Great Movie

Rating: 8/10 (3 December 2013)

Strong second effort that leaves you desperate to see the third film. Returning actors improve in their roles and the new faces (Jenna Malone, Sam Claflin, Philip Seymour Hoffman) deliver. The movie takes some time to set up the remainder of the drama but once the action starts it is unrelenting.
There is a huge discrepancy in reviews for both movies so far. I attribute this to the preconceptions/egos of the reviewers and the "I've read the book" factor. The movies are well made and important in introducing the relevant-as-ever dystopian/totalitarian/revolutionary themes to a new generation. Personally, I thought the directing/cinematography of the first movie was incredible, a visual and auditory ride. The plot, action, and performances of the second make up for what I see as a slight drop off in the sensory experience.