I honestly did not care whether or not I saw the second instalment of the Hunger Games franchise, based off the beloved books by Suzanne Collins, mainly due to the first movie not really grasping my interest that much. But, would Catching Fire accomplish what the first Hunger Games movie could not? Here's my review...
The Hunger Games Catching Fire sees the Hunger Games story continue after Katniss Everdeen's triumph in the 74th annual Hunger Games, an event ran by the corrupt and evil empire which sees children fight to the death against each other in a battle arena. This movie sees her and last year's other winner Peeta Mellark placed in a similar situation, where they'll have to fight in another Hunger Games. Only this time, they'll face off against former champions.
Immediately, it becomes clear that the stakes have been raised like all sequels should aspire to do. Thankfully, I can report to you that Catching Fire is an improvement from the first movie, and part of that is down to a change in direction.
One of the biggest issues I had with the first Hunger Games was the nauseating annoyance of the shaky camera work, probably the biggest contributor to my problems with that movie. Francis Lawrence, the director of I am Legend, integrates a much more steady, scenic style of directing and brings this fictional world to life through his work.
The film's visual effects are completely overshadowed by the beauty of natural landscaping shots that ooze style and set you off on an adventure with these characters.
But, a good director does not make a film and a good cast of talented actors/actresses are needed for that emotional connection we viewers crave so much with the characters. Jennifer Lawrence ultimately is the star of the show through her pioneering performance as the brave and head-strong Katniss Everdeen, the protagonist suffering from a personal conflict due to events in the previous film. Her character has depth and her talent that gained her a Best Actress Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook isn't on full display here and nor does it need to be. However, this movie does highlight that she can be connectable to audience members as well as convey the whole spectrum of emotion.
Further improvements from Josh Hutcherson as Peeta and Woody Harrelson as Haymitch are also evident, and very much welcome.
Whilst the scenes within the actual Hunger Games event are both well shot and, at times, pulse-poundingly brilliant, the most memorable scenes in the movie occur in the build up to the event. Scenes where Katniss and Peeta are delivering speeches to the people of the various Districts see common people beaten up and killed for performing resistant salutes and gestures towards them. They are brutally swept aside and murdered by members of a secret police-like organisation, working for the President.
Donald Sutherland plays a good role as the evil, brutal and menacing President Snow and does a good job in a year where I've had varying opinions of villains within films so far this year. Phillip Seymour Hoffman also delivers in Catching Fire and I look forward to seeing his character develop over the course of the 2 Mockingjay movies.
My main criticisms of the movie seem to revolve around the plot and the screenplay. Like I said previously, the scenes that stick with you are the ones that involve common people getting beaten up by the secret police. Being both brutal and bloody, they are (with the greatest respect) reminiscent of the Holocaust. However, there are times where the film cuts short on moments like these and just stop right before greatness is being bordered in to.
Some other characters are also poorly written in that whenever they said something, I would burst out laughing at how stupid they sound or at what they are saying.
In terms of the plot, I think the bulk of the story is told well but there are a few things I need to address. There is in the film a love triangle element that I really just didn't get behind at all. In my opinion, it doesn't contribute to the greater picture the movie is trying to show.
The plot does seem to drag on a bit, especially before Katniss and the other previous winners are about to enter the actual Hunger Games itself. But, when it did get that, the movie began to play very well upon the tense and dark atmosphere it had previously created.
Catching Fire is an improvement on the first movie, plus is enjoyable in the fact that I really enjoy movies like this. Give me a good movie about corruption and revolution in a society that's fighting back against it's oppressive and brutal leaders, then I'll be happy. And I did leave Catching Fire happy:
Rating - B
1 sentence summary - An overall improvement, with fresh direction and a strong female lead!
Will definitely be seeing MockingJay Part 1 this time next year. Looking forward to it.
Thanks for reading,
Matt
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