Based on the novel by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is currently the No. 1 film on the planet and has caused quite the craze.
After the immediate success of the original film in 2011, the creative team hooked audiences all over the world. Now, with this newest work, it was essential that they deliver and hold the attention of movie-goers even longer, as plans for the final installments of the series are already in the works.
Not since the final Harry Potter film debuted has there been such electricity in movie theatres. The sheer anticipation of what was sure to be a smash had audiences utterly stimulated – and with good reason.
The film follows the lives of Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) in their post-Hunger Games quality of life. Both are about to embark on a tour of each district to keep up appearances and find themselves in an even more tightly woven situation than before. Those that have already read the novel know the secrets and will not be even slightly disappointed in the way they are portrayed. And those that have already seen the film know that this time, Lawrence is sure to pick up her second Oscar after that performance.
The stunning cinematography and realistic effects only further augment Francis Lawrence’s brilliant direction. Characters land, action thrills, and emotional moments tug on our heartstrings. Standout newcomers to the cast include Sam Clafin as Finnick, Jena Malone as Johanna, Lynn Cohen as Mags, and Jeffrey Wright as Beetee.
Audiences will have trust issues with Clafin, become intrigued and interested by Malone and Wright, and of course fall for Cohen as Mags.
Reprising their roles from the first film are Woody Harrelson as Haymitch, Liam Hemsworth as Gale, Elizabeth Banks as Effie, Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, and Donald Sutherland as President Snow.
Each of these characters are given more dimensions this time, which not only display the great talent of the actors, but drive along the plot like nothing anyone could have imagined.
Ever since the first film made headlines two years ago, audiences have been craving more on screen magic in the world of Panem. But why?
What captivates us so much about this fantasy? Certainly no one wishes they could live in such a place or participate in any of the activities involved in either of the films.
According to Manohla Dargis for the New York Times, The Hunger Games series “does something that better, more artistically notable movies often fail to do: It speaks to its moment in time.” Maybe, instead of the characters, actors, cinematography, and special effects, it’s the film’s message that keeps us wanting more.
