Review of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) by Leigh H — 26 Dec 2014

The Hunger Games 2 - Catching Fire is most definitely a sequel, a much more expensive and exploratory sequel which actually makes the first film fairly lowly in comparison, I believe the sequel actually had twice the budget of the first. Never reading the books and only going off what I knew from the first release I was very surprised at the plot of the 2nd film in the trilogy, although only in good ways.

So the film picks up where the last left us. Katniss played divinely by Jennifer Lawrence has returned home after winning the 74th Hunger Games where she and her fellow winner and supposed partner Peeta must now undergo a tour of the districts, joined by Effie and Haymitch their guides they go from district to district where they grieve those murdered in the past games and hopefully before leaving giving the grieving people something to hold onto in hope itself. That is until President Snow sees how the people are slowly begin to uprise and then decides that Katniss and her lover should have never both walked out of the arena and now one or both need to disappear... Not going to go into too much more plot as I don't wish to spoil the film for anyone who may read this. What follows though is a great story where humanity and everything you think you know is turned on its head and an exploration of loyalty and values is delivered with some superb acting by an A-list group of actors. Amazing sets and costumes help the film flow as the viewer is lead into another post-apocalyptic styled dictatorship controlled world.

Jennifer Lawrence was born for this role, and it's what the film world needs a heroine who is as tough as she is smart and dedicated to protecting what is hers no matter the cost. I absolutely love her character and everything it represents. Who did surprise me was Sam Claflin who plays Finnick, not knowing a lot about him I thought he was also very good in his role. I found Josh Hutcherson who plays Peeter to be a little unlikable whether that was because Katniss is the tough, strong determined character or not I'm unsure, but personally I found him to be weak and little pathetic. Elizabeth Banks who plays Effie the heroes escort is very camp with her outrageous (Lady Gaga would be jealous) outfits but so much fun as well even when she is trying to be strict. Donald Sutherland as President Snow is quite vulgar in the way he looks down on the poorer societies and especially those he loathes but portrayed so very well. Liam Hemsworth as the other guy Gale again is a poor example of a male, I felt he could have done a lot more than what he was given. Woody Harrelson as former winner Haymitch and another guide to the way of the games for the heroes is likable at least as a drunk who cares for no more than himself. Must say though I do love Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, his whole look and persona shines through something you'd think would be very unlikely with such a cast.

The soundtrack and special effects really go above and beyond to make this film work so well, although the ending definitely needed a rewrite in my opinion. Some of the costumes and outfits are absolutely outstanding, something every drag queen would want for their wardrobe.

All in all, Hunger Games Catching Fire is well worth seeing, better to have seen the prequel but not entirely necessary. I for one am really looking forward to the next 2 films and can't wait to see is delivered even though I feel it is quite predictable.

4 out of 5 BanShee Screams.

X.

#thehungergames2catchingfire.