The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Review

The Hunger Games Trilogy is one in many popular young adult novel series (including Harry Potter and Twilight) to receive the book to film adaptation treatment. The first film became an instant box office success last year, riding on the impressive popularity of the novels. It also made a star out of Jennifer Lawrence, then an Academy Award nominee who would later win for her performance in David O’Russell’s Silver Lining’s Playbook. When it was announced that the sequel, Catching Fire, was on track to be released, expectations were raised instantly, but after watching the film, I can tell you all expectations were shattered; not only does Catching Fire raise the bar for the series as a whole, but it is one of the best films of the year. 

Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson as Katniss and Peeta (courtesy of ryanseacrest.com)

The film picks up where the last one left off: Hunger Games winner Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) is preparing to tour the country of Panem with other winner Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), to speak on behalf of the children who didn’t survive the last games. Katniss is still recovering from the games, and is uneasy about speaking to the tributes’ families, especially the family of her beloved Rue, who died in her arms. 

But things are even more complex than she can imagine. President Snow (an exceptionally creepy Donald Sutherland) is dealing with a possible uprising, who see Katniss as a beacon of hope in their otherwise miserable lives. To both snuff out the embers of revolution, and the rebellious Katniss, Snow decides that this year’s Hunger Games will reap the names of past victors, rather than new tributes. Katniss and Peeta, fresh off of their victory, are thrown back into the arena, but the stakes are much higher than they were in the past year; all eyes are on Katniss, and not in the good way. A toe out of line could have her loved ones killed. Above all else, Katniss makes a promise to herself that she must make sure Peeta is the one to win, even if it means sacrificing her own life.

Much like The Empire Strikes Back, and The Dark Knight, Catching Fire establishes itself as the best of the bunch, and elevates the source material. Though the plot, costumes, and characters are steeped deep in the source material, the film feels very much like an adult drama. The direction is more refined and masterful than the clumsy shaky cam feel the first film boasted, in addition to better pacing; the story is a slow, but riveting build up to an incredibly intense and satisfying climax, that will leave you breathless until the very last shot. 

Fresh off of her Oscar win, Jennifer Lawrence continues her streak of delivering a great performance; much of the film’s success is because of Lawrence’s nuanced work; she never overstates, nor understates Katniss’ frustrations or heartbreak. Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson are predictably solid, while newcomer Jenna Malone is a marvel as the unpredictable Johanna. But the real surprise of the cast is Elizabeth Banks, who flexes her dramatic muscles in a role that’s usually quite comic. As the usually ridiculous Effie Trinket, Banks does a great job at conveying the heartbreak of Effie’s position: she’s not supposed to get attached to her tributes, but the look on her face when she reads Katniss’ name is devastating; she holds it together for the cameras, but you can tell she’s breaking down on the inside. 

[From left to right:] Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks as Effie, and Jennifer Lawrence (courtesy of ryanseacrest.com)

It’s a shame that Catching Fire won’t receive much awards attention outside of the costumes or sound editing, because despite its premise, the film is one of the best of the year (which is surprising in such a strong year for film). Newcomers will be confused by the plot, as much of it relies on having past knowledge from the past film, however, they won’t leave not entertained. 

Oscar Chances: Like I said, it probably will only be recognized for it's amazing costumes, but Jennifer Lawrence might receive some critic's awards/nominations for her performance, but don't look for major guild recognition anywhere else.
Grade: 8/10