The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Rating: 9/10 (4 December 2013)

Having never read the series of books, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, I went into the first film with an open mind, and my expectations were met. Not the biggest fan, but definitely enjoyable. Now with The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the budget is nearly doubled, the cast is well rounded, and the costume and set design is award worthy.
Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson)have both miraculously survived The Hunger Games, by both vowing to kill themselves with the poisonous berries. In doing this, Katniss has sparked a rebellion throughout the districts, and President Snow (Donald Sutherland) is now in need of help from the over-seer of games, Plutarch Heavensbee (Phillip Seymour-Hoffman), who has multiple tricks up his sleeve for the special edition of the 75th Hunger Games
Jennifer Lawrence is absolutely sensational. Such a true, honest, brilliantly layered performance. Lawrence has become one of Hollywood's hit girls, and quite frankly, she deserves every ounce of it, she's fantastic. I've never been the biggest Josh Hutcherson fan, but I must say he does a fine job in the sequel. Woody Harrelson is always a treat to watch. Harrelson and Lawrence have great on-screen chemistry, few elements of father/daughter, few elements of brother/sister, equaling up to a terrific mentor/protégé relationship. You can never go wrong when hiring Phillip Seymour-Hoffman onto your cast, and he steals every scene. Seymour-Hoffman is my personal favorite actor of all time, I've always looked up to him since I was child. The film is layered with fantastic supporting roles from Jeffrey Wright, Amanda Plummer, and Jenna Malone.
Francis Lawrence has taken this story and elevated it to another level. The film looks incredibly beautiful, and with its budget it should. Catching Fire is by far Francis Lawrence's best film. Constantine is still a damn fun and awesome film, but Lawrence's edition to The Hunger Games series immerses you into this wonderful, oddly unique world.
Catching Fire is one hell of a fun time at the movies. Every teen girl and fan of the books are sure to be obsessing over the film for years to come. The costume and set design is sure to garnish up Oscar nominations, if not the wins. The film runs slightly to long for me, but it's not by much, maybe some tighter edits, the film could have been perfect. I give The Hunger Games: Catching Fire an "A"