Much Better than the First

Rating: 8/10 (8 December 2013)

I hated the first "Hunger Games" movie. It wasn't just bad in my opinion, it was dreadful (Poor acting, too Disney-like, poor story line, lame special effects, etc). I honestly had no desire to go see this movie based on how bad the first one was. However, it was the only thing playing and my date wanted to go see it, so we did. Wow, what a difference- this movie was an dramatically-different movie than the first movie,the horribly-flawed counterpart. And part two...well to my surprise it's GOOD!
There was actual acting in this one, not brilliant but there was acting going on, the movie felt much richer (it was clear that this movie actually cost a good amount of money to make), the story was captivating (so much so that despite what-felt-like a long run time I was hoping the movie would keep going at the end instead of leaving us hanging on for Part 3).
The addition of Philip Hoffman to the cast was a stroke of genius- this guy can act. He's THE BEST REAL ACTOR in this movie and helps pick up many of the loose ends that are left by some of the less-than-stellar actors out there. He adds credibility to the not-overly-talented group of actors that were assembled for this movie. So bravo for actually bringing in a heavyweight to the movie.
Overall, I give the movie an 8/10. The only parts where the movie fails in my opinion are the (1) "CHEESEBALL FACTOR." One example- this guy brings this old woman into the Hunger Games out of Chivalry/Cockiness and then there is some ambiguity about whether they are dating- it's very odd and felt more like a scene out of comedy than a death match; (2)I still don't fully buy the darkness of the HUNGER GAMES- a death match would be more brutal than is portrayed- BUT, huge BUT because this movie is light years darker than the first one,It's dark enough that I'm happy with it, and it was believable enough. (3) I am not a fan of the PITA character. The character is a complete waste of space- he says the lamest lines, the actor who plays him is TERRIBLE... he's the worst in the movie, he over acts big time and plays attitude and mood (big no no's for acting)- He's weak sauce and the relationship between him and "Catness" is beyond cheesy and unrealistic. His name is completely lame- all I can think about is THE BREAD or THE ANIMALS RIGHTS ORGANIZATION. His lame/weak performance. IN FAIRNESS- I think this was more about bad casting than anything else- they could have easily switched him and the guy Catness loves/dates back home and all of a sudden you have a better casting decision and better movie.
Aside from a few nit-picky gripes, good movie! Much improved. I grade is somewhere in the "B+/A-" range.