A sequel that has grown

Rating: Null/10 (21 November 2013)

For those who have read the book, the movie would have appeal in a way different from that for the rest of us. Without knowing anything about the development in novels, "Catching fire" appears initially to be a repeat of the first, albeit in an even grander scale. The miraculous surviving protagonists from a game that is supposed to allow only one survivor become instant celebrities with a larger-than-life romance. The next challenge makes the first one child's play. In a once-in-25-yaers "Quarter Quell" they are now going against a field comprising an assortment of deadly opponents, all of whom are winners and survivors. It would appear for a moment that we are witnessing the same sequence of intense preparation, grueling training, publicity stunts, intrigues of lining up allies, and finally the Hunger Game itself. How are they going to survive this one? We sit back to enjoy, perhaps expecting very much of the same pleasure. Then, there comes the ending twist, revealing that things are not quite as what they appear. The story has grown, setting the stage for the finale "Mockingjay" which, following the tradition of rendition of YA novels into movies, is one book made into two movies.
Also grown in "Catching fire" are the characters. Jennifer Lawrence, with a Best Actress Oscar under her belt, grows into a maturing Katniss Everdeen, with her emotions pulled in each and every direction: traumatic impact from killings, love triangle, seeds of uprising against brutal totalitarianism, protection of family. Of the two male supports, Josh Hutcherson who had first proved himself in "The kids are alright" (2010) has more screen time, as expected of the script, as Katniss's fighting partner Peeta, and competently eases into the development of the relationship. Since "The Hunger Games" Liam Hemsworth had a big role in "Paranior" (2013), a movie that was not exactly a success in itself but gave him a chance to development his acting skills. In "Catching Fire" his role is relatively smaller but takes on a new dimension of the suffering hero. We will undoubtedly see more of him in "Mocking jay". The triangle, against the backdrop of things larger, is more mature than what you would find in your average YA scenarios.
Donald Sutherland is now more than just a cameo as his vicious President Snow plans ruthlessly to eliminate Katniss who has grown dangerously in her popularity as a symbol of hope and freedom. To his aid comes new game designer Heavensbee, plotter, strategist, political adviser, all at the highest notch. The mere mention of the actor's name suffices: Philip Seymour Hoffman. Of the two animated sidekicks, Stanley Tucci carried on in very much the same pleasant way as the show host, while Elizabeth Banks has grown out of the stereotyped PR diva, displaying a tantalizingly blurred line between real emotion and show business. Woody Harrelson continues to be the scene stealer as Haymitch the Hunger Games trainer for our protagonists.
Of the proliferation of newcomers to the Game, three are more noticeable. British actor Sam Claflin as the flamboyant Finnick Odair (District 4, fishery) would likely remind you of Hugh Grant. Jena Malone is eye-catching as young and reckless Johanna (District 7, lumbering). Finally, veteran Jeffrey Wright plays Beetee (District 3, electronics), a unique competitor coming from a victory based on scientific knowledge and crafty plotting rather than combat skills.
"Catching Fire" comes with a solid script and pleasing cinematography (less hand-held shots) with a penchant for still silhouette shots of characters against a brightening sky, which makes aesthetic sense. The passage of the two-and-a-half-hours in the cinema would not be noticed, and will leave you coming out with exciting expectations for "Mockingjay".