Movie Review: Catching Fire
The second Hunger Games movie, Catching Fire, is like a remake of the first except better in every way. The stakes feel higher, the world feels bigger and more real, and the ending leaves you wanting more.
The film picks up one year after the last installment, and Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) is dealing with severe post traumatic stress disorder from Hungar Games. She and Peeta go around and deliver speeches to the different districts while the President plots to keep the masses in a state of repression. Katniss and Peeta evenually find themselves back in the hunger games with other former survivors.
One thing I really liked is that the stakes feel much higher this time around. It isn’t just about Katniss and Peeta surviving anymore – it’s about the future of the planet. The rebellion of the oppressed masses against the elite ruling class. More attention is paid to just how out of touch the elite really are. The way they dress, carry themselves, and pay no regard to the pain and suffering of the lower districts.
Phillip Seymore Hoffman is brought in as the new game master (basically the guy who designs and runs the hunger games). He always does a great job and this movie’s no different. Also great are Woody Harrelson, Jenna Malone, and Donald Sutherland as the evil President.
I thought the first installment was pretty good, but didn’t have much interest in the movie. Now that I’ve seen it, I can’t wait for part three.
Grade: A-