The Hunger Games: Catching Fire ***
Part 2 brings the next cinematic chapter of The Hunger Games saga to waiting fans – and it does just that and no more, filling in the next part of the story before the inevitable revolution breaks out. The film hangs on the natural appeal of its lead, Jennifer Lawrence as the stoic and fearless Katniss Everdeen who must partake in another bloody Games to satisfy the bloodlust of the wealthy folk of Panem. Lawrence does a tidy job again, even if, like the Twilight saga, portraying the novel on the big screen means rolling out some so-so, samey scenes and taking some artistic licence with some of the characters too.
A year after the Games, and controversial winner Katniss, who broke the Games rules by saving her killing partner Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), is living with her family in a kind of ‘luxurious’ no-mans-land dwelling provided by Panem’s Government. She is back in the arms and affections of childhood sweetheart Gale (Liam Hemsworth), even though she must perform for the cameras with Peeta when duty calls.
To quell a growing rising in the poverty-stricken Districts, part fuelled by Katniss’s earlier defiance, President Snow (Donald Sutherland) orders her and Peeta to go on a promotional tour, under the watchful eye of mentor Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) and fusspot presenter Effie Trinket (a delightfully theatrical Elizabeth Banks). However, this does little to stop growing protest, and Games Maker Plutarch (Philip Seymour Hoffman) suggests another interim Games to celebrate the anniversary that pits the winners of previous Games against each other. Katniss must survive the virtual jungle arena again with new traps designed to maim and kill.
The second film has all the lurking foreboding and stark lessons in socio-economic imbalance of the first that resonate loudly in current austerity times. This brewing sentiment is the only real emotion to draw on, as Katniss seems more tactical and pragmatic in nature in this, especially in the undergrowth fighting for her life. This is as much a factor of the character’s present predicament in the overall story arc as it is a plot driver to the end act of defiance that sets up the next chapter and film three.
Lawrence is still captivating though, both in looks and reactions, firing arrows with poise and purpose. As in the first film, it’s totally a one-girl show, even though there is some nice supporting roles from big hitters like Sutherland, Harrelson and Seymour Hoffman, but also introducing the feisty and rebellious Johanna Mason, played by Jena Malone. Those familiar with the books will see the film studio getting their money’s worth out of Seymour Hoffman, giving Plutarch more significance in the film, but this also sets up events to come.
The action is much the same as in the first film as the killers run for their lives, dodging all number of dangers, but there is less one-to-one combat in this film. The threats come more from nature. The film ends on a triumphant note, a breakthrough, and also one of chilling realisation that makes you long for Part 3 (or Part 3a), so you are naturally hooked in, guaranteeing advanced ticket sales for 2014’s Mockingjay – Part 1. It’s the Twilight saga all over.
Director Francis Lawrence and team have secured a transgender fascination in this book-to-film franchise, producing a solid second film, and with the tactical gaming manoeuvres like something out of video game, it further cements the saga’s all-round appeal. Lawrence as Katniss is the cherry on the top, an actress so versatile and watchable that this second saga is set for box office success, regardless of any criticism, which pales into insignificance as Catching Fire acts as the all-important stepping stone to justice being served. And we want to see it.
3/5 stars
By @FilmGazer
by lgileskeddie
