Review of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) by Jonathan L — 20 Nov 2015

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is better than the previous film by Gary Ross. And while the first film was still a good movie, they made the right decision in changing the direction of the franchise by hiring I Am Legend director Francis Lawrence.

The first Hunger Games did a great job at capturing the dark thematic material of the first book, while the sequel is more successful at putting us in the situation through Katniss Everdeen's eyes. After all, the books are told entirely through her point of view. Francis Lawrence captures Katniss's mind in such a way that makes you believe that he had long talks with Susanne Collins before directing the movie.

The acting is even better this time around. With the addition of new characters played by Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, and of course, the late and great Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Sam Claflin plays the charismatic District Four Victor Finnick Odair. Sam has a rising star quality unlike any other. And his performance as Finnick has sealed his constantly growing status. Jena Malone is the feisty Johanna Mason. And she delivers in all cylinders. No one else could play her the way she did! Jeffrey Wright is also present as the tech savvy District Three Victor, Beetee. He wasn't the first person I would have picked to play the part, but he pulls it off nonetheless. And Phillip Seymour Hoffman is Plutarch Heavensbee. It's fitting that such a great actor gets a role that he will be widely remembered for, even if it isn't one of his glorious independent roles in such films as Capote, Before the Devil Knows a Your Dead, and Pirate Radio. But his performance as head game maker Plutarch Heavensbee is one of the films many highlights. His character isn't as present in the the book, but thanks to filmmaking, we are gifted with more of Hoffman's acting talents. I look forward to seeing what he did with the role in the last days of his life for the next two movies.

Basically, if you enjoyed the first movie, and you loved the books too, then you will definitely find something to love here. Whether it is the acting, or the filmmaking in general, Catching Fire is sure to please dedicated fans of the Hunger Games trilogy.

As for you Battle Royale fans who hate this franchise, all I can say is, you have your franchise and we have ours.