Bleak.

Rating: 7/10 (10 January 2014)

"The Hunger Games" when it came out, promised to be more than just another young adult story thanks to flashes of some tasteful dystopia - a theme that continues and expands in the second episode of the trilogy, "Catching Fire".
"Bleak" is a word that springs to mind when describing Katniss Everdeen's latest adventure, and it has all the bearings of a world gone wrong - wanton executions, oppression and a simmering rebellion against the some who rule over the many. Unfortunately, the film spends little time elaborating on these important issues and the world fades into the background of the travails of the reluctant heroine played ably by Jennifer Lawrence who is maturing into a very capable actor with every film. Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Elizabeth Banks and the newcomer Philip Seymour Hoffman all provide great support.
The film is long at over 2 hrs runtime, but never drags thanks to some good pacing, compelling visuals and believable acting. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" serves as a bridge between the first and final episodes with little material to offer on its own, but works mostly, thanks to some characters who you come to care for, and more importantly, root for. 7/10