Do you know what the Hunger Games movies are about? No, it's not a contest to find out who can go the longest without eating. Back in March 2012, we watched a simple act create a spark of change. Now, in November 2013, we watched that spark catch fire. Directing this 146 minute action/adventure/sci-fi/thriller is Francis Lawrence.
Playing their part in the games is: Jenifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark, Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy, Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket, Donald Sutherland as President Snow, Sam Clafin as Finnick Odair, Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee, Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman, Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne and Lenny Kravitz as Cinna.
At the end of the 74th annual Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta where victorious. Unfortunately, that victory comes at a price, and due to the rebellious actions seen in the districts, President Snow has decided it's time to pay. If the districts are allowed to follow the path they're on, the capitol could be facing a rebellion.
Deciding something has to be done to put things back in order, President Snow comes up with a plan that will put Katniss right in the middle of the Districts and the Capitol. To make matters worse, not only does Katniss have Snow breathing down her neck, now it's time for the 75th annual Hunger Games. This time the games changed a bit. Every twenty-five years is the Quarter Quell, where the game gets a special twist. This year the tributes will be picked from the previous victors of past Hunger Games. Now, Katniss and Peeta will be facing skilled individuals and every curve the capitol can throw at them during the game. An unknown girl from district 12 that stepped up to save her sister has become the face of strength for the other districts and a thorn in the controlling paw of the capitol. Let the games begin...
Catching Fire is the second film in the Hunger Games series. Which is based off the book trilogy written by Suzanne Collins called The Hunger Games. Not having read the books, I can't say how close or different the film was from the book. However, I can say as far as the movie goes, I enjoyed it. The storyline only continues to get better and better with each movie. Playthrough was just as good as the first film, and the cast did a great job. For those of you that have seen the first movie you won't be disappointed in this one. Yet again, you'll be treated with really good special effects and more imaginative work done in creating the costumes and scenery. It's not action packed, but enough that it held my attention and with the way everything plays through I didn't feel like I was missing out on the action. It's a well laid out film that gives you a little of everything so you're entertained through the whole thing. I gotta say I'm looking forward to the next installment of the series. I kept putting off the Hunger Game craze, but finally jumped on the band wagon to see what everyone was talking about. I'm still not a big HG fan, but I can see what the buzz was about. So, for those that are still avoiding the band wagon, go ahead and jump on in and give it a ride. It may not make you a fan, but the story is worth a watch.
It's rated PG 13 for violence and language.
4 stars