An Expansion of "The Hunger Games" Story

Rating: 7/10 (12 December 2014)

It goes without saying that a sequel builds on the storyline of its direct predecessor. This is of course true for "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire", but the way in which this happens is an expansion of the original story, rather than simply a telling of a new "Hunger Games" episode.
Here's what I mean. Some sequels attempt to take the basic model of the original film and to essentially replicate the story in a way that the film becomes a copy of the first film ("The Hangover" films come to mind). Other films play out more like a television series, in which the sequel builds into an ongoing drama. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is the latter.
If you're familiar with "The Matrix" trilogy of films, you'll know what I mean here. Like "The Matrix" films, "The Hunger Games" sequel advances the plot of the original film in a way that is expansive. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark's story takes on new life, all the while introducing new characters, a new edition of the annual Hunger Games bloodsport event, and ultimately a cliff hanger ending that is sure to leave you hungry for the next chapter.
That said, the big question surrounding this film is whether its expansive nature works. To allude once again to "The Matrix" trilogy, we know that expansive sequels that veer in a different direction from the original don't always fair well.
Whether or not "Catching Fire" suffers from the same drawbacks as "The Matrix" sequels is a matter of opinion. The first time I saw the film (during its original theatrical release run), I wasn't sold on it as being quite as good as the original. I'd still stand by that assessment, but upon a second viewing I must say that the movie has grown on me.
I will note that "Catching Fire" is a film that deserves a close viewing--it's not a film that one wants to watch with divided attention, unless you've seen it several times and know the story by heart. If you're not in that camp, you'll find that the expansive nature of the film demands attention, otherwise it might be easy to get lost.
But while the film is an expansion on the original, and while it certainly introduces new elements to the plot of the overall series, the good news is that it does this in a good way. While the original still stands out as a wonderful standalone film, "Catching Fire" is a well made, well produced sequel that is immersive if given a chance.
That said, I'd give this film 7/10 stars. The movie is a bit weaker than the original, but it nonetheless delivers a powerful movie experience with a plot that engages the viewer and makes one care about the characters as their story advances into a new chapter in the "Mocking Jay" movies.