The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Review

Fine acting, smooth direction, and a tight script makes Catching Fire a brilliant blockbuster sequel

© 2013 - Lionsgate

The Hunger Games is without a doubt a pop culture phenomenon. Unlike Twilight, which appealed strictly to teenagers, Suzanne Collins' universe has broadened to entertain adult audiences, mainly due to its mature themes and emphasis upon the reality television zeitgeist of our times. While the first adaptation in the series provoked some thought-provoking theses, its sequel has elevated the stakes to a new level. Featuring terrific acting talent, a brilliant blend of humour and terror and very little filler, Catching Fire is a blockbuster spectacular worth the price of admission.

Improving upon its predecessor, the script has stripped any excess fat, resulting in a rich and thrilling sci-fi escapade that grabs your interest (whether it be emotional, action orientated or otherwise) and doesn’t let go. A mounting sense of drama and an engrossing political subtext makes the rollercoaster ride too much fun to get off. From the media tour through the hunger-stricken districts to the deathly Hunger Games arena, Katniss and Peeta’s tumultuous passage invokes a genuine sense of adventure that drives the plot forward and continues to feel fresh throughout, despite a lengthy 146 minute running time.

Catching Fire is a rare example of cinema refining its source text. Francis Lawrence’s smooth and stylish direction is complimented by a supreme performance from Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence who packs an emotional punch as the tortured, yet ever resilient, Katniss Everdeen. The threat is existential and no longer restricted to the arena. Enriched with deeper, more adult themes that delve into Panem's political conflict and the power of pop culture, Michael Arndt’s (Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story 3) screenplay plays to young and old audiences alike. None of these complimentary elements would hold up without the strength that Jennifer Lawrence brings to the heroine role, arguably the best young female role model in recent cinema history.

New faces Sam Claflin and Jena Malone, are brilliantly cast in the roles of Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason, existing victors from previous games. Both are gifted with great lines and provide a significant amount of heart and humour in their portrayals. Their presence outshines the mopey and self-pitiful Gale and Peeta, both of whom remain damsels in distress. Most surprisingly however, is Donald Sutherland, who after an uninspiring turn in the original instalment has finally awoken from his slumber to be a menacing and foreboding presence onscreen.

For the first time in recent memory, I was genuinely entertained and engrossed by the action-orientated drama. A barrage of arrows, ravenous monkeys, spells of lighting, a tsunami, you name it; Francis Lawrence’s Hunger Games spectacularly delivers on all action and special effects fronts. True to its title, Catching Fire spews sparks of tension and adrenaline before it abruptly cuts. Thrill seekers, adventure lovers, die-hard fans and non-fans alike, will be left wanting more.