"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is Engaging Overall, but Slips into Retread Ground

Rating: 8/10 (21 November 2013)

The much-anticipated follow-up to "The Hunger Games" arrives in theaters and many wonder if it lives up to its hype. With a new director taking over for Gary Ross, it's only fair that many have reservations as to whether or not "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" can live up to the high expectations of audiences and critics. I, for one, feel that the movie succeeds in entertaining and keeping viewers on the edge of their seats (if they haven't read the book already, off course).
The celebration of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) proves short-lived after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games incites rebellion in the Districts of Panem. The two find themselves drafted into the 75th Annual Games, where they must battle all the past victors. Dubbed the Quarter Quell, it's part of a scheme the President (Donald Sutherland) has hatched to rid the world of the winners of the Games and put an end to the rebellion which could change the very way of life he's helped to establish.
Director Frances Lawrence ("I Am Legend," "Constantine") makes the world of Suzanne Collins' beloved novels his own with "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire." Gone is the shaky cam vibe felt in Gary Ross's original film. It's replaced here with steady and sweeping camera work that gives the audience a third-person perspective of all the action and drama.
Let me be clear from the get-go. I haven't read "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," so my response to what unfolded on screen comes from that perspective. That being said, I found the first half of the movie to be highly engaging and entertaining. A lot of time is spent developing the story and characters and setting the mood for the film.
The second half of the movie takes us into more familiar territory. I don't want to say that it becomes predictable, as new scenarios are introduced and experienced by the characters. However, I couldn't shake this strange feeling of "been there, done that."
The special effects and CGI for "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" are impressive. The actors blend nicely with the digital backgrounds and creatures. I can't think of a single time that I was mentally pulled out of the film because of shoddy craftsmanship.
All the actors do great jobs in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire." Surprisingly, the only one that loses some credibility is Jennifer Lawrence in a few of her highly emotional crying scenes. She looks like she's having a little trouble connecting with her character's feelings of sadness and despair at some points. It's amazing how easily Stanley Tucci slips into the role of the overly charismatic and hilarious Caesar Flickerman.
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is rated PG-13. Obviously, we get a lot of violence. A few bad words are uttered as well. There's also a scene where one of the victors of the Hunger Games strips naked in front of an elevator full of people, but nothing graphic is shown.
Although it slips into ground already tread in the first film, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" merits the admission price to see it on the big screen. It builds up a captivating story and leaves you wanting more at the end. While it doesn't have the same urgency as the original, it does its very best to prepare the way for something much grander.