Just like the stakes, the quality of Hunger Games increases ten-fold

Rating: 8/10 (25 November 2013)

Now this is how you do an adaptation.
Catching Fire is a dazzling display of kinetic sci-fi energy that feels more polished, more complete, and more wholesome than the predecessor—which wasn't a bad movie but was marred by limited resources. Francis Lawrence and company wasted no time in fleshing out the issues of the original as they paced this story better, gave it better production value, and learned how to raise the emotional stakes without getting too ridiculous.
What makes Hunger Games a success in bookstores is the heavy emphasis on the emotional aspects of the conflicts and also the realistic fiction that allows for us readers and viewers to connect with the characters. Catching Fire manages to re-create the experience perfectly by remaining accurate while never overloading the movie with special effects or pointless action.
Our leading lady is also a major player as to why Hunger Games has been resonating with audiences so well. Jennifer Lawrence is once again remarkable as the tough and fiery heroine that is slowly but surely building a cult following within the districts in the movie. The supporting cast also each performed well, especially Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson---but this movie is supported and carried by Lawrence. She deserves all her Oscar credibility.
Lionsgate is nowhere near as a big a film company as the major studios like Disney and Warner Brothers. So their all-hands-on-deck routine towards this movie was expected. Their budget escalated, which results in a prettier and more visually stimulating experience. But then there's the other Lawrence that helped propel the franchise to new heights. With the better director, we got to see better action sequences and a better display on the mayhem that is occurring throughout the 140 minutes.
But just like all blockbusters with multiple sequels planned down the road, the movie's ending makes the rest of Catching Fire seem like it was just a massive build-up to an exciting climax. With another book at the helm, we surely should have expected it, but it still feels like an incomplete ending.
Hey, maybe that's just evidence that the ride was truly enjoyable---it left us wanting more.