Catching Fire is one of the most amazing movies I’ve ever seen. The story, acting and special effects were outstanding, uplifting and mind blowing. Don’t go any further if you don’t want spoilers.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire finds our hero Katniss Everdean back home in district 12. There are a lot of things going through Katniss’ head now and she needs to sort them out. Being home is unbelievable and even though Katniss and Peeta should feel safe, they aren’t at ease. Things are changing and President Snow is putting pressure on our Champions to put on a good show on the Victory Tour. Traveling through the districts, Katniss has been threatened by President Snow, that if people aren’t at ease and aren’t believing that her and Peeta are madly in love their will be consequences. Meanwhile, the districts are unsettled and whispers of rebellion start to travel far and wide. To solve the issue the 75th Hunger Games, Quarter Quell will draw tributes from the existing pool of victors. There will be one male and one female victor from each district. This puts our heroes back in danger. Haymitch Abernathy is chosen as male tribute but Peeta volunteers. Once back at the Capitol, our heroes find out the other tributes are just as pissed off about this decision. Teams start to form to try and keep districts 1 and 2 from dominating the field. Everything is complicate though and allies are lost in battle before Katniss finds the bravery to really stand against The Hunger Games as a symbol and as a leader.
They did a really amazing job bringing this movie to life. The first movie is good but doesn’t go deep enough into the characters to come out with any meaning. Catching Fire on the other hand expands the universe, introduces new characters that won the games previous and fills you in on each characters motivations. Even the supporting roles get more time, like Haymitch, Primrose, Gale and Peeta. The story is so full and lush that 2.5 hours goes by in a blink of an eye. The character dialogue in the movie is used much more artfully than in the first movie. Everything is their for a purpose and helps craft what is really going on in the world around Katniss.
I also loved the fashion. You get to see more of the wacky clothing that all the different districts and the Capitol wear. The costume designer should get an award because of all the beautiful sweaters and knit wear they incorporated. Here are some amazing examples:
Hollywood finally did something right. First, they cast Jennifer Lawrence as the main character. Jennifer Lawrence looks like a real person with curves. It’s amazing to see an actress on screen that isn’t starving herself for the role. Secondly, everyone else gives the best performance ever, especially Donald Sutherland as President Snow. Thirdly, it’s great to see a female role with such integrity, bravery, wit and complexity as Katniss Everdean. They didn’t dumb her down for the screen. THANK YOU! It’s also fantastic to have a lead character that’s not chasing around a boy because she wants to get in his pants or become a vampire. The male characters are all so diverse and fully developed around her it makes this movie very special. This is a rare gem.
Furthermore, they are making the last book into two movies. I am tortured because I have to wait a year for part 1 but… I may just read the books to keep myself happy. I didn’t want to ruin the movies by reading the books. Some how, I don’t think that will be an issue.
Happy Hunger Games and may the odds, ever be in your favor.
I am going to see this movie again this week. That’s how AWESOME it is.
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