"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" isn't some slapped together sequel designed to filch money from ravenous fans of the books. This is not a carbon copy of the first film, which was a decent but unfulfilling outing. "Catching Fire" is a thoughtfully crafted epic that deserves every bit of attention it gets. The "Twilight Saga" was lazy fan service. With "Catching Fire", "The Hunger Games Series" proves it wants to be more than just its source material. It wants to be taken seriously. "Catching Fire" might be a little too long, but that about wraps up all the negative things I have to say about this superb sequel.
The action picks up with Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) haunted by her experience in the arena of "The Hunger Games". While she can't forget the lives she took, President Snow (Donald Sutherland) can't forget her act of defiance. Her display of rebellion (or was it love?) at the end of the first film has ignited unrest in the districts of Panem, posing a threat to his totalitarian rule. Before Katniss and co-winner Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) embark on a "Victory Tour" through the districts, Snow threatens the Girl On Fire and her loved ones, including the boy-back-home Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth). Though she tries her hardest to play by the rules, she cannot shake her status as a symbol of hope for the oppressed citizens of Panem. Snow is left with no other option than to kill Katniss and ruin her reputation in the most public way possible: put her back into the Hunger Games. The competition is much stronger this time, as Katniss and Peeta will be facing previous Games winners. But the winners aren't exactly glad to be back, and Snow's plan just might blow up in his face.
"Catching Fire" benefits greatly from a director swap, dropping Gary Ross for Francis Lawrence. Lawrence does not abandon the naturalism of the first movie, but he does away with the dreadful shaky cam that was present in every single scene. As a commentary about the unhealthy obsession people have with violence, Lawrence is sure to not glorify any of the brutality here. He takes great care in conveying the themes of the material, making this more than just a throwaway action movie. Jennifer Lawrence is even better than she was the first time around as Katniss Everdeen. The Oscar winner captures the reluctance of our hero, who has had great purpose tossed onto her. J. Lawrence radiates the sense of someone trapped by the needs of others, while still having to deal with personal problems regarding her feelings towards Peeta and Gale. Many new actors join the cast, with Jena Malone being a particular standout as an angry former Games winner, Johanna. There's also lots of great supporting work from actors Jeffrey Wright, Sam Claflin, and Elizabeth Banks.
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is a remarkable collection of good ideas executed flawlessly. As a reactionary film to "The Hunger Games", it succeeds in every aspect. The characters have logical arcs, the stakes get reasonably higher, and the Games become more dangerous. And thankfully, with a bigger budget, the visuals don't look as hokey.
