The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – Movie Review

Last year’s adaptation of Suzanne Collins best-selling novel “The Hunger Games” was the monster hit that most predicted it would be.  Jennifer Lawrence was the right choice to portray Katniss Everdeen, but I felt like director Gary Ross, had trouble capturing the epic nature of the story. It wasn’t a bad movie by any means, but it was pretty forgettable. Thankfully Francis Lawrence takes over directing duties here, and with films like “Constantine” and “I am Legend” under his belt, he is a much better choice to helm a big budget action flick with a handful of tension filled moments.  “Catching Fire” is a far superior film in just about every way.

When we last left Katniss, she had just won the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson).  As “Catching Fire” begins, Katniss and Peeta are now on the “Victor’s Tour”, where they travel to each of the districts.  As President Snow (Donald Sutherland) prepares the 75th Hunger Games, Katniss begins to notice that a rebellion is forming within each of the districts.

Katniss has become a symbol of hope within each district and the president can’t have that, so he finds a way to get both Katniss and Peeta back for the 75th Hunger Games.  He also decides to make all of the players former Victors, thanks to the advice of game designer Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman).   Now Katniss must fight for her life and protect Peeta against far more experienced and dangerous competitors, in a new arena that is even deadlier than the players within it.

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” is fun, exciting, and well written.  Even characters like Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks) and Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson) offer quite a bit more than they did the first time around.  Those who are new to the series, like Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, and Jena Malone help elevate things as well.   If you liked the first movie, you are going to love this one.  I am looking forward to the next two films which will be the third book, split in two (thank you Twilight for that!).

By: Marc Ferman