The Hunger Games – Catching Fire: Review
Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) are finally safe at home. After winning the 74th Hunger Games, they are both given a new residence and can provide for their family. Little do they know, their method of winning displayed during the games have sparked a ray of hope for many in the fellow districts. President Snow is well aware of the change and wants to put it to a quick end. Without actually terminating Katniss, the President must find a way to end all thoughts of an uprising and avoid another rebellion. He enacts a new rule that has never been seen, the next Hunger Games will involve only past Victor’s – winners of the Hunger Games. The Quarter Quell, as it was put this year, has put Katniss and Peeta back into the deadly pit. With only one Victor allowed, who will prevail in the 75th Hunger Games?
I was beyond excited to finally watch this film. After loving the first and being an huge fan of the book series, I had high expectations. And I wasn’t disappointed. Catching Fire was my favorite of the series and this film brought that book to life so well. As much as I adored the first, I felt this film was just so much more captivating. All the actors are phenomenal. Jennifer Lawrence is riveting. She brings so much depth and complexity to her character; you are hypnotized by her abilities. Josh Hutcherson is a fantastic Peeta. He embodies the character’s timid-ness but he does gain a lot more confidence in this film to speak truly to Katniss. You cannot help but fall in love with his honesty. Gale was brought to life by Liam Hemsworth and I wish we could have seen more of him in this film. But what we did get was amazing. Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy was the BEST pick in my opinion. Woody is also such a versatile actor and I could not imagine another person taking over this character like he does. Elizabeth Banks and Stanley Tucci as their colorful characters, Effie Trinket and Caesar Flickerman, were a stroke of genius!! They are both a great balance to an otherwise upsetting story. Elizabeth Banks as Effie is exactly how I would have imagined her in real life. She took on that character by the horns, so to speak. And Stanley Tucci as Caesar was beyond hilarious. I could probably watch clips of Caesar and just pass out from all the laughter. To counteract with all the hilarity, in walks Donald Sutherland as President Snow. He makes me hate him, so has to be doing something right. Donald played the cold and ruthless character oh so well. Many many other character to mention, but I feel I touched base with the heart of the film. Overall, this was such an entertaining and captivating movie. I hope to watch it again very soon! Go out and watch it in theaters! You will not be disappointed!
