The girl on fire is back for the 75th Annual Hunger Games. The second installment of the Hunger Games four-part “trilogy”, Catching Fire picks up about year after the events of the first.
Returning as our heroine Katniss Everdeen, is Jennifer Lawrence. In the first film, she was the reluctant hero. After “winning” the 74th Hunger Games along with fellow victor Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), she has become a beacon of hope to many in her district as well as the other eleven. Recognizing the symbol she has become is President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and he is not too happy about it. Katniss is the ripple in the still waters that he controls through force and intimidation.
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| District 12 victor’s Peeta and Katniss |
Hoping to set an example out of her and end any thought of rebellion against the Capital, President Snow along with new game master Plutarch Heavensbee (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) devise a plan that would either at best lead to her death or at worst to her discredit. Part of this plan takes form in a “Victor’s Tour” as part of the 75th Annual Hunger Games. In short, past victor’s of the games from all twelve districts will compete. Essentially, the deck is being stacked against Katniss.
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| The girl on fire! |
Jennifer Lawrence is given more range in Catching Fire than she did in the previous installment. She is both stronger and yet more vulnerable. This dynamic gives greater dimension to her character and gives us the audience someone to root for unlike another teen-centric heroine named Bella Swan from the Twilight series. Director Francis Lawrence (no relation to Jennifer) keeps a steady balance between action and suspense. He does this all the while maintaining a sense of humor that serves as a “let me catch my breath” type of moments.
As much as I like the first Hunger Games, Catching Fire takes it a step further and delivers in every way possible. Of you are a fan of the books, you will not be disappointed. . I look forward to the two part Mockingjay finale that begins in November 2014 and concludes a year later in November 2015. And with Katniss Everdeen by your side, the odds will always be in your favor
Hunger Games: Catching Fire ***1/2 (out of 4)
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
