The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

I saw the film nights and nights ago and have been trying to work out how to review it since. My main problem is that every time I have started a review I just end up working my way through the plot point by point. This is mainly due to the lack of fault I find in the film, it was so good.

Another difficulty with writing this review is because I have never found it easy to review a film based on a book without continuously comparing the film adaptation to that of the original story. Even in this case, where the film has been almost completely true to the book, and, in my opinion, not altered anything for Hollywood effect, nor added in needless extras for a 'greater movie experience'. So this review is more like a list of praise for Catching Fire and the Hunger Games films and books and Jennifer Lawrence.

Darker hair means a darker plot.

We arrive back into the 'futuristic' fractured world of Panem. The world being a series of 12 districts all providing resources that are sent and then redistributed by the Capitol, the blaring beacon of commercialism and decadence. For anyone who didn't watch the first film, or read any of the books, the 12 districts annually have to offer up one male and one female between the ages of 12 - 18 to compete in a fight to the death in what is called the Hunger Games. Very much bread and circuses, entertaining the masses in the Capitol whilst distracting those in poverty from their desperate situation. Katniss Everdeen, our hero, portrayed brilliantly by Jennifer Lawrence must once again take up the mantle as tribute, again with Peeta, to compete in a special 'Quarter Quell' in honour of the 75th anniversary of the Hunger Games.

Here are the kids, in happier times, back in the 74th Annual Hunger Games

I am often dubious of how a film will translate characters emotions to film, especially when characters think a lot to themselves. Katniss is not guilty of the same wavering self indulgent thoughts as other fictional characters (Hey Bella). However in this film, as in the first, simple flashbacks to the first film are extremely effective. Lawrence as Katniss is resolute, her subtle acting brings forth the staunch personality Katniss exudes in the books.

One of the best characters for me in this film was Effie Trinket. In the first film she is the first citizen from the Capitol that we meet. Her ridiculous fashion and ever more ridiculous notions of the glory of the Hunger Games make her quite easily unlikable. It is in Catching Fire that we begin to see her compassionate side, and, perhaps more importantly, we see the strains appear in her adoration for the Hunger Games.

Then there is the love triangle, a pretty female lead and two handsome males on either side. I have to say this is my favourite example of a love triangle I have seen in recent years. As Katniss puts it plainly in the film to Gale, she has been through too much to even think on that now, she has her priorities. Then when it comes to Peeta she plays the lover to convince everyone watching, particularly President Snow that they are indeed so in love they'd rather die then be apart.

As I mentioned in the beginning of this review, I am somewhat biased to the film due to it's extreme loyalty to the books. Thinking back on that point, that doesn't make my appreciation of the film any less valid; this is an adaption, and it was done almost completely perfectly. The message from the series too is striking, this is Panem, a fictional future dystopian society, but so many messages are relevant today. The Capitol symbolises Western Society today, the obsession with appearance, the wasteful nature and the naivety as to how those supplying materials for us our treated. There's oppression for the workers and the members of the Capitol are too fickle to care. Katniss Everdeen is a great role model, she works hard to feed and protect her family. In the face of adversity she stays resolute and even when her life is at risk, and she see's how past victors lives are still very much in the hands of President Snow she continues to fight against the corrupt powers that be.

"Catching Fire is one of my favourite films I have seen this year, it was just so exciting." Hayden Hook


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