fight all the dangers that surround her while never forgetting who the real enemy is.
The Hunger Games, directed by Gary Ross, did well in setting the tone for the series. At times, the first film felt a little rushed, but it was expertly cast and delivered plenty of thrills. Catching Fire
builds upon that foundation and elevates everything good about the first film. New director Francis Lawrence (no relation to the film's star) takes his time in letting all the emotion, tension, and uprising boil till it is ready to explode in the Games. The stakes are all higher. Donald Sutherland is ruthless as the vindictive President Snow and he establishes an enemy we can all hate. Jennifer Lawrence, once again, carries this film on her sturdy shoulders and delivers yet another terrific performance. She is a natural. She easily expresses her fears, frustrations, and ultimate defiance against the tyrannical Capitol. The entire supporting cast is dedicated to their characters. Newcomers Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair and Jena Malone as Johanna Mason fall into their roles perfectly. They are welcomed additions to the already impressive cast.
I had my reservations about Francis Lawrence taking over the reigns of the franchise (he is now working on the two-part finale, Mockingjay), but all my concerns are now gone. He not only delivers his best film, but gives audiences hordes of emotion, suspense, and action. The visual effects are miles ahead of what they were in the first film, yet nothing else is sacrificed in terms of quality. Everything is better. Catching Fire, like The Dark Knight, is one of those rare blockbusters that not only entertains, but also has a beating heart that is felt throughout its entirety. Whatever missteps are present (such as Katniss' never-ending supply of arrows or the cliffhanger ending) they are handily overshadowed by all that is great in the film. A superior sequel in every way.
RATING: A
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