This weekend saw the opening of Catching Fire, the second film (of four) adapting author Suzanne Collins’ bestselling Hunger Games trilogy. The novels became a topic of conversation between my wife and daughter over the last year as they both enjoyed reading them and partook of that special pleasure that all readers have of interacting over a beloved book. I have not read them and knew little about the plot beyond that which had been revealed in the media promotion for the first novel adaptation, The Hunger Games. My wife and daughter had seen the film and enjoyed it, expressing understanding of the nature of adapting a book to film: changes will be made.
Something about the trailer for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire sparked (pun intended) an interest in the series I hadn’t previously felt and earlier this week I sat down and watched the first film. I thought it was good. Not great. It felt like an opening film with a lot of necessary setup. I thought the actor/actresses choices were good and although it contained some of the issues common to most science fiction films I would be the last to complain about those. Catching Fire, on the other hand, was a rush. I felt engaged from the opening scene and repeatedly throughout the film the focus of my internal dialogue was the way in which the story did not suffer from second-film-itis as many in a (sort of) trilogy can. While The Hunger Games left me interested in seeing this film, Catching Fire has left me with anticipation for the films that will encompass the final book in the trilogy, Mockingjay.
My rating: 8.5/10 See it!
Jennifer Lawrence was a nice choice for the role of Katniss Everdeen. She wasn’t so widely known at the time that her personality eclipsed that of the character and she has both a natural beauty and authenticity of performance that allow her to be a winning focal point of the story.
My initial thoughts about Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy were, “really?!?!…Really?!?”. But he won me over in the first film and couldn’t have been more solid in Catching Fire. He is part of an emotional core that runs through this movie and is a tangible connection point for me, in large part, I believe, because of my age (just turned 45 on Thursday) and the way that informs my connection to the films.
Though I think both Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson were fine choices, I was initially less than thrilled about the love-triangle angle of the first film. I understand from Mary that this reads somewhat differently in the book and I was pleased with the way that Catching Fire handled this in a way that made more sense to me, or perhaps made it more palatable. I cannot say more without getting into spoiler territory with that line of reasoning so I will just leave it there. Suffice it to say I liked both characters in this film very much.
Effie Triknet won me over this time. I didn’t recognize Elizabeth Banks in The Hunger Games but did finally place her in this film and like Harrelson her character had an emotional core that I felt was absent in the previous movie. I don’t consider that a criticism, the character in the first film was largely meant to be one-dimensional and whether because of Banks’ performance, the writers, or a combination of the two, she elevated the character in Catching Fire.
Finally, from a cast perspective, the addition of the various players in the Quarter Quell made the movie entertaining, in particular Jena Malone as Johanna Mason. I’ve been a fan of hers since Donnie Darko and I thought she did a nice job in her limited screen time. This could go on and on but suffice it to say that I am most impressed with the overall casting of both films and that alone gives me hope for the next two.
There is little reason to go into much in the way of plot, as those who are fans of the books are well aware of what it is/should be and those who have not experienced either film should not have The Hunger Games spoiled by me. In my discussion of the actors/actresses I touched on the concept of emotion, and to bring my thoughts on the film to a close I will emphasize that word again. I make it no secret that a big factor in my assessment of a book or film is how it makes me feel, the connection I make with the story, characters, setting, or any combination thereof. The first film engaged emotions for me but not nearly as dramatically as did Catching Fire. Maybe I am way off base on this and it has more to do with my wanting to see this film, but I felt the writing and the performances made the story come alive in an impactful way.
Visually the film was well done and took full advantage of the enormous screen at the theater we attended. I walked away feeling satisfied that I chose to see the film in this venue, with a small crowd of anticipating fans (it was an early morning Friday show). I had to laugh as the film came to a close when the guy a few seats over in my row said, “This is bulls@$*! This is bulls@$*!!! You mean I have to wait a whole year to see the next one?!?!”. And I nearly guffawed out loud when his (presumed) girlfriend replied deadpan, “You could read the book.”
Whether you choose to experience these stories for the first time as I am, through their film adaptations, or through the imagination and skill of the author who initially brought these characters to life, I suspect you are in for a good time. I only hope that the next two films are as well done as this one. Catching Fire has raised the bar.
The movie poster featured at the beginning of this post was inspired by the work of sculpture artist Kris Kuksi. The company got permission from the artist to digitally recreate his style and while it cannot match the dimensionality of what he does, it is a stunning poster. Follow the link to check out Kuksi’s work, it is amazing.
I too was very pleased with the movie and am looking forward to the next two films. Great review, Carl. Oh, and I was pleasantly surprised by Lenny Kravitz’ s portrayal of Cinna.
I’m glad you coaxed me to watch the first one after I expressed an interest in the second. It was fun to share these with you, especially because you like the books so much.
And I agree about Kravitz. I didn’t even know that was him until looking at IMDB today. Wild! Love Cinna as a character. Again, it is that emotion thing.
We (me, Jessica, Lydia and Elaine) plan to catch (ha) this during thanksgiving weekend. I enjoyed the first movie enough to read the whole trilogy. In fact, only Lydia hasn’t read all 3 of the books.
I’m glad this is getting such good reviews.
