The Hunger Games: The Series On Fire

Rating: 9/10 (16 December 2013)

When a beloved franchise is adapted from a book into a movie, many expectations follow. The first Hunger Games film was able to follow in the footsteps of its preceding book-to-film heavy hitters like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings by establishing a strong set of characters and a compelling setting. In short, the sequel takes what the first movie did and knocks it out of the park.
Now to clarify, I have not read The Hunger Games books. I cannot give my opinion on how true to the book the film is and I will be treating this review as any other movie and not giving opinions on the books.
I'll start with what sets this movie apart from any other film, as the first did. The story and setting. The movie again sets itself in the world of the autocratic Capitol and the 12 Districts of Panem, and while the 12 Districts were focused on more in the first film, Catching Fire puts a stronger focus on the Capitol by fleshing out more of its political conflicts. On the verge of the 75th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have become targets of the Capitol, resulting in the Quarter Quell, the ability to change the Hunger Games every 25 years. This year, the former victors will be recast into the Games yet again. This makes for an interesting premise, and an emotional one at that. The script is spot on in delivering true emotion and intensity while diving deeper into the movie's thought-provoking themes that are gripping to say the least. The screenplay is smart and the directing by Francis Lawrence is outstanding. The plot, setting and script are all at enormous heights in this film.
When you look over the superb cast, the one name that just sticks in your head is Jennifer Lawrence, and rightfully so. As Katniss Everdeen, Jennifer Lawrence has created a pop culture phenom by displaying her many acting talents. The movie thrives greatest when Lawrence is the center of attention, and the performance of her and her fellow cast members deserves the utmost respect for what an incredible cast should be. Along with Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson (Peeta), Liam Hemsworth (Gale), Woody Harrelson (Haymitch), Sam Claflin (Finnick) and Donald Sutherland (President Snow) among many others give the film a powerful supporting cast that many films simply don't have. A few characters, such as Prim, Cinna and Katniss' mother don't get quite enough screen time, but their lesser roles don't hurt the film. Nearly each character is developed close to perfection and the chemistry between this cast has grown to exciting levels. I praise this cast's ability to evoke so much emotion into their respective roles, it's what truly gives the movie life.
The Hunger Games themselves are again thrilling to watch. A new arena sets the stage for new threats, an interesting concept and extremely tense moments. Smarts are used just as much pure fighting, and it's here that evokes levels of excitement that reaches past over-dubbed action scenes. The blend of different styles of action is enticing, always keeping you ready for the next obstacle that the arena delivers.
The film's ending may have some viewers confused, especially for those who haven't read the books, but if you do some research you'll learn that this story is far from over.
So, does Catching Fire live up to the expectations of the first film? It does with authority. A superb script that includes improvement to several areas, a unique and delightful setting, phenomenal acting from a cast of characters that stay with you for a long time, and smart and exhilarating action sequences all combine to make Catching Fire one of the best movies of 2013.
9.5/10