Has there Everdeen a better movie than Catching Fire?

By Sean Previl

Fans of The Hunger Games can return to the dystopian world of Panem in the latest installment Catching Fire.

Things have changed since Katniss’ act of defiance in the previous Games and a rebellion has begun in the nation, but so too has a battle begun for Katniss. She must deal with love, enemies in the government and a nation rallying behind her.

The second film gives a new take on the adventure, with Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend) taking over the directorial duties for the rest of the franchise. Add on several new characters portrayed by reputable actors, including Amanda Plummer as Wiress and Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Head Gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee, and audiences have more to see than just kids killing kids this time around.

Picking up only a few months from where the first film left off, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) have returned to District 12 as victors of the 74^th Hunger Games and are preparing for the Victory Tour.

President Coriolanus Snow (Donald Sutherland) visits Katniss at home to convince her to prove her love of Peeta to the nation so as to quell the uprising she inspired. However, as Katniss and Peeta embark on the victory tour, it becomes clear to Snow, Katniss, and the audience that the rebellion has already started. As a counter measure to prove that even the strongest aren’t immune, Snow decides to put all the victors of past Games, including Katniss and Peeta, into the Games once more.

Katniss also has to deal with love interests from Peeta, best friend Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth) and possibly even newcomer Finnick Odair (Sam Claflin).

The movie does offer some light-hearted humour to ease the tension of the Games. From Malone’s Johanna stripping nude to humourous comments in an elevator, to obvious statements of facts delivered in just the right way to garner laughs, the movie is as full of laughter as it is of action. While the love scenes with Gale and Katniss at times seem forced, there is still chemistry between Hutcherson and Lawrence on screen that manages to save even the dullest of make out scenes.

Malone also gives the surprising standout performance despite not being seen until halfway into the film. Her portrayal of the victor from District 7 not only amuses viewers with her dry sense of humour, but gives the role an added flair with additional expletives not uttered by Mason in the books. Given the amount of people who had concerns over Malone not fitting the role, this performance should dismiss the critics.

But it’s Lawrence’s rousing performance as Katniss that truly ties the whole film together. Brave, yet always giving an aspect of vulnerability, she gives fans a character they can care about.

It’s a rough game being pitted against people in a battle to the death, but with Catching Fire fans are unlikely to care and are ready to watch the fight begin.

 

5/5 Stars