This will be great to share with your daughters, I’m glad you guys have this on your slate of activities for the upcoming long weekend.
I enjoyed the first film, like you I thought it good not great, and haven’t read any of the books apart from the first. I’m just back from seeing Catching Fire and I think it was better than the first. Much more gripping emotionally, but the ending sucked! 😉
Didn’t realise they are going to making two films out of the final book.
I didn’t think the ending sucked. Its a second film, that is the kind of thing that is supposed to happen, leave you ready and waiting for film three, ha!
I didn’t either until I stumbled across a mention of the two-film adaptation of Mockingjay in a Star Wars post, of all places.
Certainly leaves you waiting 🙂
I can see why it frustrates people, and I know there are complaints. Possibly hearing vague rumors ahead of time had me prepared for it, but again I just didn’t mind. I was satisfied that it left the story at an interesting place to pick up from. But now the waiting begins (unless one has read or wants to read the book, lol!)
Oh, it didn’t frustrate me. Not really. I didn’t know it ended on so much of a cliffhanger, but I don’t mind it, it leaves me waiting in a good way.
It just sucked for the characters 🙂
Yes indeed! Very much so. Which, as you say, leaves them, and us, waiting.
With the way the movie ended this time around, it’s hard to not get all amped-up for the next installments. Good review Carl.
I agree, Dan, thanks!
Lovely review Carl. I’ve read the books and enjoyed them although the first is my favourite because it was such a surprise for me at the time. I went into it not expecting to like it and it totally turned my feelings around. I’ve only just watched the first film because, like you, I want to watch the second. I liked the Hunger Games but wouldn’t say it was brilliant. It felt quite slow paced for a lot of the film and I don’t remember feeling that way with the book. I do think it was well done though and I’m looking forward to No.2 which sees to be getting really good reviews.
Lynn 😀
I’ll be interested in what you think of this second film then. The first was a little slow but I don’t mind a slow-building film. I just felt more should have happened in the actual games, maybe. At any rate, I felt the pace, quality of acting and quality of screenplay went up with this second film.
No, but Barbara will. She’s read the books and saw the first one (thought is was so-so). I watched MANSFIELD PARK a few days ago, thought it was a good adaptation.
You’ll have to let me know what she thinks about this one.
I’ve seen at least one nicely done adaptation of Mansfield Park but I’ve yet to be enamored of the story. I like all the other Austen stories but this one just hasn’t done it for me. Not sure why.
I liked CATCHING FIRE as much as you did! The next two HUNGER GAMES movie will tricky. I thought the third book was the weakest of the trilogy.
I’ve heard that from other too, George, without any details thankfully, because I don’t want it to be spoiled. I look forward to seeing how they handle it and then to getting reactions from fans of the books.
I’m going to have to find a time to see this…I really enjoyed the first book (and movie) and was disappointed by the next two books–but I’m very curious to see how the movie handles it! Some of the things I didn’t like in the book seem likely to be changed in the movie, so that may not be a bad thing…
One random question–my biggest peeve with the first movie was a fondness for the camera swooping about and blurring images, during the battle sequences but other times too. Did they keep that up in the sequel, or did they get that aspect under control? 🙂
I wish I could answer your question. My wife tends to get a little motion sick with that stuff and her recollection is that this second film was not that way. Anyone else have a more informed answer?
Great review! I seen it too and wrote my review up yesterday. I really enjoyed it and thought it was better than the Hunger Games movie. The new director did an incredible job.
Thanks Sheila, I’ll have to check out your review. I hadn’t even paid attention to see that it was a different director, but I do agree that it was a fine job.
I see CATCHING FIRE brought in $161 million on its Opening Weekend! Sorry to see the Chiefs lose that classic game with the Chargers. Eight lead changes! And the Broncos next week! Yikes!
Yes, it was a big opening weekend.
It didn’t surprise me that they lost, but I was disappointed. I knew when Reid took the timeout with a minute 22 left that it was a big mistake that would cost them.
That Broncos/Pats game was crazy. And unfortunately kept me up too late, I’m worn out!
I wasn’t interested in seeing the first movie. The trailer didn’t “speak” to me. But the better half saw it and asked if I would see the second one. Now the better half rarely asks for me to go to the movies so I’m excited. Hopefully it won’t matter too much that I haven’t read the books or seen the first movie. Maybe we should go to a pub and TBH can fill me in. How’s that for a good excuse to go to the pub? Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
That is a perfect reason to visit the pub! I’ll be super-curious about your reaction having not seen the first one. I’m not sure I would want to miss that background, but your hubby should be able to give you the low down over a nice pint.
My daughter and I watched the second movie. We both loved it, especially the ending. While telling my sister and her husband how much we liked these movies we discovered they both thought these movies were “vampire” movies – confused by Twilight I think and maybe the title. So we went out and bought of copy of the first film for them to watch. Both impressed. Nice review and I also agree with the emotion. I felt strongly with/for the characters and the people of the districts…
I’m glad you were able to convert them, ha! I can see how people would just lump all these things together. Believe me, although I knew they weren’t thematically like Twilight I was tempted to consider them all the same “type” of film and not watch them. Glad I was drawn in by the trailer for Catching Fire.