Fairly good middle film

Rating: 5/10 (24 December 2013)

Being a big fan of teenage girls books, I read the Hunger Games a few years back. I've always found the middle part of a trilogy of books more enjoyable than the middle part of a trilogy of films. When reading books the middle book seems to expand on the themes of the first book and sets things up for the finale. The middle part of a film trilogy always seems to struggle to have a purpose. There are obviously a few middle films which break this rule such as Star Wars ESB, but these are the exception rather than the rule.
"Hunger Games: Catching fire" continues from where the first film finishes. The victors are doing the tour of the districts and we get to see a little glimpse of what these districts are like. The film doesn't explore the relationship between Katniss, Gale and Peeta in the same level of detail as the book.
The best part of the film is unsurprisingly Katniss Everdeen played by Jennifer Lawrence. Lawrence is in great form and obviously loving the role. There's little of note from the other actors and even Woody Harrelson doesn't seem to warm to his role.
Overall the film is fairly entertaining. Not as good as the first film and hopefully not as good as the final part of the trilogy.