The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is a thrilling installment to the franchise, greatly improving upon its predecessor.

9 out of 10

 

Let's be honest, we can say we loved The Hunger Games movie but we all know it was somewhat disappointing. The movie failed to connect fully with the book. Catching Fire does not make the same mistake. Katniss and Peeta have returned from the 74th Hunger Games. When she is visited by President Snow, it is clear something is wrong. While on her victory tour, she soon learns that the fight for survival is far from over. The events that unfold are thrilling and engrossing. Where the first movie strayed from the book, Catching Fire remains close, trusting the strength of its work. This movie does a better job of creating the world of Panem and making it come to life. During her victory tour, Katniss visits all 12 districts. This allows you to really understand the diversity of the world. The pain of the people comes to life and tugs on one's heart. The brutality of the government is horrifying and the emotion makes for a deeply affecting and occasionally overwhelming experience. The pacing of the movie is similar, 90 minutes of setup before the action but this movie never feels boring. Each moment is filled with tension, fueled by the hate for the President. What in the first movie felt like a useless fashion show is now mocked, more easily illustrating the foolishness of the ritual. Everything about this movie feels different, reinvigorated. The Capitol is much more interesting in this film. The characters spend more time there which allows the movie to illustrate the stark difference in lifestyle between The Capitol and The Districts. The material is more affecting and dives into the deeper meaning of the text. The action in this film is also exceptional. Danger lurks around every corner and the action sequences are thrilling and pulse pounding. The special effects are stunning and create a very attractive and pleasant viewing experience. The violence is never graphic but still brutal, retaining the films decency. The acting in this film is one of its highlights and allows for moments of pure emotion. Katniss has grown as a character. No longer is she a scared girl but instead a symbol of strength and hope. Jennifer Lawrence seems much more comfortable in her role and is able to shine. She remains one of the most impressive young actresses and expertly conveys emotion, allowing one to empathize with her (note: Jennifer Lawrence may be the ugliest crier in all of Hollywood.). Peeta is as much as a sweetheart as ever and Josh Hutcherson is pretty good. Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket is as entertaining as ever and provides much needed comic relief. Johanna Mason is a very interesting character and the actress does an amazing job. Everyone in this movie is spectacular and succeeds in making the world of Panem come to life. Overall, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is an emotionally gripping and impressive installment to the series.

 

 

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some frightening images, thematic elements, a suggestive situation and language. 

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Tags: action, recommended, the hunger games, the hunger games: catching fire, the hunger games catching fire, catching fire, PG-13, pg13,