The sequel to 2011’s mega hit “The Hunger Games,” based on the best-selling young adult trilogy by Suzanne Collins, “Catching Fire” is a faithful adaptation to its source material. It fulfills fan’s expectations while being bigger, better and bolder than the original.
Directed by Francis Lawrence (“I Am Legend”) who replaced original director Gary Ross, the movie opens with a extreme long shot of the desolate District 12, whose dark grays and whites are used to emphasize the poverty and misery of its inhabitants.
Set one year after the events of the first film, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence, “X-Men: First Class”) remains haunted by her experience in the arena, as shown when she shoots a turkey, but mistakes it as a human. Her worst fears are confirmed with a surprise visit from the devious President Snow (Donald Sutherland, “Horrible Bosses”), who warns her and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson, “Epic”) to hold up their illusion of being a couple in love.
However, this illusion begins to shatter during their victory tour, as Katniss begins to become a symbol of rebellion and defiance. To suppress the spark of rebellion, District 12 is placed under martial law, and her close friend Gale (Liam Hemsworth, “Paranoia”) is cruelly whipped for attacking a so-called peacekeeper. The final straw is the Quarter Quell, which draws Peeta and Katniss, as well as other former victors back into the arena.
Both Lawrence and Hutcherson offer strong performances, as does Woody Harrelson (“The Messenger”) as Haymitch, Katniss and Peeta’s mentor. Particularly strong performances come from newcomers Sam Clafin (“Snow White and the Huntsmen”) as Finnick Odair, and Jena Malone (“Suckerpunch”) as Joanna Mason, two former victors of the Games.
Unlike the previous installment, once the action reaches the arena, Lawrence thankfully does not use shaky cam in his shots, though it is dominated by closeups and shot/countershot editing. Costume designer Trish Summerville’s (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) costuming, especially for the Capitol citizens, is especially striking, with a range of blues and purples.
While the arena is arguably a repeat of the same formula, “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” is a must-see for fans.
