Probably one of the best novel adapted films I've seen in a while

Rating: 8/10 (24 November 2013)

As far at goes most times,sequels are never good or as good as their predecessors. As far as novel adaptions go, they either have their stories simplified or changed to the point that that it should no longer be called an adaption. 'Catching Fire' changes this. The film is eons ahead of it's predecessor 'The Hunger Games'(which was not a bad film). First of all, it's tone is serious, no frills and dismal-you see people suffering in and out of the arena-an element I felt was a bit lacking in THG. The film's script is well executed without being cheesy and at times takes the novel by word. As a reader of the series, I did not feel they neglected the novel. The special effects of 'Catching Fire' makes 'The Hunger Games' look frankly like child's play.(The success of the first film secured more money-which honestly-Lionsgate should've known off the bat that THG would be a hit given the novel's success.) The acting was also much better. Jennifer Lawrence delivers a better performance,as does Josh Hutcherson. Some other gems to point out in the cast would be Elizabeth Banks(who's character grows progressively throughout the film), Jena Malone and Sam Claflin, whose characters are moody and aggressive, and playboy-esque(respectively) with soft spots that are revealed in time. Amanda Plummer as well delivers a great performance(wish she had more screen time) and plays off of Jeffery Wright's Beetee successfully. The film splits it's time between districts/capitol and arena(which is beautifully and steadily shot) but delivers it's more prominent messages of oppression and revolution throughout.