"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" Review

When I first heard of The Hunger Games, I was skeptical. The last young adult, book-to-film adaptation series that I saw included sparkly vampires, and a less then engaging plot. Then I actually shelled out and saw the first movie, and I was impressed. Other than the inevitable comparisons to Battle Royale and The Lottery, the film had first rate acting and an intriguing story. Now, I have seen The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and for lack of better phrasing, I was completely blown away.

In The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Katniss Everdeen and her faux beau Peeta Mellark are forced to go on a "Victor's Tour" following the events of the first film. However, her actions have also aroused the suspicions of President Snow who feels that Katniss' strong willed spirit may turn her into a revolutionary symbol. With tensions growing, President Snow turns the 75th Annual Hunger Games into a "Quarter Quell" consisting of previous victors.

A sequel to The Hunger Games could have gone in any number of directions. The one the choose however, feels the most organic. It's a natural progression towards the revolution that is clearly in the works.  Its a sharp, thought provoking, political thriller in some spots, and in others it feels like a tense aftermath to the harrowing events of the previous film. Katniss' PTSD after what she was forced to do to stay alive the first time around are something that I wasn't expecting, but feels human and realistic. The characters motives feel like a carefully executed game of chess, but much more riveting. I will go no further in order to avoid spoiling the film, but the twists in this movie could be some of the most unexpected I have ever seen, and also the most satisfying.

Jennifer Lawrence returns as our Girl on Fire, Katniss Everdeen, and having won the Oscar last year has clearly been a boon to her confidence. She is strong willed, caring, and overall in-command. She plays her character with an awed quiet demeanor which many characters consider to be her stubbornness, yet we know well enough to now it is her honesty and refusal to conform.

Josh Hutcherson also reprises his role as Peeta, and this time around, he is much more interesting. Rather than playing his manufactured romance with a martyr sense behind the curtain, he cuts through the b.s. and tries to work to everyones advantage.

Whereas the first film sidelined brilliant talents such as Liam Hemsworth and Donald Sutherland, this film actually gives them a more important part, and lets them shine. Under the direction of Francis Lawrence (no relation), the previously neglected ensemble is allowed to stretch their thespian muscles and share the spotlight. New additions to the cast are the always welcome Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jeffrey Wright.  Both of them play interesting catalysts to the film's plot and take their performances in unexpected routes.

Andrew's Standout was difficult to choose for this movie, as it would be akin to picking a star in the sky. Yet the one the shines the brightest is that of Mr Woody Harrelson. His Haymitch is clearly the most complex out of the bunch, and Harrelson brings his years of experience in order to make him pop. You're never quite sure where he's going to land with all of his issues, and it's fun to try to guess.   Also, take into consideration the irony that he started his career as the bartender Woody Boyd in Cheers, and now he plays the alcoholic Haymitch.

The costumes, makeup, and special effects stand out very clearly. They are wonderfully eccentric and visually appealing. It takes some kind of talent to turn the beautiful Elizabeth Banks and make her look like Lady Gaga's twin sister. Also, it's nice to see the fire effects are fixed from the first movie. They no longer look like something out of 1996.

See this movie. See the first movie, then see this movie. Not only is it one of the best blockbusters released this year, it's also one of the smartest.

A