Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Donald Sutherland, Phillip Seymour Hoffman
Duration: 2hrs 26mins
Director: Francis Lawrence
The franchise-universe of a dystopian future, massive oppression and Battle Royale homages returns for part two. The second of Suzanne Collinn's The Hunger Games trilogy has hit the big screen. So how does it compare?
Just when you thought it was "safe" to go back in the arena...
The Hunger Games ended with Katniss and Peeta's "love-fuelled" screw-you to the Capitol, by the two of them surviving the Games (just). From their actions, ideas of a rebellion start to sift through the air of the districts, and Katniss is the first beacon of hope seen in a very long time.
Thus, President Snow and new Game-Maker Plutarch Heavensbee (what a name) set to work on destroying Katniss' image of hope, and failing that, Katniss herself. Their plan starts with Katniss and Peeta's Victory Tour, trying to make Katniss one with the Capitol. Seduce her with enough parties, glamour and interviews, and soon enough the Districts will lose affection.
But Katniss is hardly one to forget her roots, and back home, she continues to stand up to stormtrooper-esque Peace-Keepers and other Capitol representatives. So Team Snow/Heavensbee come up with a darker plan.
Every twenty-five years, the Games get a little "Quarter Quell" special treatment. For the 75th annual Hunger Games, previous victors are to be the competitors. "Wait, isn't Katniss the only female victor in District 12....oh." What better way to destroy a catalyst for rebellion, and still make it seem like an accident? So will Katniss survive her second bout in the arena? You'll have to find out for yourself...unless you've read the books, of course.
On that note, the first Hunger Games finished up with an outstandingly faithful book-to-film adaptation. Catching Fire happily continues this legacy; points to new director Francis Lawrence, successor to Gary Ross. Catching Fire is quite a busy book; one half devoted to destroying Katniss' image, and the second half, her, in the Games. It isn't an equal half-and-half, the arena gets the slightly bigger slice. The film is much of the same, although the 'slicing' is a bit more equal.
This is fine for the first half, the film covered everything necessary in a little, easy to digest package. The second half, however, seemed to shorten time within the arena. Now this actually worked quite well for fast-paced, exciting action scenes; they're just not very spaced out. Twice, a load of competitors die in less than two minutes. To split Catching Fire into two films - as they're doing for part three - would have been absurd, but it could have done with being just a tiny bit longer. Just for some breathing room. Although the Games don't tend to work that way!
- Hot couple. No?
Still, fast-paced or not, Jennifer Lawrence still had plenty of time to give another great performance. She's got Katniss covered well; the tough girl with occasional soft spots. She'll slowly have to work 'leading a rebellion' into her character which may perhaps be a challenge for her, but that shall become important later on. For now, she's doing very well with her 'victimised' methods.
Josh Hutcherson, Peeta, was up to his usual standard of 'Good, if sometimes a bit wooden'. He can do a good Peeta, but every few lines or so his emotions seem to falter, and he has an incredibly vacant gaze for times like these. There's something in his eyes as well; he seems like a worthy opponent for a staring contest. But in any case, Hutcherson gave another commemorative performance, none-the-less.
Donald Sutherland, President Snow, is sublime. With only small parts in Hunger Games, it was easy to forget him. In Catching Fire, he plays the power-mad, rebellion-fearing part brilliantly. A very early scene consists of Snow visiting Katniss to warn her of the seriousness of her actions, and to keep within Capitol guidelines on her Victory Tour. Sutherlund's intimidating demeanour makes that scene so delectably tense you may just forget to breathe.
And Phillip Seymour Hoffman spoke for the entire film like he's got syrup in his mouth. Not a lot of syrup, but enunciation's never been his strongest suit. You may notice it the most when he talks quietly. But anyway, another strong performance.
Then finally, the visuals of Francis Lawrence are just as glorious as Gary Ross'. The Victory Tour takes us through a multitude of decaying districts, particularly around the higher numbered. Districts 11 and 12 look strikingly similar though; coincidental, on-purpose or lazy backdrops. Take your pick.
- Was Effie 'born this way'?
This does perfectly contrast to the awesome spectacle of Panem's Capitol. Its vast cityscape, almost reminiscent of Star Wars' Coruscant and populated by followers of Lady Gaga's fashion sense - especially Katniss and Peeta's friend Effie Trinket. The Victory Tour party scenes were particularly vibrant, incredible and just a bit bizarre when Effie walks in and squeals "Ooh, curtains!"
Then, the visuals that this author particular awaited, those of the Quarter Quell arena. It was, in essence, another forest - but a forest locked within a force field. Graphics for both were phenomenal, helped along by the director's use of IMAX cameras. And just wait until the extra-spectacular special effect at the end...
It is also worth nothing that Francis Lawrence had different views on the use of shaky-cam. It hasn't completely disappeared, but there is a massive improvement. Lawrence did a great job with Catching Fire, it felt like less of an indie film and more of a blockbuster, which is well deserved, given the franchise's huge popularity now.
Overall, it's definitely a recommendation for those who enjoyed the books and previous film alike. And it's only been out for a week. It's still all there, waiting for you.
For further enticement, here's the theatrical trailer for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAzGXqJSDJ8
